Morris The Cat Lends A Paw To Ailing Alaska Cat Mayor

Mayor Stubbs, enjoying his catnip laced water in happier times.

After the untimely passing of Tuxedo Stan, former mayoral candidate of Halifax last weekend, I'm happy to be able to report that another prominent member of the feline political party is on his way to recovery after suffering from a brutal dog attack.

Mayor Stubbs rose to fame after the story of his fifteen year reign as honorary mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska made headlines worldwide. After landing the position through a write-in ballot, he made his home at Nagley's General Store, where every day at 4 p.m. he could be found sipping catnip-sprinkled water out of a wine glass.


Stubbs recovering in the hospital just days after the attack.

"While at this point in time it is impossible to know whether my attack was politically motivated, I do hope that the government will seriously consider providing me with some Secret Service protection in the future to assist in preserving my remaining 8 lives," Stubbs wrote shortly after the alleged assassination attempt on August 31. 

The mayor underwent emergency surgery after he was brought in to Lake-Susitna Veterinary Hospital suffering from traumatic right-sided chest injuries involving penetrating wounds, collapsed right lung lobes, and fractured sternum.

 
Stubbs resting comfortably 4 days post-trauma.

After the attack, supporters began sending in donations for his mounting medical bills, but another famous feline stepped in to lend a helping paw. Morris the Cat, the legendary ginger kitty behind 9Lives cat food, offered to cover the expenses, which reportedly topped over $3,000. The two formidable felines became friends last year after Stubbs joined Morris on his bid to become elected president.

Fortunately, after a week in intensive care, Stubbs was able to return home on Monday. To celebrate, he posted the following message on his Facebook page, thanking everyone for their support:

I'm happy to report that I am now back home in Talkeetna, where I continue to mend. I must thank my brother from another mother, Morris The Cat, for helping to cover my medical expenses. All donations I've received that exceed my expenses will be donated to the Mat-Su Animal Shelter, to support fellow animals in need. 

Unfortunately due to my strict recovery diet, I am unable to drink my usual catnip-laced water from my wine glass, but I do hope to be back in my normal routine in the near future. Thank you all for the cards, packages, donations, and Facebook love you've shown me during this difficult time. I do hope you will all consider moving to Talkeetna so that I can repay you with town-wide dance parties and mouse hunts, because let's be real, there will be a party as soon as I'm back on my feet.

Love,

Mayor Stubbs

Via Facebook (Stubbs Mayor Cat) / Big Lake-Susitna Veterinary Hospital's Animal Blog

Morris The Cat Lends A Paw To Ailing Alaska Cat Mayor

Morris The Cat Eyes Top Spot In Mexican Mayoral Campaign

Fat Cat politicians are nothing new, but they're not usually quite as cute and cuddly as Morris. The 10-month-old black and white kitten, who was adopted by Sergio Chamorro last year, recently announced his run for mayor of Xalapa, Mexico. His campaign slogan? "Tired of Voting for Rats? Vote for a Cat." 


Watch the mayoral candidate in action

Chamorro and his friends decided to launch the campaign after becoming disillusioned by local government. He argues that his cat is uniquely qualified for the position because, "He sleeps almost all day and does nothing, and that fits the profile of a politician." 

In just a short period of time, the four-pawed policymaker has made headlines around the world, and inspired an impressive social media following on Twitter and Facebook, to the tune of 131,000+ human, feline, and even canine fans.

Just a few of Morris' fans showing their support:











Technically, a kitty can't officially register as a candidate, but that hasn't stopped Morris' team from urging would-be voters to write-in his name on July 7, or draw a picture of a cat's face on the ballot to "send a message to authorities." 

As an amusing side note, Morris isn't the only animal hoping to paw their way into office come election day. Throughout Mexico, other furred and feathered hopefuls include Chon the Donkey, Tina the Chicken, Maya the Cat, and Tintan the Dog - although the AP notes that their campaigns "are not as well organized" as Morris'.

Via ABC News / Jezebel / Images: Facebook (El Candigato Morris.)

Morris The Cat Eyes Top Spot In Mexican Mayoral Campaign

Cat Cupcake Tuesdays

"Hello Kitty 2012" Cupcakes

I'm not interested in getting political, but what better way to eat your feelings this Election Day than with a treat from one of my favorite cupcake shops?

Georgetown Cupcake (of TLC's "DC Cupcakes" fame) has teamed up with Hello Kitty's 2012 presidential campaign to offer some adorable feline-themed baked goods that also help support a good cause.

