Meet Tibs the Great, who kept the British Post Office headquarters in London completely mouse-free during his 14 years of service, from 1950-1964. In 1952 there was “public outrage” that the Post Office cats had not had a pay rise since 1873, and the issue was later raised in the House of Commons.

Tibs the Great

Tibs the Great (November 1950 – December 1964) was the British Post Office’s “number one cat” and kept the post office headquarters in London completely mouse-free during his 14 years of service. He was the son of Minnie, and on his death, several newspapers ran an obituary.

Background

Cats had been officially employed by the Post Office to catch rodents since September 1868, when three cats were taken on for a six-month trial period at a rate of one shilling per week, in the London Money Order Office. On 7 May 1869, it was noted that “the cats have done their duty very efficiently”. By 1873, the cats were being paid 1s 6d, and cats were being employed in other post offices.

Early life

It is thought that Tibs was born in Lon… Continue Reading (3 minute read)