When you think of a “top 10 job” list, you probably picture humans climbing corporate ladders. But feline friends have been climbing their own quirky career ladders for centuries, earning titles that range from prestigious government posts to interstellar explorer. Below, we whisk you through the ten most extraordinary occupations ever claimed by cats, complete with purr‑filled anecdotes and historic tidbits.

Top 10 Job Cats: Why They Matter

10 Chief Mouser To The Cabinet Office

The Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office is a dignified position stationed at 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister. Today, the role is filled by Larry, a sleek feline recruited from the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, whose résumé boasts an impressive record of mouse‑catching. Larry even enjoys a dedicated entry on the official British government website.

Although the title is said to have origins dating back to the reign of Henry VIII, documented records only begin in 1929. Occasionally, the post sits vacant when the mouse population stays unusually docile. The longest‑serving Chief Mouser was Wilberforce, who kept the palace rodent‑free under the administrations of Edward Heath, Harold Wilson, Jim Callaghan, and Margaret Thatcher.

9 Mail Carriers

In an eccentric 1876 experiment, the Belgian city of Liège decided that cats might be the most efficient couriers for the local mail. The Belgian Society for the Elevation of the Domestic Cat trained 37 whiskered volunteers, each wearing waterproof pouches around their necks to carry letters. While one particularly spry cat managed to deliver its mail in roughly five hours, the others took anywhere up to a full day.

On March 4, 1876, The New York Times reported, “It is believed that, unless the criminal class of dogs undertakes to waylay and rob the mail‑cats, the messages will be delivered with rapidity and safety.” The novelty quickly fizzled, and the cat‑mail service was discontinued.

8 Ship’s Cat

Ships have long welcomed feline crew members because cats excel at hunting rodents that gnaw at ropes, food stores, and other crucial supplies. Their keen senses and agile bodies make them ideal for the cramped, moving environment of a vessel.

Several cats earned medals for naval service. In 1941, “Unsinkable Sam” began his career aboard the German battleship Bismarck, was rescued from its wreckage by the British destroyer HMS Cossack, and later transferred to HMS Ark Royal—both of which were torpedoed. After surviving three sinkings, Sam retired from military duty.

Another wartime hero, Pooli, garnered three service ribbons and four battle stars while serving on an attack transport. In 1949, the British cat Simon defended the stores of HMS Amethyst during a 101‑day siege, earning Britain’s prestigious Dickin Medal and a burial with full military honors.

7 CIA Informants

During the 1960s, the Central Intelligence Agency launched a covert venture known as Project Acoustic Kitty, hoping to train cats as espionage agents inside Soviet embassies. The plan involved surgically implanting microphones, transmitters, and antennae into the cats’ bodies to capture secret conversations.

Training proved far more challenging than anticipated. In the program’s inaugural mission, a female cat was dispatched to a public park to eavesdrop on two men seated on a bench. While crossing the street, the cat was struck by a taxi and killed instantly. The CIA subsequently deemed the operation “not practical” and abandoned the project.

6 Astronaut

Following successful rat launches in 1961, the French space agency turned its sights to felines. Fourteen cat candidates underwent rigorous preparation, including exposure to compression chambers, high‑g centrifuges, and the deafening roar of rocket engines.

Each selected cat received a ten‑hour surgical procedure to implant electrodes in the brain, allowing scientists to monitor physiological responses during flight. On October 18, 1963, a tuxedo cat named Félicette was catapulted aloft in the nose cone of a Véronique AG1 rocket, soaring to an altitude of roughly 161 kilometers (100 miles).

Félicette experienced brief weightlessness before safely returning to Earth via parachute, making her the sole feline to survive a spaceflight.

5 Composer

In 1996, composer Rabbi Moshe Cotel was rehearsing at his baby‑grand piano when Ket‑zel, a curious cat, leapt onto the keyboard. The feline treaded from the treble into the bass, creating a whimsical series of notes. Intrigued, Cotel grabbed a pencil and transcribed the accidental melody.

A year later, Cotel learned of a competition hosted by the Paris New Music Review for compositions under sixty seconds. He submitted Ket‑zel’s piece, titled “Piece for Piano: Four Paws.”

