The World’s Most Powerful Cats

Winston Churchill was often portrayed as a nice old man in the company of his Jock, a lively brindle cat who loved to perch on his knees. Jock went with him everywhere, including to the House of Commons, the last time in 1964.

According to a tradition that goes back to Henry VIII, a cat should always live at Downing Street, not just as a pet but most importantly as Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office.

His expenses are included in the State Budget, as he is a de facto employee of the British government

All his expenses are paid for by the State Budget, which makes him a de facto employee of the British government. His name is Larry, and he has been Chief Mouser for ten years now, as prime ministers have come and gone.

Larry achieved stardom in recent weeks, when he appeared on billboards as part of a fun social campaign that nominated him to lead the country just days before Liz Truss’ official appointment

Socks, US President Bill Clinton's personal cat, is among the most beloved by paparazzi and will go down in history sitting at the presidential desk.

Carola Vai’s book could not overlook Socks, Bill Clinton's personal cat, one of the most sought after by paparazzi, and immortalized sitting at the presidential desk. However, America’s first cat was Tabby, who was loyal to Abraham Lincoln, a renowned cat lover. It is said that when Lincoln was grappling with complicated decisions, he would spend hours stroking Tabby.

Abraham Lincoln knew well the value of pet therapy, miraculous for relaxing at difficult times. French President Charles de Gaulle, known for his icy demeanor, would only be moved by his Gris-Gris, a magnificent Chartreux who became his most reliable confidant.

Even the Church, after persecuting them during the Middle Ages, eventually came to appreciate the presence of cats. Cardinal Richelieu, Saint Pius, and Popes Pius VII and Leo XII have all been known to be discreet cat lovers. The most passionate is perhaps Pope Ratzinger, who has adopted a small colony of stray cats in the Vatican courtyards.

Illustrious Italian cat lovers include President Sergio Mattarella, who has never made it a secret that he loves his Persian cats. In the past, Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour loved to be surrounded by cats, as well as dogs and horses. He thought of these animals as "living beings to be respected, cared for, and never mistreated." Giovanni Giolitti would take refuge in his Villa Plochiu’ whenever he felt the need to recharge, comforted by the purr of his beloved cats.

The therapeutic power of felines is now universally recognized; Carola Vai’s book mentions the Japanese Neko Cafés, where cats are lovingly looked after, and men in business suits often take their break with a coffee and a cuddle. With a few more affectionate meows, you get your energy back more quickly and get back to work on a better note.