Ten of the most important ship's cats of all time

Until their ban in 1975 for health and safety reasons, cats held a significant position within the Royal Navy.

Unfortunately, they haven't received the recognition they deserve, so we thought it was time to change that.

While it's possible to have a ship without a cat, why would you want to?

• Op Cat Drop: How RAF's feline supply drop saved Malaysian village from rat invasion
• Why US Marine Corps mascot is a British bulldog and how it built bond with Royal Marines
• Wojtek: The bear who ate cigarettes and carried ammo for Polish troops in WW2

These clever felines spend their days catching mice and rats, something not many sailors would enjoy if tasked with the job.

Rodents pose a real threat, gnawing on essential items like wires and food, both crucial for long journeys.

But beyond their pest control skills, cats can also provide great companionship, depending on their mood and personality.

Let’s honour these remarkable cats who played a vital role in making life at sea a little more enjoyable for countless sailors.

1) Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Blackie, the ship's cat of HMS Prince of Wales in 1941

2) HMS Hawkins' ship cats

3) HMS Hermione ship's cat 'Convoy'

4) Captain A. J. Hailey was pictured with a cat on RMS Empress of Canada

5) Below, Lt Cdr R H Palmer plays with HMS Western Isles' ship's cat Peebles

6) 'Pincher', the mascot of HMS Vindex

7) The ship's cat on board the CSS Acadia

8) Tiddles at his station on board HMS Victorious

9) Pooli served on board a United States attack transport during the Second World War

10) A seaman on the 'Pommern' enticing the ship's cat up one of the shrouds