Politics · United Kingdom · 2 hrs ago
Larry the cat returns to Downing Street after cyst surgery
Larry has returned to work at 10 Downing Street after an emergency operation to remove a cyst.
The 19-year-old cat is the British government’s chief mouser, a role he has held since 2011.
He has served under seven prime ministers and is now in his 16th year at No.
10.
Larry is approaching the record held by Peter III, who lived at Downing Street from 1947 to 1964.
Only Peter III has served longer as chief mouser in British history.
On returning, Larry had a brief encounter with a guide dog, but neither animal was harmed.
Larry is two years short of the record, according to the account of his service.
The sources do not say what comes next for him beyond his return to his duties.
Larry the cat has returned to Downing Street after an emergency operation to remove a cyst.
The 19-year-old chief mouser was seen with a large scar and shaved fur outside No 10 this week.
On his return, Larry had a brief run-in with a guide dog, but neither animal was harmed.
Larry has served at Downing Street since 2011 and has been there under seven prime ministers.
- Who
- Larry, Downing Street’s chief mouser.
- What
- He returned to his duties after an emergency operation to remove a cyst.
- When
- This week; the article was published on 14 October 2026 BST.
- Where
- Downing Street, London.
- Why
- He had undergone surgery to remove a cyst.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Larry was headhunted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and appointed to Downing Street.
Larry underwent an operation to remove a cyst.
Larry returned to Downing Street and had a run-in with a guide dog; no harm was done.
- Age
- 19
- Surgery
- Operation to remove a cyst
- Appointment
- 2011
- Service
- 16th year as No 10’s resident prowler
- Prime ministers served under
- Seven
Related
Second wave of early prison releases begins in England and Wales
3 hrs ago · 3 sources
Burnham says Russia interfered in 2016 Brexit vote, but not successfully
8 hrs ago · 18 sources
Burnham seeks closer UK ties with EU at November summit
8 hrs ago · 7 sources
Burnham's push for closer EU ties faces warnings from Labour MPs
3 hrs ago · 2 sources
What people are saying
I told the dog that if you think my scar is bad, you should see the other guy…
the most miserable animal you'll ever meet in your life