Larry The Cat Back At Downing Street After Surgery, Sporting A New Scar

Veterinarians removed a cyst that was causing the legendary mouser some discomfort, but it did not appear related to any larger health issue.

Not even surgery can slow him down.

Larry the Cat, the long-serving chief mouser at No. 10 Downing St. in London, underwent an operation on Oct. 8 and was back in the UK’s seat of power the following day.

Veterinarians removed a cyst from the beloved feline, who has held his post for 15 years and is currently on his seventh prime minister. Citing “a Downing Street source,” The Telegraph reported Larry didn’t miss a beat.

“He is feline much better but taking things one paw at a time,” the source told The Telegraph’s Sapphire Hope. “We are grateful to the vets for their outstanding care.”

A striped cat sitting on a colorful patterned rug, looking towards the viewer.
Larry overseeing government operations in the prime minister’s office. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Cysts are pockets of tissue that are mostly benign but can cause pain and discomfort. There’s nothing to indicate the cyst removed from Larry was associated with any larger health problem, and he reportedly didn’t skip a beat when returned to his rightful place in the UK’s equivalent of the White House, returning immediately to his usual rounds, napping and treats.

A photo provided by No. 10 Downing St.’s Ben Perry (top image) shows a patch of shaved fur and Larry’s new scar. Perhaps it will make him more popular with the female mousers in nearby government offices.

At 19 years old, Larry has outlasted a record number of prime ministers since he was appointed to his position in 2011 during David Cameron’s tenure, but The Telegraph notes he’s not yet the longest-serving mouser. Peter III, a void kitty, served 17 years until his death on March 9, 1964. Peter oversaw the activities of five ministers prime, including Winston Churchill and Clement Attlee, and enjoyed a similar level of popularity with the adoring public and overseas admirers.

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