From their Facebook page:

We're psyched to be partnering with Hello Kitty with 3 fun "Hello Kitty 2012" cupcakes - in Hello Kitty's favorite cupcake flavors: Strawberry, Apple, and Vanilla & Buttercream!

100% of sales are being donated to 826DC, a nonprofit organization supporting students ages 6-18 in the DC metro area. Available today at all of our Georgetown Cupcake locations in DC, Bethesda, Boston, and NYC! Enjoy!!

Now what are you waiting for? Get out there and exercise your right to vote eat cat cupcakes!

***
Have you created or spotted any kitty-themed baked goods (or other foods) lately? If so, please submit your sweet tips for Cat Cupcake Tuesdays to catsparella@gmail.com!

Cat Cupcake Tuesdays

A Comprehensive Guide To Every Cat Running For Political Office In 2012

It's been a groundbreaking year for felines in politics, with a record number of cats declaring their intent to run for office. Follow along as we take a closer look into this year's clowder of qualified candidates, and help you decide which kitty deserves your vote.



Name: Hank 
Running for: U.S. Senate seat in Virginia
Party: Independent
Age: 9
Platform: Jobs, Animal Rescue / Spay & Neuter programs, and Positive Campaign Reform
Facebook Followers: 27,000+
Running Mate: No running mate, but Hank recently teamed up with Tuxedo Stanley (below), a fellow feline politician from Canada. Together, the two formed NAFTA ("North America Felines to Action!") and are selling a poster to celebrate their alliance. All proceeds raised by Hank's campaign will benefit the Oasis Animal Rescue in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, while sales from Stan's store go to Spay Day HRM.
Celebrity Endorsements: Gwen Cooper, New York Times Bestselling author of "Homer's Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale" and Zarathustra, the Russian fat cat famous for being photoshopped into classic paintings.
Scandal: Back in March, a group called "Canines for a Feline Free Tomorrow" launched a smear campaign against the kitty candidate, charging he's just another "fat cat" trying to get elected into office. The puppy PAC drew attention to Hank's vet records, made allegations of catnip abuse, and even questioned whether or not a Maine Coon should really be running for Senate in Virginia. Hank's campaign manager denied all of the claims, stating: “Hank will not respond to these allegations, and will continue on his positive campaign of job creation, spay/neuter programs, and ridding the Capitol of rats.”
Campaign Swag: T-shirts, totes, mugs, bumper stickers, buttons, posters, and more. The proceeds from Hank's campaign merchandise are donated to animal shelters, and he has raised over $15,000 to date.
Website: hankforsenate.com



Name: Tuxedo Stanley
Running for: Mayor of Halifax
Party: Tuxedo Party
Age: 3
Platform: To improve the welfare of homeless, abandoned and suffering cats in Halifax Regional Municipality, "because neglect isn't working."
Facebook Followers: 8,800+
Running Mate: None, but he is an ally of Hank for Senate (see above)
Celebrity Endorsements: Anderson Cooper, Ellen DeGeneres, and Henri, le Chat Noir, who gave his fellow tuxie a meow-out in his latest video. Stan has also convinced several candidates and council members to sign a pledge of compassion and action to assist local cats in need.



Scandal: Controversy rocked the Tuxedo Party when it was reported that a cat named Bella claimed Stan was the father of her kittens. The campaign released an official statement denying the charges, later confirming, "CSI tests have conclusively proven that Tuxedo Stan is NOT the father of Mini Stan and Stanette."
Campaign Swag: Posters, buttons, t-shirts, and photos.
Website: tuxedostan.com



Name: Morris the Cat
Running for: President of the United States
Party: Felines First Party
Age: Unknown, although the original Morris the Cat was discovered at the Hinsdale Humane Society in Chicago in 1968.
Platform: Eliminating empty food bowls, forever homes for all cats, and freedom of attitude.
Running Mate: Stubbs the Cat, the 15-year mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska.
Facebook Followers: 142,000+
Celebrity Endorsements: None, although he is a celebrity in his own right, having represented 9Lives cat food for for the past 44 years.
Scandal: Not so much a scandal, but this will be the famous orange spokescat's third bid at office. It’s been more than 20 years since Morris’ last run at the Oval Office, initially making history as the first feline to try for the presidency in 1988, followed by his second run in 1992. Will the third time be the charm?
Campaign Swag: Facebook fans can download a free election poster, insert their own cat’s face, and share with Facebook friends and Twitter followers, all in support of Morris’ platform and vision. For each share of the campaign poster on Facebook, the Morris campaign will contribute one bowl of 9Lives cat food to Pets Are Wonderful Support, San Francisco (PAWS San Francisco), up to 3,000 lbs. of cat food. (Note: This goal was met shortly after the campaign went live).
Website: facebook.com/Morristhecat



