In the 1990s John Major’s cat Humphrey became a bit of a celebrity: A police officer strokes Humphrey [14] In April Larry's ability to be a good mouser was again questioned. El gato Larry de Downing Street provoca un «problema de seguridad nacional” al refugiarse debajo de la limusina de Trump. Larry was the first cat to hold the rat-catching portfolio since stalwart ratter Humphrey was retired in 1997. There is evidence of a cat in residence in the English government dating back to the reign of Henry VIII,[2] when Cardinal Thomas Wolsey placed his cat by his side while acting in his judicial capacity as Lord Chancellor. Reuters, Sep 2007: No. Banham at the Treasury authorised the Office Keeper "to spend 1d[a] a day from petty cash towards the maintenance of an efficient cat". Downing Street's pet cat stalked and then pounced on a pigeon but the bird escaped Larry's claws and flew away as journalists watched on. [19] The London Evening Standard reported that the cat had been selected by David Cameron and his family, from those at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. Though other cats have served Downing Street, the first one to be given the official title of Chief Mouser by HM Government is Larryin 2011. London, UK. [15] Just a week later Palmerston made his first kill, a mouse. A month later Larry's importance to the UK was compared favourably to a team of dolphins being trained by the Russian Navy. Now, the mouser costs 100 GBP (about $140) a year for keep. David Cameron has said that Larry is a "bit nervous" around men, speculating that, since Larry was a rescue cat, this may be due to negative experiences in his past. The British government voluntarily employees and feeds 100,000 cats to keep down mice on government property. Palmerston, the Foreign Office cat, is to step down after four years. [17], In June 2016 it was reported that Larry is undecided about the Brexit decision. The Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office is the title of the official resident cat of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom at 10 Downing Street. Larry, the Downing Street cat, gets in the royal wedding spirit in a Union flag bow-tie before the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Larry, officially the "Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office", has been in residence in Downing Street since 2011. Maine Coon Kittens Cats And Kittens Crazy Cat Lady Crazy Cats Office Cat Three Cats David Cameron Cat … Other cats have been given this title as a nickname, usually by the British press.There has been a Downing Street cat mouser and pet since the reign of Henry VIII. 10 has its first cat since Humphrey", "Darling's cat Sybil dies after a short illness", "Farewell to the original New Labour cat", "Another rat spotted on steps of Number 10", "Larry the tabby lands No10 job as rat catcher", "George Osborne's family cat Freya sent away from Downing Street to Kent", "Larry the cat joins David Cameron in Downing Street", "Morning press briefing from 11 September 2007", "Downing Street Cats Sybil, Humphrey and Wilberforce", Official Chief Mouser Page at 10 Downing Street Web Site, Second Lord of the Treasury (Chancellor of the Exchequer), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chief_Mouser_to_the_Cabinet_Office&oldid=998101051, Pages containing links to subscription-only content, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, No set length; ends on retirement or death, This page was last edited on 3 January 2021, at 20:41. It was reported that Sybil did not like living in London. [7] The cats do not necessarily belong to the Prime Minister in residence and it is rare for the Chief Mouser's term of office to coincide with that of a Prime Minister. [13] By being chosen Chief Mouser, of course, Larry (and Freya) became quite pampered cats, living in royal luxury. He served for eighteen years under Edward Heath, Harold Wilson, Jim Callaghan, and Margaret Thatcher. After being caught fighting with the chancellor's cat, we look at the important role Larry plays in Downing Street. I’m in charge now.” [12] In November 2014, George Osborne's cat Freya was removed from Downing Street leaving Larry as the Chief Mouser. Larry, the current mouser at Downing Street. Larry, 12, declared: “Don’t worry, Britain. He put in place Chancellor George Osborne's tabby cat, Freya, as the new Chief Mouser to patrol Numbers 10, 11, and 12. Foreign Office cat Palmerston retires to countryside. Downing Street cats Larry and Palmerston have had their "most brutal fight yet" according to a political photographer who is urging Downing Street to "take responsibility" for the spats. [b] By the 21st century, the mouser was costing £100 per annum. 23rd July, 2018. ", "Ten years after the Humphrey hoo-ha, a cat returns to Downing Street", "Morning press briefing from 11 September 2007", "Downing Street Cats Sybil, Humphrey and Wilberforce", Official Chief Mouser Page at 10 Downing Street Web Site, Laura Kuenssberg@bbclaurak; Political Editor, BBC with video of meowing match between Larry and with Palmerston, the Foreign Office's cat, https://simple.