Palmerston the cat celebrates ‘very successful’ year catching mice in the Foreign Office At a time when bilateral relations between Russia and the UK are strained, to say the least, employees at the […]

At a time when bilateral relations between Russia and the UK are strained, to say the least, employees at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) are working overtime to smooth things over.

The claws have come out in recent days, but, as the fur flew, it was business as usual for at least one member of staff at the FCO: Palmerston the cat, chief mouser.

Two dozen mice and counting

This Thursday marks one year since Palmerston assumed office at the department.

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Appointed to help keep the increasing population of mice, rats and other vermin in Whitehall at bay, Palmerston has had a “very successful” first year, i can reveal.

The black and white domestic shorthair, who was recruited from Battersea Cats and Dogs Home aged two, has caught 26 mice and “a big rat” to date, according to the FCO.

However, that number could well be higher, the department said, as Palmerston “doesn’t always leave much behind”.

Highs and lows

Palmerston has dealt with a great deal of upheaval since his appointment: just three months after his arrival, the head of his department, Philip Hammond departed to take up the post of Chancellor of the Exchequer and Mr Johnson was drafted in during the new Prime Minister Theresa May’s Cabinet reshuffle.

Farewell @PHammondMP. I'm on the way to meet the new boss @BorisJohnson pic.twitter.com/NVybCvZv8c — Palmerston (@DiploMog) July 13, 2016

A low point came last summer when he was caught on camera engaging in a furious brawl with Larry the cat, of 10 Downing Street.

This Downing St cat fight has to stop the worst fight I've ever seen I'm holding Palmerston after they limped off ! pic.twitter.com/tG94DrDHso — PoliticalPics (@PoliticalPics) August 1, 2016

International diplomacy efforts

But, for the most part, Palmerston has managed all the challenges he has faced with aplomb, never deviating from his mission. “He’s been very successful in his duties as chief mouser,” the Foreign Office confirmed.

Not only has he inspired the arrival of three new Whitehall cats, Palmerston has also helped to boost international diplomacy efforts.

The new Korean Ambassador asked to be photographed with Palmerston @DiploMog. Happy to oblige @MOFAkr_eng pic.twitter.com/HiczSAwHYP — Sir Simon McDonald (@SMcDonaldFCO) April 22, 2016

“Many ambassadors…have had their picture taken with him when they visit the office,” the Foreign Office noted. “His tweets in Japanese have gone down very well with his many fans in Japan,” the department added.

Like all diplomats, Palmerston is learning a new language to engage his followers . 日本の皆さん、こんにちは。どこかにネズミはいないかにゃ？ pic.twitter.com/GSoMMtoig4 — Palmerston (@DiploMog) June 3, 2016

Photos posted to Palmerston’s Twitter page showing him greeting guests and relaxing in the office keep his 42,000 followers entertained.

Guard of Honour for @DiploMog ! Last year on the streets – thx to @BDCH he now gets the respect he deserves @foreignoffice #HappyChristmas pic.twitter.com/oVJq3fbpBh — Sir Simon McDonald (@SMcDonaldFCO) December 22, 2016

Guard of honour

Other highlights during Palmerston’s time in office include receiving a guard of honour outside the entrance to the FCO by the Grenadier Guards in December, winning the Euro 2016 office sweepstakes (he drew Portugal and his winnings were donated to BDCH) and raising nearly £3,000 for the animal charity via his JustGiving page.

@kt_grant

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