Name: Stubbs the Cat
Running for: President of the United States
Party: Demeowcatic Repurrblican Party
Age: 15. Stubbs was elected mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska through a write-in ballot as a kitten, and has held the honorary post ever since.
Platform: "I support the removal of all restrictions on catnip, a law improving access to health care for domesticated animals, and a Constitutional amendment banning leash laws."
Running Mate: A dog named Lucy Lou.
Facebook Followers: His newly created presidential campaign page has 250 fans, but his Mayor Stubbs page boasts 26,000+
Celebrity Endorsements: N/A
Scandal: Obviously Mayor Stubbs missed the memo that Morris the Cat had already chosen him as his VP running mate when he decided to announce his candidacy. No official response from Morris yet on how this will effect his campaign.
Campaign Swag: None...yet.
Website: facebook.com/stubbs4prez



Name: Hello Kitty
Running for: President of the United States
Party: Friendship Party
Age: 38
Platform: Friendship, fun and happiness because, "you can never have too many friends!"
Running Mate: Currently open for a public vote on her Facebook page. Fans can choose from Sanrio favorites like Tuxedosam, Badtz-Maru, My Melody, Keroppi, or Chococat. Voting is open until Oct 31, and My Melody is currently in the lead with 27.7% of the vote.
Facebook Following: 10 million+
Celebrity Endorsements: Who doesn't love Hello Kitty?
Scandal: There's been ongoing controversy over whether she is an English citizen or Japanese national. We can't be sure until we see her official birth certificate, but I think it's safe to say that she is not a natural-born citizen of the United States.
Campaign Swag: T-shirts, headbands, key rings, buttons, and stickers. 
Website: sanrio.com/HelloKitty2012


Priscilla purrformed her civic duty. Have you?

Cats vs. Dogs: America's Pet Debate

Sick and tired of human candidates arguing like cats and dogs, and want to cast a vote that really counts? To help end the age-old debate of whether America is a nation of cat or dog people, Purina is calling all pet lovers to join in “America’s Pet Debate.” From now until Nov. 8, you can vote for your favorite pet (cats!!) once a day at americaspetdebate.com.

For every vote, Purina will donate $1, up to $100,000, to Pet Partners’ Veteran Programs. The donation will help fund Pet Partners pet therapy teams for U.S. veterans by providing the mental, physical and emotional support of cats and dogs through animal-assisted therapy. (Since voting started, there have been 61,705 votes cast/dollars raised to date). 

Felines are currently commanding the lead with 55% of the vote, but there's still time for a shake-up, so be sure to rock the ballot and help raise cash for a good cause. Purina will declare whether America is a cat or dog nation on Nov. 9, 2012.

A Comprehensive Guide To Every Cat Running For Political Office In 2012

Hello Kitty Announces Her Presidential Candidacy

Hello Kitty (given name: Kitty White), who hails from London, England by way of Tokyo, Japan, announced her candidacy today to become President of the United States of America. The 38-year-old third grader, who weight is equal to that of three apples, is running as a member of the newly formed Friendship Party because, "you can never have too many friends!"


Hello Kitty for President Women's Tee

Sanrio is kicking off HK's 2012 campaign with a slew of super cute merch, online activities, and live events that are sure to give her a competitive edge in the upcoming race. In addition to slinging patriotic t-shirts, headbands and keychains for the cause, any purchase currently made at Sanrio.com comes with a free campaign button or bumper sticker, to boot. 


Hello Kitty Bow Headband: Flag

Of course, any presidential hopeful needs a qualified vice president to back them up, which is why Hello Kitty has launched a Facebook poll to help select the running mate who best supports her mission of friendship, fun and happiness. Old favorites like Tuxedosam, Badtz-Maru, My Melody, and Keroppi are all among the contenders, but in the end I cast my vote for Chococat, because two felines are always better than one.



If you're fortunate enough to live in the Washington, DC area, you're also in for a treat. Hello Kitty for President’s Campaign Headquarters pop-up event will enjoy a week-long residence at LivingSocial’s 918 F Street starting on Nov 1, and will host curated activities and events, an art show, and many more surprises.