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chief_Mouser_to_the_Cabinet_Office&oldid=7281330, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License, No set length; ends on retirement or death. Sybil was owned by the then Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling, who lived in 10 Downing Street while the then Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, lived in the larger 11 Downing Street. There has been a resident cat in the English government employed as a mouser and pet since the 1500s, although modern records date only to the 1920s. [18] On 14 February 2011, it was reported that a cat called "Larry" had been brought in to address the problem. Before being cared for at Battersea, Larry was a stray and was used to “fending for himself on the streets”, a Downing Street spokesman previously said. The Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office is the title of the official resident cat of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom at 10 Downing Street. Other cats have been given this title affectionately, usually by the British press. Other cats have been given this title affectionately, usually by the British pr… So Downing Street was catless again and seemed likely to remain so, even after a change of government in 2010. These come from the Treasury and state the cost for taking care of the cat. (Credit: James Glossop – WPA Pool/Getty Images) The tradition of Downing Street cats dates back to the 1800s, according to the U.K.'s National Archive. [19], Chief Mousers in the past have overlapped, or been phased in – though the position can and has remained vacant for extended periods of time. The Trump family made it clear they won’t go without a fight – even if that means a ridiculous one. A police officer guarding the … [8], When Theresa May became new Prime Minister in July 2016, Cabinet Office staff said that Larry would still live at Downing Street and would be Chief Mouser under the new Prime Minister. His chief function was to catch mice, in which role he excelled at, he was the successor to Petra. Other cats have been given this title as a nickname, usually by the British press.There has been a Downing Street cat mouser and pet since the reign of Henry VIII. France promises to accelerate vaccination rollout amid criticism. Cameron mentioned that Barack Obama is an apparent exception to this fear: he said, "Funnily enough he liked Obama. Downing Street was visited and filmed in June 2012, and by chance No 10's cat-in-residence was snoozing outside the door at the time (above right). The Government's most senior spin doctors yesterday organised a photocall to deny reports that Cherie Blair had ordered Humphrey, the Downing Street cat, put down because he had a kidney complaint. The cat works at 10 Downing Street. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. He's one of the most famous mousers around and has spent years at Downing St Though other cats have served Downing Street, the first one to be given the official title of Chief Mouser by HM Government is Larry in 2011. Cats of Downing Street - Chief mousers! Coming from Battersea Cats and Dogs Home, Larry arrived at the famous address back in 2011 when Downing Street staff chose him as a pet for the Cameron family. Police have launched an inquiry after Larry the cat mysteriously disappeared from Downing Street. [5] The Prime Minister's office first said there were "no plans" for a cat to be brought in. May 22, 2019 - Explore Rachell Dobash's board "Downing Street has a Cat" on Pinterest. The media had gathered in the early hours outside the UK Prime Minister's home expecting a news conference just seven days before the UK turns its back on the EU's single market and customs union on December 31st. Sybil links. Larry the Downing Street cat attempts to catch a pigeon outside Number 10. 1922. [6] In April 1932, the weekly allowance was increased to 1s 6d. Palmerston, the Foreign Office cat, is to step down after four years. He was famous for two things: his fights with Larry, the Downing Street cat, and being more popular than his boss. On 14 February 2011, it was reported that a cat named "Larry" had been brought in to get rid of the rodents. Only three cats, Humphrey, Sybil and Larry, have been given the title officially. [16], During President Obama's April visit to the UK, Larry got much coverage in American social media and news reports. Palmerston is the … [3] Official records, however, released into the public domain on 4 January 2005 as part of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 only date back to 3 June 1929,[4][5] when A.E. David Cameron has welcomed a cat to Downing Street in an effort to deal with No 10's rat problem. Ford concludes that partisanship shapes reactions to everything a politician does, however trivial, similar to the halo effect (and a reverse "forked tail effect") observed by psychologists. [1][12] The departure of the previous incumbent, Sybil, was in January 2009. See more ideas about cats, beautiful cats, cats and kittens. The Tiger in the House", "Cats that left a mark in the corridors of power", "Wilberforce the Cat, Mouser to 4 British Leaders, Dead at 15", "The new PM's first job: Impress the cat", "Larry, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office", "No. Cats have long been in place at Downing Street, sitting in and purring throughout important political discussions, brushing ankles with royalty. There has been a resident cat in the English government employed as a mouser and pet since the 1500s, although modern records date only to the 1920s. The u/Downing_Street_Cat community on Reddit. Some other government buildings near Downing Street are also home to mousers, who patrol the historic halls for rats. THIS is the hilarious moment Larry the Downing Street cat photobombed the news as he demanded to be let in to No10. The London Evening Standard reported that the brown and white tabby cat had been chosen by