DOWNING Street’s official mouse catcher will be threatened by Sir Keir Starmer’s family cat when he moves into No10, an expert says.
Larry the Cat, 17, has called the Prime Minister’s office home for longer than any UK leader – proudly serving each Government as Chief Mouser.
And the much-loved puss has shared his home with several pet dogs over the years – most recently with Rishi Sunak’s fox red Labrador retriever Nova.
But, an expert has now claimed territorial Larry may struggle to welcome the newly elected Prime Minister‘s puss JoJo in.
The 17-year-old puss battled to get on with Foreign Office’s Chief Mouser Palmerston – who retired from his post in 2020.
Nicky Trevorrow, of Cats Protection, told MailOnline: “It’s natural for cats to feel threatened when a new cat comes along, as they’ll be protective of their territory and all the perks that come with it – like food, shelter and warmth.
“That’s why it’s important to take it really slowly, keep them in separate areas and get them used to each other’s scent before they actually see each other.
“When they’re familiar with another cat’s smell, it’ll make the face-to-face introduction much easier.”
Stray tabby cat Larry is 17 years old – which is around 84 in cat years.
He was adopted from Battersea back in February 2011, and was originally intended to be a pet for David Cameron’s young children.
But the moggy stayed on after Mr Cameron quit in 2016.
Describing the beloved pet, Downing Street’s website states: “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.”
During his 13 years at No10, Larry has seen five – soon to be six – different Prime Ministers move in with their families.
And he has met two Presidents – Donald Trump and Barack Obama.
Usually nervous around men, Larry took a shine to President Obama.
Mr Cameron recalled in an interview: “Funnily enough he liked Obama. Obama gave him a stroke and he was all right with Obama.
At 13 years he is No10’s longest incumbent – beating Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher.
Larry has had to share his home with several pet dogs over the years – most recently with Rishi Sunak’s fox red Labrador retriever Nova.
According to the PM’s wife Akshata Murty, Larry has had a few “heated exchanges” with Nova but always “come out on top”.
Over the years the feline has become No10’s most popular faces – and is followed by nearly 1million people on Twitter.
Fears were growing in Downing Street for the health of Larry the Cat in recent months.
No10’s much-loved chief mouser has been in poor health for some time.
Government officials have been working on an emergency communications plan to decide how to break the news to the nation when he does pass away.
It is expected the news will be announced in an official social media post.
A Westminster source said: “Larry is much loved not only in Downing Street but across the country.
“No one wants to think the worst, but unfortunately we must prepare for it.”