"With over 10 million Facebook friends, Hello Kitty falls squarely between the  two candidates (Barack Obama has 29 million while Mitt Romney has 8 million) but her message speaks from the heart and is unlikely to offend anyone," proclaims her official press release. Finally, a pettable presidential candidate, who really understands the big issues we care about like cuteness reform and kitten rights! 

Hello Kitty Announces Her Presidential Candidacy

Henri, Le Chat Noir Turns Political Pundit

Henri - Politique

Fresh off of his Golden Kitty win at last month's Internet Cat Video Film Fest, The Seattle Times asked Henri, le Chat Noir to make a short video sharing his political opinions. While the philosophical feline didn't endorse a specific candidate in the upcoming presidential election, he did manage a meow-out to Tuxedo Stanley, his feline look-a-like who is running for mayor of Halifax.

"Perhaps worshipping cats as living gods, as the Egyptians did, is too much to hope for, " Henri mew-ses. "But a few city council seats would be a great start." 



Via Facebook (Henri, le Chat Noir)

Henri, Le Chat Noir Turns Political Pundit

Mayoral Hopeful Tuxedo Stanley Is "The Purrfect Candidate"

"Tuxedos will be mandatory at city hall when I'm elected mayor. We need to improve our image."

Forget the Demo-cats and Republi-kitties. Felines finally have their own political party to represent their best interests in the upcoming election. Following in the paw-steps of pussycat politicians like Hank, who is currently running for a senate seat in Virginia, and Stubbs, who has been the mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska for the past fifteen years, Tuxedo Stanley has thrown his catnip mouse into the ring in a bid to become mayor of Halifax, Canada.


"What do you mean I can't bribe voters? I live by the code: "you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours."

Stan represents the Tuxedo Party, a political movement aimed to improve the welfare of felines in HRM  (Halifax Regional Municipality) "because neglect isn't working." At the tender age of three, he is hardly old enough to be a mayor - plus there's a pesky municipal law saying animals can't run for office - but that isn't stopping him from playing his part to raise awareness about the plight of homeless animals. Through his campaign, Stan vocally advocates the creation of a low cost spay and neuter clinic, a comprehensive Trap-Neuter-Return and Care program, and a sanctuary for homeless strays to live out their lives in comfort.


"Tuxedo Stan is a proud supporter of The Youth Project. He believes in their message "Love not Hate". Wise words to live by."

Running on the platform of "A chicken in every pot and a litter box in every house," Stanley has already amassed international media attention, and a large Facebook following. In a recent message to his supporters, he writes, "I feel very fortunate to live in Catopia. I've never known hunger, cold or abuse. I sleep in a warm, cozy bed every night. I get to play in a safe fenced yard every day. Unfortunately, there are cats all over the world who aren't so lucky. You can help by donating money or time to a local rescue group. For those of you who do - a big Tuxedo Stan THANK MEOW!"


"Rainy days are great opportunities to plan campaign strategy. Or catch up on beauty rest."

Halifax's human mayoral candidates should feel relieved that Stanley can't officially go toe-to-paw with them in the upcoming election. When asked if they would actually vote for a cat mayor, 56.29% of readers in a CBC News poll responded, "Of course, Stan is the purrrfect candidate."

Via The Huffington Post / CBC News / Facebook (Tuxedo Party)  

Mayoral Hopeful Tuxedo Stanley Is "The Purrfect Candidate"

Around The World In 80 Cats #19: Alaska

(Click here to watch if video doesn't load)

Every day at 4 p.m., the mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska can be found at Nagley's store sipping out of a wine glass that has been sprinkled with catnip.

This may seem like a bit of an odd ritual for an elected official, but the politician in question has a very good explanation for his peculiar habit: he's a cat!

Mayor Stubbs, so named because of his short tail, has held office in Talkeetna for the past fifteen years. He was jokingly elected through a write-in ballot, and hasn't left the post ever since. The political fat cat makes his headquarters at Nagley's, where local tour guides get their kicks by tricking visitors into asking to meet with the four-legged mayor.

Stubbs' popularity extends beyond the 900 residents of the small Alaskan town. He regularly receives fan mail, and even has a Facebook page dedicated to his pursuits. The ginger cat has held the prestigious position since he was a kitten, and many believe he's the best mayor the town has ever had. Resident Skye Farrar tells KTUU: "He's not judgmental at all, he loves everybody," and "I'm very confident that Talkeena will be A-OK, as long as we have Stubbs around."