David Cameron and his family, from those at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. Official records about these working cats only date back to 3 June 1929. Sybil died on 27 July 2009. The Independent. Larry the No 10 cat catches a mouse in his claws only to let it run free. [15][16], In January 2011, rats were seen in Downing Street, "scurrying across the steps of Number 10 Downing Street for the second time during a TV news report," according to ITN. Cats are everywhere. In 2004 a study was done showing that voters' perceptions of the Chief Mouser were not completely above partisanship. [13][14] It was reported that Sybil did not stay in London, and was returned to Scotland to live with a friend of the Darlings. The Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office is the official cat of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.The cat works at 10 Downing Street.Only three cats, Humphrey, Sybil and Larry, have been given the title officially. Larry the Downing Street Cat, always a favourite of camera crews awaiting news outside the home of the British prime minister, found himself captivating the world's media on … LONDON (Reuters) - Larry the Downing Street Cat, always a favourite of camera crews awaiting news outside the home of the British prime minister, found himself captivating the … [18], From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, "Larry, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office", "More questions over how No 10 handled the kitty", "Another rat spotted on steps of Number 10", "Larry the tabby lands No10 job as rat catcher", "A paw performance! Only rarely do they serve for exactly the same time as a Prime Minister.The cat with the longest known time at Downing Street is Wilberforce. Downing Street cats Larry and Palmerston observe each other on the hottest day of the year. Sources described him at the time as a “good ratter” with a “high chase-drive and hunting instinct”. The incumbent is Larry, since 15 February 2011. [20], Robert Ford, a political scientist at the University of Manchester, reported on a YouGov survey on partisan reactions to the Downing Street cats. She went back to Scotland to live with a friend of the Darlings until she died. Obama gave him a stroke and he was all right with Obama." By Justin Parkinson BBC News. Reddit gives you the best of the internet in one place. Perhaps the most famous of the three, tabby Larry the Cat, who has a new owner in Downing Street, is now frequently pictured stretched out in front of No 10. The Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office is the official cat of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.The cat works at 10 Downing Street.Only three cats, Humphrey, Sybil and Larry, have been given the title officially. Sybil was owned by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling, who lived in 10 Downing Street. Adorable Larry, who has become a global star, was last seen moments before Dominic Cummings left his post in Downing Street, clutching a large box. [9][10], The post has been held by Larry since 2011,[11] the first to be given the title officially. Larry's birthday was celebrated on 15 February 2016. The new prime minister, however, will be assuming stewardship of Larry, 10 Downing Street’s resident cat. [7] In November 2014 Freya was exiled from Downing Street, again leaving Larry as the Chief Mouser. [8] The cat with the longest known tenure at Downing Street is Wilberforce, who served under four different Prime Ministers: Edward Heath, Harold Wilson, Jim Callaghan, and Margaret Thatcher. 24 December 2020, 12:53 am. Another PR disaster for Downing Street! Whether he gets to keep living at 10 Downing Street, he will still get his daily dinner. Larry the Downing Street cat is sacked as Number 10's chief mouse catcher after chillaxing too much on the job", "George Osborne's family cat Freya sent away from Downing Street to Kent", "Larry the cat will not be evicted from No 10, Cabinet Office confirms", "David Cameron's worst lie is finally revealed: Larry the cat", "David Cameron: I do love Larry the cat and I can prove it", "David Cameron: The surprising description of him that he 'hated, "Russia's military dolphins and other animals with important jobs", "Palmerston the cat arrives for work at the Foreign Office", "Palmerston the cat makes first catch after being recruited as 'chief mouser' at Foreign Office - Daily Mail Online", "Larry the Cat stole centre stage with the US media following Barack Obama's visit", "A Question About Brexit: Does 10 Downing Street Get to Keep Larry the Cat? Sybil, who began her tenure on 11 September 2007, was the first mouser for ten years following the retirement of her predecessor Humphrey in 1997. It’s the same with history. After the Supreme Court ruled Prime Minister Boris Johnson had acted illegally and lied to the Queen, Larry wanted to calm the nation’s fears. BBC News, Sep 2007: No 10 gets new feline first lady. Apr 13, 2020 - Explore Veronica M's board "Downing Street Cat" on Pinterest. A 'blue plaque' It's emerged that, following the choice of Larry to be the new Downing Street cat in early 2011, the Battersea Cats and Dogs Home, from where he came, mounted a blue plaque beside the pen he had occupied. 