Cats have been used for pest control on British warships back in the age of sail. Also the Queen of England had cats as Mousers killing vermin in the palace.
Same as Dogs, both will work for their room and board.
Able Seacat Simon of the frigate HMS Amethyst was severely wounded during the Yangtze River Incident of 1949, but continued to fight off a major rat infestation until the warship escaped six weeks later. For his actions he was awarded the Dickin Medal.
Simon developed an infection in his wounds shortly after arriving in Britain and subsequently died of his injuries. He received a military funeral which was attended by all of his crewmates and hundreds of mourners.