Via KTUU / KSDK / Images: Facebook (Mayor Stubbs)

Around The World In 80 Cats #19: Alaska

Politically Minded Kitten Draws Inspiration From Hank The Senate Cat

Bublik

Hank, the 9-year-old Maine Coon from Virginia who has taken the media by storm with his current bid for United States Senate, has now inspired a young Russian cat with political ambitions of his very own.

Bublik, a 3-month-old kitten from Yekaterinburg who was named after "a traditional Russian snack that resembles a bagel but tastes more like a cracker," recently threw his tiny hat into the political arena by creating a Facebook page to launch his career. The future fat cat's press secretary, Ivan Kolotovkin, wouldn't divulge the feline's political leanings to The Moscow Times, but did reveal the kitten's youthful slogan to be "For a Fun Future!"

Kolotovkin also tells the paper that Bublik intends to extend a paw of support to Hank within the next week in a show of solidarity with his seasoned American counterpart, saying: "If Hank the cat takes the U.S. Senate seat, cats between different countries could collaborate in productive ways."

Human politicians, take note!

Via The Moscow Times (Thanks for the tip, Betsy!)

Image credits: Facebook

Politically Minded Kitten Draws Inspiration From Hank The Senate Cat

Canine Group Launches Smear Campaign Against Feline Senatorial Candidate

Hank for Senate? No way

It was just a few weeks ago that Hank the cat announced his run for United States Senate (you heard it here first!), and already his campaign has gone to the dogs - literally.

A group called "Canines for a Feline Free Tomorrow" have launched a smear campaign against the kitty candidate, charging that he's just another "fat cat" trying to get elected into office. The puppy PAC draws attention to Hank's vet records, makes allegations of catnip abuse, and even questions whether or not a Maine Coon should really be running for Senate in Virginia.

For his part, Hank is doing the best he can to dismiss the haters, and relegating their crap to the litter box where it belongs. When reached for comment, his campaign manager Matthew O’Leary told The Jane Dough: “Hank will not respond to these allegations, and will continue on his positive campaign of job creation, spay/neuter programs, and ridding the Capitol of rats.”

Via Jezebel / The Jane Dough

Canine Group Launches Smear Campaign Against Feline Senatorial Candidate

Stephen Colbert Angered Over Nancy Pelosi's Anti-Kitten Claims

(Click here to watch if video doesn't load)

Stephen Colbert is no stranger to having cats on the set of his satirical Comedy Central show, and delighted audience members last night with a glimpse of two of his fluffiest guests yet.

The host aired House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's anti-PAC spoof ad, before responding to her allegation that he doesn't like kittens. Pelosi's spot also admonished Colbert's practice of secretly collecting money from special interest groups for the Colbert Super PAC, and directed viewers to the Stop Colbert Facebook page, which in truth is dedicated to the 2012 Disclose Act - aimed at getting unlimited, secret donations out of politics.

"What stings is Pelosi's charge that I dont like kittens - would someone who didn't like kittens have one in each hand?" he questioned, before revealing the two tiny balls of fur hidden under his desk.

After giving the two a quick kiss and cuddle, he continued, "These are no mere props purchased right before the show. These are my beloved pets, Whiskers and.. Other Whiskers. I love these two little kittens and I will continue to do so until the moment they become cats."

Via The Huffington Post

Stephen Colbert Angered Over Nancy Pelosi's Anti-Kitten Claims

Hank Announces His Bid For United States Senate (Oh yeah, did I mention he's a cat?)

Back in November, Hank - a nine-year-old politically minded feline from Springfield, Virginia - vowed to return after a disappointing defeat to James Webb in the Virginia State Senate race. As coverage begins to heat up on both sides over the upcoming election, Hank's campaign coordinator (seriously) recently sent me an official press release with more information on the pussycat politico, and his intentions to be the cat who got the cream come Nov. 6th.

In his announcement, Hank stated: “In this time of austerity, of threats to families’ livelihoods and to our civil liberties, it is essential that we choose the right leader. Our situation is too dire to risk placing this important job in the wrong paws, and that is why I have decided to run for US Senate for the great Commonwealth of Virginia. If I had to sum up my feelings for Virginia’s future, I would have to say: Meow.”

