Tibs the Great

Tibs the Great

Tibs the Great was a renowned Post Office mouser who served the Royal Mail in London, United Kingdom, from 1950 until his death in 1964. Tibs weighed an impressive 23 pounds (10.4 kg) and was responsible for keeping the postal sorting offices free from mice and other small rodents, which were a significant problem due to the food scraps and papers that attracted them. His service was so valued that he was officially listed on the payroll.

Early Life

Little is known about the early life of Tibs the Great. He was born in 1950 and was brought into the postal service to address the rodent problem that plagued postal facilities. His exact breed is not documented, but his effectiveness as a mouser made his lineage of less concern to his employers.

Career

Throughout his career, Tibs the Great became something of a celebrity within the Royal Mail. His prowess in catching mice was unmatched, leading to a significant reduction in the rodent population within the postal buildings. His presence was not only practical but also boosted the morale of postal workers, who took great pride in their famous feline colleague.

Tibs' service was during a time when the Royal Mail was undergoing significant changes, adapting to post-war Britain, and his story reflects the unique and often quirky aspects of British cultural history. He lived and worked at the Mount Pleasant Mail Centre, one of London's largest sorting offices, where he roamed freely, hunting for mice and receiving affection from the staff.

Legacy

Tibs the Great passed away in December 1964, leaving behind a legacy that would be remembered by the Royal Mail and cat enthusiasts alike. His contribution to the postal service was commemorated by the Royal Mail, and his story is often cited in discussions about the role of working animals, particularly cats, in human society.

In recognition of his service, Tibs the Great has been featured in various articles and books about famous cats and their contributions to human workplaces. His story serves as a reminder of the unique and often overlooked roles that animals have played in supporting human endeavors, particularly in institutions like the Royal Mail.

See Also

• Famous cats
• Working animals
• Royal Mail history