10 Downing Street has its first cat since Humphrey. ... — Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) June 4, 2019. Larry the Downing Street cat has again reassured Britain that he is now running the country. So a new neighbour, Palmerston the cat, moved into the Foreign Office. Elizabeth IiPrincess ElizabethQueen And Prince PhillipPrince PhilipQueen MaryQueen MotherKing George IvJorge ViQueen Of England HM King George VI of Great Britain (1895=1952) with his messenger dog [6], In September 2012, it was reported that Prime Minister David Cameron had dismissed Larry from the post of Chief Mouser. There has been a Downing Street cat mouser and pet since the reign of Henry VIII.[3]. The four-year old tabby, called Larry, was at London's Battersea Dogs and Cats … 24/12/2020. Larry the Downing Street Cat, always a favourite of camera crews awaiting news outside the home of the British prime minister, found himself captivating the world's media on Monday as they waited in vain in for a Brexit breakthrough. [10] During David Cameron's final Prime Minister's Questions on 13 July 2016, the Prime Minister said to the House that Larry's role as Chief Mouser was secure even after the change of premier. Cameron also showed photos that prove he loves Larry. He has served as “Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office” at 10 Downing Street since 2011, from the age of 4. Participants in the survey were shown a picture of Humphrey, the Chief Mouser appointed by Margaret Thatcher, and told that he was either Thatcher's cat or Tony Blair's cat. I ended up buying the 12.9inch and an Apple Pencil - looking forward to see what I can do with this! Downing_Street_Cat 5 points 6 points 7 points 3 years ago Thanks for all your comments guys! Larry the cat on Thursday entertained bored journalists waiting outside 10 Downing Street in London for an expected announcement from British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on a Brexit deal. He was famous for two things: his fights with Larry, the Downing Street cat, and being more popular than his boss. Palmerston, a black-and-white cat also adopted from Battersea, occupies the Foreign Office and has occasionally wandered from his post to Larry’s. The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, lived in the larger 11 Downing Street. Few will be enjoying the rain in London today, let alone Downing Street's chief mouser Larry the Cat. Larry, a four-year-old tabby, has been brought in to the residence to clean up a gang of dirty r [1][2] Other cats have been given this title as a nickname, usually by the British press. She began in September 2007 and left in January 2009. A tabby cat named Larry looks out a window at number 10 Downing Street in London, February 15, 2011. [9] However, The Daily Telegraph says maybe Cameron does not really like Larry. The Cat and the Law. Downing Street cat in near-miss with pigeon. Latest stories. Buy A Day in the Life of Humphrey the Downing Street Cat by Brawn, David (ISBN: 9780004710006) from Amazon's Book Store. [21], Office held by a cat at 10 Downing Street, Partisanship study involving the Chief Mouser, "More questions over how No 10 handled the kitty", "Chapter Six. Some sources said the two cats would be "job sharing" to avoid any hurt feelings. Wilberforce was a cat who lived at 10 Downing Street between 1973 and 1987 and served under four British Prime Ministers: Edward Heath, Harold Wilson, Jim Callaghan and Margaret Thatcher. Larry, Chief Mouser to 10 Downing Street, and Palmerston, his Foreign and Commonwealth Office equivalent, have been known to square up and fight on … Larry is the only Chief Mouser listed on the official web site for Number 10. Though cats have been a part of the government since Henry the VII, Larry became the first one to be given a title. A DUCKLING dangles from the jaws of the Foreign Office’s fierce resident cat in front of No 10 Downing Street. See more ideas about Cats, Beautiful cats, Feline. [4], In January 2011, rats were seen in Downing Street, "scurrying across the steps of Number 10 Downing Street for the second time during a TV news report,", as reported by Independent Television News . The Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office is the official cat of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The cats do not always belong to the Prime Minister in residence. Van Vechten, Carl. Literally! Downing Street cat Larry in tussle with pigeon as UK awaits Brexit deal David Bentley. This page was last changed on 17 January 2021, at 19:13. Affinity for the cat divided along partisan lines: Conservative voters liked the cat far more when they were told he was Thatcher's and Labour voters liked the cat far more when they were told he was Blair's. Any story in the news, there’s a cat. Larry has been working in the Number 10 Downing Street … [17] There being no incumbent Chief Mouser at that time, the Prime Minister's spokesman said there were "no plans" for a cat to be brought in to tackle the problem;[18] however, the following day, newspapers reported that the spokesman had said there was a "pro-cat faction" within Downing Street, leading to speculation that a replacement might indeed be brought in to deal with the problem. uid name status location startdate enddate source twitterhandle; 0: Larry: Active: 10 Downing Street: 2011-02-11: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_(cat) @Number10cat The last cat Sybil, was the first mouser after a ten-year gap. Probably one of the most famous pets in politics, Larry the Downing Street Cat is a stalwart of Number 10. Downing Street staff chose Larry from among the cats at the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. He spoke of his "sadness" that he cannot take Larry with him.[11][12]. 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