Freddie Mercury’s affection for cats extended far beyond owning one or two pets.
His longtime assistant Peter Freestone has confirmed that Mercury had ten cats during the years he knew him, although they were not all living with him simultaneously.
There Were Ten in Total
Freestone wrote that Mercury had ten cats during his lifetime with him. He emphasized that the ten were not all in the house at once; six were living at Garden Lodge by November 1991.
Tom and Jerry Came Early
According to Freestone, Tom and Jerry were among Mercury’s early cats while he was living with Mary Austin. More cats joined his life as his circumstances changed.
His Feline Family Kept Growing
Freestone listed later cats including Oscar, Tiffany, Delilah, Goliath, Miko, Romeo and Lily. Dorothy was another cat connected with Mercury during his time in Munich.
Two Came From Blue Cross
Blue Cross says Mercury rescued two of his cats through the charity. One was Delilah, who became particularly famous because of how prominently she appeared in stories about Mercury’s private life.
He Called Them While Touring
Blue Cross reports that while Mercury was away on tour, he would telephone home and have a friend hold the receiver toward his cats so he could speak to them.
His Album Included a Dedication
Mercury dedicated his debut solo album, Mr Bad Guy, to his cats and to cat lovers. His affection for them therefore found its way into his public creative work as well as his private life.
Delilah Inspired a Song
Queen recorded a song named after Delilah, and Brian May added a guitar effect intended to resemble a meow. Mercury’s attachment to his cat had quite literally become part of the band’s music.
His Cats Became Part of His Legacy
Blue Cross describes Mercury’s cats as sources of comfort and grounding. He even wore a waistcoat decorated with images of his cats in the video for “These Are the Days of Our Lives.”
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