A four-year old tabby by the name of Laurence (or Larry), was brought by van to Number 10, Downing Street today. He was carried past the waiting press pack in a covered cat basket. After being introduced to (and picked up by) Prime Minister, David Cameron, he quickly took up his role as chief mouser and ratter by falling asleep in a chair for the rest of his first afternoon in Westminster.
Meanwhile, Mr Cameron made the following statement: “I’m delighted to welcome Larry to his new home. He came highly recommended to me by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, who did a fantastic job looking after him.” “I’m sure he will be a great addition to Downing Street and will charm our many visitors.”
Another Downing Street spokesman said the former stray was a “good ratter” with a high “chase-drive and hunting instinct” (yeah, looks like it Ed), developed during his time on the streets, adding that the tabby.. “seems relaxed and easy going and enjoys playing with his toy mouse”. He added that, as he was an office cat rather than a family pet, “Downing Street staff would be paying for Larry’s food and other bills”.
The arrival follows weeks of speculation about potential pest control measures after a large black rat was seen (on TV, no less) scuttling past No 10.
Number 10 Downing Street has a long history of Chief Mousers as can be seen from this list Norman and I just put together.
(Norman says it would be nice to see some pictures of these other cats…. so perhaps we’ll do that on another day, eh Norm!)
There’s a couple more photographs of Lovely Larry below….
