A lot has been happening at No.10 Downing Street over the last couple of months, with a surprising amount concerning Larry the cat.
Larry is no stranger to making headlines – usually tales about his encounters with local wildlife, or his refusal to let former PM Liz Truss pat him. He even received articles dedicated to him back in 2022 for fighting a fox – and winning.
Sadly, the latest news is not as light-hearted.
Adopted from Battersea Cats Home by David Cameron in 2011 as a pet for his children, Larry has since outlasted five Prime Ministers in his years on the street. He was the first to be appointed with the title “Chief Mouser”.
Larry is now 17-years-old and in his “twilight years”, but Officials say he is still in good health. Even though he is currently standing strong, Officials thought it was time to draw up death plans ahead of his eventual passing. The code “Larry bridges” will be used when he passes.
And that’s not all that has happened to poor Larry lately.
Larry’s latest housemate
On 21 September, a photo of current PM Keir Starmer was shared on X (formerly Twitter) of the newest feline resident of No.10.
Prince, a white Siberian kitten, now shares 10 Downing Street with Larry and Starmer’s other rescue cat, Jojo. Larry’s unofficial X account (@number10cat) commented that he is taking the change “in my stride, as ever”. The account jokingly writes that his “position as best-looking cat on Downing Street remains unchallenged”.
The Cabinet Office website writes: “He has captured the hearts of the Great British public and the press teams often camped outside the front door. In turn the nation sends him gifts and treats daily.
“Larry spends his days greeting guests to the house, inspecting security defences and testing antique furniture for napping quality.
“His day-to-day responsibilities also include contemplating a solution to the mouse occupancy of the house. Larry says this is still ‘in the tactical planning stage’.”
Featured Image Credit: gov.uk
Fourth year student journalist studying Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Journalism Studies.
Words at Brig, The Daily Evergreen, Alloa Advertiser, Discovery Music Scotland, and The Mourning Paper.