The judges, unaware of the cat’s involvement, awarded the work an honorable mention. When the piece premiered at the Museum of the City of New York, Ket‑zel sat in the audience and let out a loud meow as Cotel’s name was announced.

4 Mayor

In the modest Alaskan town of Talkeetna, nestled near Denali National Park, an orange‑tabby named Stubbs held the ceremonial office of mayor from 1998 onward. Though the role was largely symbolic, Stubbs dutifully patrolled the streets, sipped catnip‑infused water each afternoon at the West Rib Café & Pub, and greeted visitors from his “office” inside Nagley’s General Store.

Stubbs’ tenure wasn’t without drama. In 2013, a dog attacked him, prompting a worldwide outpouring of donations that funded his life‑saving surgery. The media attention even spurred a brief, albeit unsuccessful, campaign for Stubbs to run for the Alaska Senate in 2014.

He enjoyed a long, peaceful life until he passed away of natural causes in 2017, leaving the town’s residents to wonder who might fill the whimsical power vacuum.

3 Customs Officer

In 2002, a Siamese cat named Rusik wandered into a customs checkpoint in Stavropol, Russia, where he was quickly adopted by the stationed guards. Recognizing his keen sense of smell, officials assigned him the task of sniffing out illegally smuggled Caspian Sea caviar hidden in vehicles.

According to police officer Sergei Kovalenko, “One day, Rusik leapt into the boot of a passing car at the checkpoint and instantly detected sturgeon.” Impressed, the team kept him on regular duty, and his detections repeatedly outperformed traditional sniffer dogs.

Unfortunately, after less than a year of service, Rusik was run over by a vehicle—rumored to be a retaliatory strike by the smuggling mafia—ending the career of a cat who had become a formidable weapon against illegal caviar trafficking.

2 Assistant Librarian

When a striped cat named Kuzya sauntered into the Novorossiysk children’s library in 2013, the staff fell in love and decided he should become an official employee. However, Russian labor regulations required proper paperwork for any worker, feline or human.

Undeterred, the librarians secured an animal passport for Kuzya and obtained a special order from the head librarian designating him as an assistant librarian. His salary consists of 30 cans of Whiskas per month, and his uniform is a dapper bow tie, which he proudly wears each day.

1 Actor

Since the dawn of cinema, cats have occasionally graced the silver screen, though their independent temperament often makes them tougher to direct than dogs. Notable feline stars include Orangey in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), the mysterious “Tao” in The Incredible Journey (1963), and Ted Nude‑Gent as “Mr. Bigglesworth” in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997).

More recent appearances feature Crackerjack and Pumpkin as “Crookshanks” in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), and the duo Tonic and Leo as “Church” in Pet Sematary (2019). Despite their reputation for aloofness, cats have earned several PATSY (Picture Animal Top Star of the Year) Awards, recognizing their contributions to film.

These feline performers prove that, even with a touch of cattitude, cats can captivate audiences and leave a lasting paw‑print on movie history.

If you thought music was only about love, heartbreak, or dancing, think again. Here we present the top 10 most hilariously titled tracks that have ever hit the airwaves. Each entry comes with a behind‑the‑scenes look at the story, the lyric quirks, and why the title still manages to raise eyebrows and chuckles.

10 “You Can’t Have Your Kate and Edith Too,” The Statler Brothers (1967)

In late 2020, Twitter erupted when users realized they’d been misquoting the classic proverb “you can’t have your cake and eat it too.” The twist? A 1967 country‑gospel single by The Statler Brothers turned the saying into a cheeky pun: “you can’t have your Kate and Edith too.” The song follows two men on a double‑date, each trying to snag the other’s partner at a drive‑in. Lyrics such as “You were kissing on Kate/ She wouldn’t let you go/ I looked at Edith, started feeling bold…” set the scene for a classic love‑triangle gone awry. By the end, the singers confess they’re married to the opposite women, cementing the pun in a chorus that repeats the title line as a humorous moral.

9 “It’s Hard to Be Religious When Certain People Are Never Incinerated by Bolts of Lightning,” Mayday Parade (2018)

Mayday Parade is known for blending dark humor with emo‑pop sensibilities, and this title is no exception. Written after the 2016 U.S. election, vocalist Derek Sanders described the track as a “little more angry” than their usual fare, channeling frustration into a ballad that questions faith when injustice seems to go unpunished. The phrase itself originates from Bill Waterson’s comic strip Attack of the Deranged Mutant Killer Monster Snow Goons. While the lyrics never repeat the lengthy title, the song’s mood captures a sense of bewilderment and a yearning for hope amid cynicism.

