Freddie Mercury was a legend in his own right. The Queen lead singer has gone down in history as a songwriter and performer of classics such as “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are The Champions,” and “Somebody to Love.” But the performer had another part of his life that isn’t often talked about: his extraordinary love for his pet cats.
That’s right, the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Famer absolutely loved cats. He owned many of them and lavished attention on them to a legendary degree. While touring with the band, he often called home asking to talk to his beloved pets.
Over the course of his life, Mercury had at least 10 cats. But his only purebred cat was Tiffany, a gift from his friend Mary Austin. Mercury lavished love on cats both high-born and common. In fact, the singer went out of his way to adopt cats from shelters to save them from euthanasia.
His love for his kitties even made it into his song “Delilah,” a tribute to his favorite tortoiseshell: “You make me so very happy / When you cuddle up and go to sleep beside me / And then you make me slightly mad / When you pee all over my Chippendale suite.”
1. Lounging with a kitten in the flowers.
Mercury let his cats roam free throughout the house and yard during the day. As far as he was concerned, his kitties were in charge of the place. Sometimes, he joined them for some pleasant time outside.
2. There’s nothing better than a kitty on each arm.
Mercury lavished attention on his cats and was known to give them individual Christmas stockings every year. If any of them were ever harmed, he became extremely worried.
3. A special chair for a special kitty.
When he was on tour, Mercury regularly called to check in on his beloved felines. His long-time friend Mary Austin would put each cat on the phone in turn so that Mercury could chat.
4. Snuggling a regal fluff.
There’s nothing like cuddling up with your favorite furry friend, even when they themselves aren’t exactly into it.
5. There’s no doubt he was a cat person.
From big cats to little cats, purebred cats to street cats, Mercury loved them all.
6. Is there anything cuter than a kitten in a basket?
Here’s a glimpse of the musician giving a quick nuzzle to a tiny little cat in a basket. It’s enough to melt your heart.
7. Spending time outdoors with a furry friend.
Anyone who owns a cat knows that they don’t always want to cuddle, especially when they’re ready to romp outside! But even Freddie Mercury gave his kitties a snuggle against their will.
8. ….and a sleepy morning in.
Is there anything better than breakfast in bed? What about breakfast in bed with a couple of sleepy cats to cuddle?
9. Special friends should always spend time together in the garden.
Mercury always made time to play and cuddle his cats whenever he was at home. When he was on tour, his friend Mary Austin took care of them.
10. …even if it’s not always mutually agreed upon.
It’s said that Mercury owned 10 cats over the course of his life, including Delilah, Goliath, Lily, Miko, Tiffany, Dorothy, Oscar, and Romeo.
11. A good old-fashioned snuggle on the couch.
Around this time, Mercury was sporting an impressive mustache, and this fluffy pet is a perfect match for it.
12. Mercury dedicated his solo album “Mr. Bad Guy” to his cat Jerry.
Sometimes it takes two to properly adore a beloved feline.
13. Showing off a reluctant friend.
He may have been a superstar, but when it came to his pets, Mercury was just like the rest of us: bothering his cats with too much love.
14. He also dedicated his album to all the cat-lovers around the globe.
And any cat lover will tell you that they do the exact same thing — even if they don’t lavish their cats with all their heart’s desires.
15. Mercury owned a hand-painted cat vest and wore it often.
His unique vest was featured on his last public portrait and depicted each one of his beloved felines.
16. He loved cats from all walks of life.
Many celebrities love owning purebred animals, but Mercury made a point to save underprivileged kitties from death in a shelter.
17. Sharing a kiss with a friend and muse.
It’s clear that his cats inspired him in his songwriting and were extremely important to him.
18. Mercury treated his cats like his children.
He was totally absorbed in them. He provided them a lot of time and attention whenever he could. He even gave them presents and let them have complete freedom to roam his property.
19. He cuddled them and talked to them.
Much of his life was spent on the road, touring with the band and performing for fans around the world. For Mercury, “home” meant being with his beloved pets.
20. They were allowed to roam freely where they liked.
When he was home, Mercury would occasionally accompany them on their ramblings.
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Freddie Mercury was a legend in his own right. The Queen lead singer has gone down in history as a songwriter and performer of classics such as “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are The Champions,” and “Somebody to Love.” But the performer had another part of his life that isn’t often talked about: his extraordinary love for his pet cats.
That’s right, the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Famer absolutely loved cats. He owned many of them and lavished attention on them to a legendary degree. While touring with the band, he often called home asking to talk to his beloved pets.
Over the course of his life, Mercury had at least 10 cats. But his only purebred cat was Tiffany, a gift from his friend Mary Austin. Mercury lavished love on cats both high-born and common. In fact, the singer went out of his way to adopt cats from shelters to save them from euthanasia.
His love for his kitties even made it into his song “Delilah,” a tribute to his favorite tortoiseshell: “You make me so very happy / When you cuddle up and go to sleep beside me / And then you make me slightly mad / When you pee all over my Chippendale suite.”
