Downing Street draws up plans to announce death of Larry the cat

Downing Street officials are reportedly planning how to announce the eventual passing of Larry, the No 10 chief mouser.

The 17-year-old tabby, while currently healthy, is in his twilight years.

Larry has become a fixture of Downing Street, known for his patrols of the grounds and occasional confrontations with local wildlife. His encounters with Palmerston, the Foreign Office cat, have often made headlines.

Liz Kendall MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions strokes Larry the cat

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Larry roams outside No 10

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But although Larry can count himself among the more popular residents of the street in recent years his demise will happen at some point and officials are now preparing.

In a similar manner to how insiders had a code for when the Queen passed away, there is set to be an official way that the cat’s death will be broken to the nation.

According to The Times, officials will say “Larry bridges” when the cat passes - a reference to ‘London Bridge is falling down’,  the code for when Elizabeth II died. 

Larry was bought from Battersea Cats Home in 2011, originally as a pet for the children of the then prime minister David Cameron. 

But the chief mouser has long outlasted the Conservative PM and all of his Tory successors, including Rishi Sunak, Theresa May and Boris Johnson. 

“Larry has been in residence since 15 February 2011, he is the first cat at Number 10 to be bestowed with the official title Chief Mouser,” the Cabinet Office website says.

“Larry was recruited from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on recommendation for his mousing skills. He joined the Number 10 household and has made a significant impact.”

It adds: “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’.”