8 “(I’d a Wrote You a Letter But) I Couldn’t Spell !✱¢#!,” Wayne Carson (1968)

Wayne Carson’s novelty‑pop gem, later covered by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs, is a tongue‑in‑cheek breakup anthem. The title—filled with symbols that mimic a raspberry‑like sound—sets the stage for a lyrical barrage of petty revenge: drawing mustaches on photos, carving names into trees, and even “burning the tie” of the former lover. Though it never cracked the Hot 100, the song’s absurdity and catchy chorus secured its place as a cult favorite among novelty‑song collectors.

7 “You’re the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly,” Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty (1978)

The legendary country duo Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty teamed up for this tongue‑in‑cheek duet that lampoons marital fatigue. Each singer blames the other for their own deteriorating looks: “you’re the reason I changed to beer from soda pop” and “you’re the reason I never go to the beauty shop.” The chorus admits that their children inherited both parents’ flaws, yet the pair still profess love for each other. It’s a classic example of country humor meeting heartfelt duet chemistry.

6 “Our Lawyer Made Us Change the Name of This Song So We Wouldn’t Get Sued,” Fall Out Boy (2005)

Fall Out Boy’s pop‑punk catalog is littered with tongue‑in‑cheek titles, and this one is perhaps the most meta. Rumors suggested the original title, “I Loved You So Much More Before You Were a MySpace Whore,” would have landed them in legal trouble. The real catalyst was the phrase “My Name Is David Ruffin, and These Are The Temptations,” a nod to the Motown legend whose estate threatened a lawsuit. The band’s clever workaround turned the legal drama into a memorable title that still sparks curiosity.

5 “I’m Gonna Hire a Wino to Decorate Our Home,” David Frizzell (1982)

Country songwriter Dewayne Blackwell, famed for hits like “Friends in Low Places,” penned this novelty‑rich track for David Frizzell. The narrative follows a husband who spends his nights at the bar, only to return to a wife who decides to turn their house into a “home‑bar” to keep his paycheck under the same roof. Lyrics describe swapping a dining table for a bar, neon signs pointing to the bathroom, and a sawdust‑covered floor—all while the wife teases, “you’ll get friendly service if you keep tipping.” It became Frizzell’s solitary chart‑topping solo hit.

4 “The Weather Is Here, Wish You Were Beautiful,” Jimmy Buffett (1981)

Jimmy Buffett, the king of laid‑back lyricism, turned a postcard cliché into a wistful anthem. The song tells the story of a city‑dwelling professional who vacations in the tropics, only to realize his partner is too busy to join. After a fleeting fling, he decides to abandon his hectic life, move to the island, and live by the mantra “the pleasure was worth all the pain.” Buffett explains the title sprouted from bar‑room graffiti, capturing his signature blend of humor and introspection.

3 “Thanks for the Killer Game of Crisco Twister,” Minus the Bear (2002)

Minus the Bear’s debut album Highly Refined Pirates includes this party‑anthem title that references the greasy Twister game popular among college crowds. While the band’s members were just emerging when Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain passed, the song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of yacht parties, island hopping, and carefree sun‑soaked fun. The title reflects the group’s penchant for quirky, tongue‑in‑cheek storytelling, making it a staple of early‑2000s indie playlists.

2 “Get Off the Table, Mabel (The Two Dollars Is for the Beer),” Bull Moose Jackson and the Flashcats (1984)

Originally a 1949 burlesque‑themed tune by the Pearl Boys, the song resurfaced in 1984 when veteran R&B singer Bull Moose Jackson teamed with the Flashcats. The revamped version shifts the setting to a modest diner where a waitress named Mabel is urged to stop dancing on the table while the singer offers two dollars for a beer. The track blends dirty‑blues humor with a catchy refrain, showcasing Jackson’s ability to adapt his classic style to newer, more playful contexts.