The release continues, "Rescued from the streets as a skinny young kitty, Hank picked himself up and never looked back. Although only 9 in human years, Hank has 52 cat years of life experience. Enthusiastic and energetic enough to chase the bouncy ball, he has the wisdom to understand that it is almost impossible to catch.

During his formative years, Hank witnessed firsthand the problems faced by Virginia residents. “Other politicians may talk about how difficult it is when there aren’t enough kibbles to go around,” Hank said, “but I’ve been there. I know what you’re going through. When I’m elected to the Senate, I’m going to work hard to make sure that there is milk in every bowl across this great nation.”"

Hank will be running as "proud Independent" candidate and hopes to bring his real world experience, unique point of view, and limitless energy to the office. Among his platforms, he intends to ensure small business growth, while also advocating animal related issues such as low cost spay and neuter programs, to help decrease the homeless animal population.

For more information about Hank, and how you can help support putting a feline in office this November, please visit his website at hankforsenate.com.

Hank Announces His Bid For United States Senate (Oh yeah, did I mention he's a cat?)

Larry The Downing Street Cat Celebrates One Year Of Service With A Balloon Filled Bash

Waiting for his party guests

It's hard to believe it's already been a year since Larry took up residence at 10 Downing Street with British Prime Minister David Cameron, but a lot has happened in his tenure as "Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office." Since being adopted from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home last February, the political-minded tabby has made headlines for his killer instinct (or lack thereof), rumors about his love life, and outrage over being banned from stepping paw inside the PM's newly renovated apartment.

Yesterday, Larry celebrated a year of highs and lows with a low-key celebration that included a bevy of colorful cat balloons and a nap on the sofa. The festive feline was caught trying out some of his best dance moves before fellow revelers arrived, while esteemed guests included knitted mice that were crafted by members of the public (if you would like to knit some to donate to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, you can find the pattern here).

Sending out our heartfelt congrats to Larry on making it twelve long months in office! If you would like to see more pictures from his fiesta, you can check them out here.

With balloons and streamers

Practicing dance moves ahead of the party

Cozy on the sofa

Via The Prime Minister's Office Photostream

Larry The Downing Street Cat Celebrates One Year Of Service With A Balloon Filled Bash

Hank the Cat Vows To Return After Virginia State Senate Election Defeat

Is this the new face of American politics?

Election day has come and gone, and in between naps, one furry candidate hasn't accepted defeat lying down. Hank the cat was hoping to win the Virginia State Senate election as a write-in candidate, with the help of an orchestrated grassroots campaign. The politically minded pussycat implored supporters to volunteer their time, make donations (to the Humane Society of Fairfax County), and display signs in their windows and front yards to express their support.

It's unclear whether Hank's anti-dog/pro-catnip stance ultimately cost him the race, but in his concessionary blog post, the charismatic kitty vowed to take the fight for Senate to DC in 2012.

Would you vote for him? We've sure had a lot of dogs in office, so maybe it's time for a cat to take charge!

Via HankForSenate.com

Hank the Cat Vows To Return After Virginia State Senate Election Defeat

Larry the Downing Street Cat Paws Meow-moir

It's not even a year into his residency yet, and Larry the famed 10 Downing Street cat has already penned a book accounting his first 100 days as the official "Chief Rat Catcher." Well, it's more of a diary (aka "swift-moving satirical narrative"), that "pits Larry against the evil King Rat and his legion of cheese-eaters," while "still finding time to spill the beans on what life with Sam and Dave is really like."

Sam and Dave, of course, being Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife, Samantha.

Sounds interesting, but what I really want to read about is Larry's days on the street before being rescued, and his rumored relationship with Maisy the tabby!

The Larry Diaries is available now on Amazon.

Larry the Downing Street Cat Paws Meow-moir

The Most Powerful Kitten in Canada

PM Harper with Stanley, and wife Laureen

Back in May, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his family adopted a kitten from the Ottawa Humane Society, and made headlines when they asked the public to vote on the tiny tabby's name.

Stanley settles into his new home

Since announcing the winning designation to be Stanley (a nod to the Vancouver Canucks Stanley Cup bid this year), Harper has been periodically updating his Facebook page with glimpses of the kitten's progress, complete with images from a criminally adorable photo shoot, and a YouTube video of him happily romping around his new home.

So, what is it with politicians showing their pussycats on the internet lately? I think it might be time for the Obamas to bring home a feline companion for Bo!

Via Petit Petit Gamin / Calgary Herald

The Most Powerful Kitten in Canada