The British government has denied rumors about Downing Street cat Larry’s allegedly poor health, according to a report by British broadcaster ITV. The “Chief Mouser”, as the official title of the black and brown tabby cat with a white belly and front paws, is “happy and healthy”, a spokesman said upon request.
The 16-year-old cat has lived in the British Prime Minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street in London since 2011. Current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is the fifth head of government with whom Larry shares his home. Because photographers and TV cameras are almost constantly present on the street, which is shielded from the public, Larry can often be seen in press photos and on television, for example sitting in front of the heavy black door and being let in by police officers. Larry has long since become a crowd favorite.
Recently there had been rumors that the cat was not doing well. The Sun newspaper even reported that a plan was already being worked on to inform the nation of Larry’s death. But for now it doesn’t seem necessary.