1 “2021: A Personal Space Odyssey,” Pet Symmetry (2021)

Pet Symmetry, a stalwart of the modern emo scene, delivered this sprawling title as part of their 2021 album Future Suits. The song captures the chaotic mood of the pandemic year, likening society to Nero fiddling while Rome burns. Lines such as “the Earth wants what it wants, and it’ll take what it gets” and “once the wheels leave the ground, we all own the ride” blend existential dread with sardonic optimism. The title itself is a clever play on Kubrick’s classic, underscoring the band’s love of wordplay.

From country puns to emo wordsmithing, these ten tracks prove that a song’s title can be just as entertaining as the music itself. Whether you’re a casual listener or a hardcore music historian, you’ll find something to smile about in each of these delightfully oddball titles.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A rock star? An actor? A knight? Some of the lucky celebrities on this list have achieved all three! Each year, the royal family bestows honorific titles of the Order of the British Empire. This practice goes back centuries.

In recent years, many celebrities have been given these titles. Most commonly, the men are knighted, while the women become dames. These titles are rewarded because of service, loyalty, or gallantry (or sometimes all three!).

You may be surprised at some of the names on our list. From authors to inventors, directors to music legends, all of the celebrities on our list have done something to be considered knights and dames. So, let’s look at an eclectic mix of celebrities with at least one thing in common: they all have titles of honor. However, I am not sure any of them know how to joust.

10 Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie is known for many things. She is the daughter of well-known actor Jon Voight. She is also known for her acting ability, her relationship with Brad Pitt, and her willingness to give to charity. As of 2014, she became officially known as a great actor and philanthropist and an Honorary Dame. She was given recognition at Buckingham Palace by Queen Elizabeth herself. The official emblem was of an Honorary Dame Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George.

According to the royal family, Jolie was given this distinction because of her work to end war-zone sexual violence. Jolie was the co-chair of the End Sexual Violence in Conflict (ESVC) global summit in 2014. Throughout her career, Jolie has shown compassion, kindness, and generosity to important organizations such as these. While there is no telling where she ranks a damehood amongst her significant accomplishments, it is certainly no mean feat. And by all accounts, she earned her honorific title.

9 Mick Jagger

Mick Jagger is a rock and roll legend, the frontman of the Rolling Stones. Jagger is unique on this list because he received public backlash from his knighting. Some of that may relate to Jagger’s unique history. He was a typical rock and roll star for decades. This includes multiple arrests and eight children from five different mothers. His band, the Rolling Stones, is generally seen as rebellious and anti-establishment, two ideals that clash greatly with those of the royal family.

Still, Jagger was willing to take on the title. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth, not by Prince Charles. Perhaps he thought that Jagger was not suitable to be a knight. The other person who took exception to Mick Jagger becoming “Sir Mick” was his longtime bandmate, Keith Richards. The legendary guitarist was also offered a knighthood but turned it down. When asked about Jagger’s knighthood, Richards reportedly said, “It’s not what the Stones is about, is it?” I guess you can’t always get what you want. Despite some opposition to Jagger’s knighthood, the ceremony continued, and he became a knight in 2003.

8 J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling is best known for the Harry Potter series and related books. Obviously, she has received numerous accolades for her writing. She is one of the most famous authors on the planet and has inspired many. The Harry Potter movie franchise has also been a huge success, and two of the actors from those movies have received honorary titles themselves!

As far as Rowling goes, she has been awarded three titles. Two were awarded by the British royal family, an Order of the British Empire (OBE) and a Companion of Honor. The other came from the French government when she was knighted in 2012 by French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The OBE was awarded to Rowling by the royal family for her work with charitable and welfare organizations. She established the charity Lumos, as well as the Volant Charitable trust.

Most of Rowling’s charitable efforts focus on the needs of at-risk women and children. Her French knighthood was awarded to her for her efforts in literature. In fact, the fifth book in the Harry Potter series (Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix) was the first English book to become a top bestseller in France. As if Rowling didn’t have enough connections with royalty, two Harry Potter cast members also have OBE titles: Helena Bonham Carter and Maggie Smith.

7 Helena Bonham Carter

Helena Bonham Carter is a well-respected actress with many iconic roles and movies. She is known for Fight Club, Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Planet of the Apes, Corpse Bride, The Harry Potter movies, Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, and so many more.

