Canadian Prime Minister’s Cat Becomes Reddit Celebrity

Ever wonder where your Canadian tax dollars go? The answer may include glossy 8”x10” portraits of the prime minister’s cats.

Reddit user MyLastNameIsHO posted an image this week on the social news site of a letter his friend received from Prime Minister Stephen Harper, a letter that included a well-executed glamour shot of the PM’s cat.

In the thread named Mr friend’s letter to the Prime Minister of Canada about his cats was replied to! (with his signature too), MyLastNameIsHO shared the glossy photo and signed letter, apparently written by the prime minister himself.

Although it has yet to be verified as authentic (though it really, really does look real), the thread went viral and has to date more than 800 comments.

The text of Harper’s letter reads:

Dear Justin:

I am delighted to have this opportunity to thank you for your letter of December 12 regarding my family’s cats. I am pleased to have been chosen as your correspondent.

Our two cats are named Stanley and Gypsy. Stanley is the grey tabby and is two years old. Gypsy is the wise old cat of the house and is almost nine. Her favourite sport is hunting down mice around 24 Sussex. Stanley is less discerning. He will chase anything as long as it means he gets to play.

I have taken the liberty of enclosing a photo of Stanley for you. He likes the camera. Gypsy, on the other hand, has no patience for it.
Once again, thank you for taking the time to write. Please accept my best wishes for the remainder of the school year.

Sincerely,

The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper P.C., M.P.
Prime Minister of Canada

The moral of the story?

Stephen Harper is a cat man and he will respond to your letter, as long as it allows him to wax poetic on his favourite kitties.