Larry The Cat Is NOT Dead, Contrary To UK Media Report

The news site that reported the chief mouser’s death is going with the “we were hacked” excuse.

“If your mom tells you she loves you, verify it with a second source.”

If that sounds absurd, well, it’s meant to be, but it was also a favorite maxim of news editors before the “publish now, verify later, never admit mistakes” style of journalism became the norm.

Rushing to publish without verifying is precisely why Politics UK – a news site founded by British populist Nigel Farage – ended up with egg on its face after it reported the death of the beloved 19-year-old mouser at London’s No. 10 Downing St., Larry the Cat.

The site’s editors went with the “we was hacked!” excuse, or a variant of it, claiming their usually reliable source had been compromised by a hacker who wanted to cause mischief.

Even if that’s true, it could have been avoided by simply picking up the phone and calling the prime minister’s office at Downing Street. That’s journalism 101.

Getting a statement from the prime minister’s office would have been part of the reporter’s job here anyway.

While making a big deal over the alleged death of a cat might sound ludicrous to people outside the UK, Larry isn’t just a mouser. He’s become an avatar of stability in a chaotic era that has seen prime ministers swept out of office as quickly as they ascended.

His presence at the UK’s seat of power and his antics are ready-made for the British press, who frequently assemble outside the building while waiting for government announcements. Those reporters and photographers have a front row seat every time Larry chases off an interloper, fights a territorial battle or checks an ego by snubbing a powerful politician.

The press and public are deeply invested in Larry’s adventures, and his natural indifference to political developments is a calming counterweight to the often depressing news.

Meanwhile the real Larry remains blissfully unaware of the momentary distress caused by the false report of his demise, and was recently photographed napping on a windowsill at No. 10.

Larry’s unofficial X account also reassured the British public and admirers worldwide that the UK’s true leader is doing just fine:

We are very glad the iconic feline, who first took over chief mouser duties in 2011 and is now on his seventh prime minister, is alive and healthy.

In a statement, Americat President Buddy said he was relieved to hear from his counterpart across the Atlantic.

“Larry is a Tremendous cat, one of the best cats ever, believe me. They Love him Over There, its incredible,” Buddy wrote. “Now if the Canadian’s don’t send me 50 Ton’s of Turkey by 8 pm tomorrow I’m gonna hit them with Tariff’s the likes of which no one has ever seen! Tariff’s of AT LEAST 700,000%!!! The Governor of the State of Canada needs to Bend the Knee! Thank you for youre attention to this matter!”

Update 1:36 am: Added background on Larry’s time at No. 10.

21 thoughts on “Larry The Cat Is NOT Dead, Contrary To UK Media Report”

    1. He gets excellent all-around care, he’s got an entire staff dedicated to keeping him fed, happy and making sure doors are opened for him, there’s a staffer dedicated to dealing with the fan mail and gifts sent to him, and I have no doubt he gets the very best veterinary care.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  3. Larry is a UK global icon as we all know and is well and safe, he is in conversations with Americat President Buddy to impose a 100% ‘windfall’ tax (yes its a thing with our version of your IRS) on all UK politicians to focus their attention on not getting involved in feline affairs

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I was thinking about this with P-22, the male puma who chose LA’s Griffith Park as his home range and lived there for about 10 years.

      P-22 delighted thousands of people, spotting him was an event, he never raised a paw against a human being, and there are iconic photos of him lit by the ambient light of Los Angeles with the famous Hollywood sign in the background. He also popped up on Ring cameras all over the neighborhood bordering Griffith Park.

      We do not fully appreciate how magical something like that is until it’s gone.

      The Eurasian owl Flaco, who escaped the Central Park Zoo and spent a year popping up outside apartment and office windows in Manhattan, was in that category.

      Larry is too.

      I would like to appreciate him for as long as he sticks around, which I hope is many more years.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  7. Here is my take on this. If Larry kills birds this ahole could of put this online. Bird lovers who will say anything about Larry. I was watching tv and came upon Larry on Youtube. He was chasing a pidgeon. My guess is Larry might kill birds.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Do they complain about him too? The UK has a different “cat culture” than we do with most people allowing their cats outside access, so the “cats are responsible for exterminating every species” thing doesn’t have as much traction there.

      But I should also note that’s my impression from reading about the situation and talking to people, not any direct experience.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a comment