In 2010, she starred in The King’s Speech, playing the role of Queen Elizabeth. While she did not win the Oscar for the best-supporting actress, she received a different (arguably more important award). She was awarded a Commanders of the Order of the British Empire, commonly abbreviated to CBE, in 2011. She dedicated the award to her late father. This award was given to her for her services to drama in the British Empire.

Following this award, Bohman Carter was appointed to Britain’s National Holocaust Commission, another significant honor. However, Helena Bonham Carter was not the only Harry Potter star with a title.

6 Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith is an English actress who has been active since the early 1950s. While she has a very impressive resume, she is well known worldwide as Professor Minerva McGonagall, the no-nonsense professor (and head of Gryffindor house) at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

However, before the Harry Potter series had even been written, Maggie Smith had a title of honor, an OBE. She became a dame back in 1990. She received a second royal title as well! In 2014, in the aftermath of the Harry Potter movie series, Smith was awarded another title, Companion of Honor (CH). These awards are given to individuals who contribute to arts, sciences, medicine, or government over a long period. Considering Dame Maggie Smith is still a working actress (and has been since 1952), she certainly fits the bill!

5 Steven Spielberg

If you like any movies, you probably like at least one Steven Spielberg movie. He is one of the most prolific directors of all time. Some of his most successful movies include Jurassic Park, E.T., Saving Private Ryan, and Schindler’s List, to name a few.

Because of his incredible contributions to the film industry, the royal family recognized him with an honorary knighthood. It is important to know that only British citizens can be official knights (or dames), so many of the titles on this list are unofficial honorary ones.

Still, as of 2000, Spielberg is a Knight of the British Empire or KBE for short. For a man with so many accomplishments, it is well-deserved for Spielberg to be officially an (honorary) knight. His knighthood may inspire his next great film.

4 Bill Gates

Bill Gates is the founder of Microsoft and one of the richest people in the world. He was not recognized for his work with Microsoft, however. Instead, he was recognized for his work after retirement. Gates has made many charitable efforts worldwide, including in parts of the British Commonwealth. He has focused his efforts on employment, enterprise, education, and volunteer work.

Overall, he looks to reduce poverty in the developing world, often through technological advances. Bill Gates was awarded a knighthood in thanks for all his great work. He was awarded KBE (Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire). Since he is not a British citizen, he is not technically “Sir Bill Gates,” but he could call himself Bill Gates, KBE if he wanted to. He may prefer Bill Gates, Billionaire. All jokes aside, it is inspirational to see a person with so much money wanting to help others to live a better life.

3 Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis is a celebrity with quite a lot of connections. She has had a very impressive career of her own and is well-known for the Halloween films and Freaky Friday, among others. She was born as a part of “Hollywood royalty” as well. Her father, Tony Curtis, was a famous actor in the ’50s and ’60s. Her mom, Janet Leigh, was also famous. She starred in the iconic Hitchcock movie Psycho.

However, Jamie Lee Curtis also has an official title of nobility. That is because she is married to Christopher Guest. Or to give him his official title, Baron Christopher Guest. When Guest’s father passed away in 1996, his title passed on to his son. This made Jamie Lee Curtis both Hollywood royalty and an official baroness.

2 Elton John

Elton John is an iconic musician whose songs are well-known around the globe. He grew up in suburban London. John is not only known for his musical prowess but also for his open sexuality. He came out as bisexual back in 1975. In 1998, he was the first openly gay person to be awarded as a knight.

Elton John has contributed to many charities, including the Elton John AIDS foundation. He was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his work with this foundation for over 15 years. While John may seem somewhat aloof, the knighthood clearly meant a great deal to him, as he brought his parents and partner along for the ceremony. He has won six Grammys, an Oscar, and a Golden Globe, but none of these hold “a candle in the wind” to call himself “Sir Elton John.”

1 Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton is the most recent knight on our list. He is a successful Formula One race car driver, one of the most successful of all time. In 2021, Hamilton just barely missed out on a historic eighth title. Just three days later, in December of the same year, Hamilton was invited to Windsor Castle to receive a knighthood from the Prince of Wales, making him the first Grand Prix driver to be knighted while still active.

At the time of the ceremony, Hamilton was only 36 years old, and his mother was in attendance. While Hamilton was surely upset to miss out on his record-breaking eighth title, a knighthood is definitely a worthy consolation prize!