Why the monarch reportedly avoids feline pets despite being a lifelong dog lover
King Charles may be well known for his love of dogs, but according to a royal expert, there is one type of animal he has never warmed to.
The monarch, who shares two dogs with his wife, Queen Camilla, reportedly has a strong dislike for cats. Royal author Brian Hoey revealed in his book Pets By Royal Appointment that the King’s aversion dates back to his childhood.
Hoey wrote that Princess Margaret once gifted Charles a kitten when he was young, but the future King did not take to the animal at all.
“Princess Margaret gave him a kitten as a present when he was a child and he disliked it on sight,” the author explained. Since that moment, Charles is said to have developed a lasting discomfort around feline animals and prefers not to have them nearby.
The book even claims the King believes he can sense whether a house has a cat, even if the animal is not present at the time.
While cats may not be welcome around him, Charles has long been known as a devoted dog owner and often appears relaxed in the company of his pets.
The revelation about his dislike of cats comes as the monarch prepares for a trip to the United States later this month.
Commenting on the diplomatic significance of the visit, royal expert Jennie Bond told Mirror that the trip highlights the monarchy’s role in supporting the government’s international relations.
“This is part of the normal formal wording of a State Visit,” Bond explained. “However, it also underlines the fact that the King is carrying out the Government’s wishes.”
She added that the Prime Minister appears to be using the monarchy’s soft power to help manage increasingly strained relations between the United Kingdom and the United States.
