Historical

Towser

1963–1987

The greatest mouser the world has ever known

Owner
Glenturret Distillery, Scotland
Years
1963–1987
Known for
Historical

Towser was a long-haired tortoiseshell cat who spent her entire 24-year life as the resident mouser at the Glenturret Distillery near Crieff in Scotland — Scotland's oldest working distillery and the home of The Famous Grouse. Her job was to keep mice away from the barley used to make whisky, and she performed it with astonishing dedication. By the time of her death in 1987, Towser was credited with catching an estimated 28,899 mice, a figure that earned her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's greatest mouser. The number was extrapolated by distillery staff from her daily average of around three mice, sustained across more than two decades. Beloved by workers and visitors alike, she became the distillery's unofficial mascot. After her death, Glenturret commemorated her with a bronze statue at the entrance — paw raised mid-pounce — where it still greets visitors today. Her legacy was such that her pawprint and image have featured in the distillery's branding ever since.

Fun fact: Towser is officially recognised by Guinness World Records for catching an estimated 28,899 mice in her lifetime — and her paw print, pressed into the label, was once used to help authenticate bottles of Glenturret whisky.

Further reading: Towser on Wikipedia