Larry the Cat has been the official chief mouser at the UK’s prime minister’s home since 2011.
Now he should be bestowed with a new title — chief foxer.
The famous tabby was lounging guarding No. 10 Downing Street on a recent evening when a fox approached the property. Larry slow-walked the canid intruder back to an adjacent garden, but wasn’t satisfied when the fox lingered, so he laid the smacketh down to show foxy who was boss.
The thick-headed vulpine interloper tried a third time to get closer to the house, but Larry wasn’t having it.
The encounter was a reminder that Larry can handle business when sufficiently motivated.
Larry is a former stray rescued by London’s Battersea Dogs and Cats and was four years old when he got the job on the strength of the shelter’s claim that he was an excellent hunter who would solve No. 10’s rodent problem. Bringing in a capable kitty became a priority in 2011 when the rats on site became so bold, they’d walk right past reporters and TV cameras outside the prime minister’s official residence and office.
The long-tenured mouser got a bad rep in his early days, when critics complained he “does little besides sleep” and spend time with his “lady friend,” Maisie, while also depositing hair on Prime Minister David Cameron’s suits.
But it’s Larry who’s had the last laugh as his tenure has outlast those of three prime ministers — Cameron, Theresa May and Boris Johnson. He’s now on his fourth PM, Liz Truss.
According to his official profile on the UK government’s website, “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 tactical planning stage.'”
Larry is the ultimate icon for all “Britcats” – This is the position they all aspire to. Top-level management in a central London address meeting nobility and political global leaders. Long may Larry continue to inspire the young kittens that the dream is possible!
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There are a few others, including another mouser cat a few doors down (I forget which office) who is rivals with Larry. I read that they’ve been in a war for years and have had several scraps lol.
Of course Larry is adored by the UK public and will probably outlast Truss too, so he is secure in his position.
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Larry is a good boi. He would be a fine PM, certainly better than some of his predecessors.
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Larry rocks!
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Mee-yow WOW!! Larry THE Cat iss simplee amazin!! Hee iss not even a bit afraid of THE Fox….mee wuud not want to tangull with one….been there an dun that! **shudderss**
Buddy wuud you purrtect mee if mee findss a fox here?
***purrss*** BellaDharma an 🙂 BellaSita Mum
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Buddy would protect BellaDharma by hiding behind her and crying. He’s very brave!
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