World · Europe · 14 hrs ago
Downing Street cat Larry recovering after minor surgery
Larry, Downing Street’s chief mouser, had minor surgery and has returned to the British prime minister’s residence in London.
The government said the 19-year-old cat is recovering well, though he is taking things slowly.
His operation drew attention after people saw him with a scar on his side.
Larry has lived at Downing Street since 2011, after being adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home under then-prime minister David Cameron.
He has remained there through several changes of prime minister and is seen as a symbol of continuity.
The cat’s role is important to the residence, and Andy Burnham has kept his own dog, Axel, in northern England because the two animals might not get along.
Larry’s office thanked the veterinarians for their care.
He is back home and continuing his recovery, with no further updates given.
Larry, Downing Street’s official cat, is recovering after a minor operation, the UK prime minister’s office said.
The office said Larry had returned to Downing Street and was recovering well, but taking things cautiously.
Photos and videos showing a scar on his side had prompted concern on social media.
Larry has lived at Downing Street since 2011 and has served through several governments.
Reports differ on his arrival date: two say 15 February 2011, while one says 15 September 2011.
- Who
- Larry, Downing Street’s official cat, known as the Chief Mouser.
- What
- He underwent a minor operation and is recovering.
- When
- The prime minister’s office posted an update on October 9, 2026.
- Where
- Downing Street, London.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Reports give different dates for Larry’s arrival at Downing Street.
Larry appeared in an official photograph during Donald Trump’s visit and was later seen under the president’s armoured car.
Photos and videos showed Larry with a scar, prompting concern on social media.
The prime minister’s office posted that Larry had returned to Downing Street after an operation and was recovering well.
- Operation
- Minor surgery
- Update date
- October 9, 2026
- Residence
- Downing Street, London
- Official title
- Chief Mouser
- Arrival date
- February 15, 2011, according to two reports; September 15, 2011, according to another report
3 sources
«Larry the Cat» operato a Londra. Inglesi in apprensione, poi il comunicato del premier Burnham: «Ora sta bene»
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Gb, il gatto Larry di Downing Street sta meglio: l’intervento chirurgico e la cicatrice
What people are saying
Our Chief Mouser Larry is back at Downing Street following a minor operation, and is recovering well. He is feline much better but taking things one paw at a time. We are grateful to the vets for their outstanding care.
Posts on X
Our Chief Mouser Larry is back at Downing Street following a minor operation, and is recovering well. He is feline much better but taking things one paw at a time. We are grateful to the vets for their outstanding care.