Friday, 9 October 2026

Larry Recovering From Operation

Good News for Larry the Number 10 Cat: Cyst Removed and Back on His Paws!

There is good news for cat lovers across the country, as Larry, the much-loved Downing Street cat, is recovering after undergoing an operation to have a cyst removed.

The famous feline, who has called 10 Downing Street home since 2011, recently caused concern after being spotted in a cat carrier earlier this week. Thankfully, the latest reports bring reassuring news about his condition.

Larry Has Had His Cyst Removed

At 19 years old, Larry is a familiar and much-loved presence at the heart of British politics. Earlier this week, he underwent a minor operation to remove a cyst, prompting concern among those who have followed his adventures over the years.

Following the procedure, Larry was seen with some shaved fur and a noticeable scar on his midsection. Although it must have been an uncomfortable experience for the elderly cat, reports from Downing Street indicate that he is doing well.

Back on Patrol at Number 10

The best news of all is that Larry is already back roaming the corridors of Downing Street!

According to a source quoted by LBC, Larry is recovering well and is already back exploring his familiar surroundings. His return will undoubtedly be a relief to the many people who have grown fond of the independent-minded cat over the years.

While he may need a little time to recover fully, it is encouraging to hear that he is up and about following his operation.

A Much-Loved Feline with an Extraordinary Career

Larry arrived at Number 10 in February 2011 after being adopted from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. Since then, he has become a national favourite, serving as the government's Chief Mouser through years of political change.

Now 19, Larry has earned his place in the nation's heart. Politicians may come and go, but Larry has remained a reassuring and familiar face outside Britain's most famous front door.

Wishing Larry a Speedy Recovery

It is wonderful to hear that Larry's cyst has been removed and that he is reportedly on the mend. At his age, his health and comfort are especially important, and we hope he gets all the rest and care he needs while recovering.

For now, it sounds as though Number 10's most famous feline is back where he belongs — keeping an eye on his surroundings and reminding everyone that, even in the busy world of politics, a much-loved cat can brighten the day.

Get well soon, Larry! The nation is rooting for you.

Saturday, 22 August 2026

Fake Report of The Death of Larry The Cat

Larry the Cat Is Alive: How a False Death Report Spread on X and Why Verification Matters

On the evening of Friday, 21 August 2026, a wave of concern swept across X (formerly Twitter) after the account Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) posted that Larry the Cat, the famous Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office at 10 Downing Street, had died.

Larry, a tabby adopted from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 2011 under David Cameron, has become a beloved fixture of British public life. He has outlasted multiple prime ministers and built a large following for his (unofficial) witty commentary and status as a national symbol of continuity. News of his supposed death therefore hit hard. Many users expressed genuine sadness and anxiety. Fans posted messages of mourning, shared memories, and reacted with visible distress at the thought of losing the long-serving Downing Street resident.

Relief arrived quickly. Politics UK soon issued a correction: “Earlier tonight, we posted that Larry the Cat had died. We can confirm this is not the case. Our post was based on false information from a reliable source that had been hacked. Larry is still alive and well!” The account’s own post acknowledging the error attracted tens of thousands of engagements as the clarification spread.

Larry’s unofficial account (@Number10cat) responded in classic style, quoting the famous Mark Twain line: “Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated...” The post was widely shared and celebrated, turning collective worry into collective relief and humour.

How the fake news arose and how it was exposed

According to Politics UK, the original claim came from what they regarded as a trustworthy source. That source’s account had been compromised (hacked), and the false information was then passed on and published without sufficient independent verification. Once the error became clear, through further checks, contact with people close to the situation, and the absence of any official confirmation, the outlet publicly retracted the story the same evening. Larry’s own account and subsequent media reporting sealed the matter: the cat remains alive and well at No. 10.

The episode illustrates a familiar modern problem. A single unverified claim, especially about a high-profile and much-loved figure, can travel far and fast on social media before corrections catch up. In this case the damage was limited because the retraction came within hours, but the emotional impact on followers was real.

A basic rule of responsible reporting

Stories should always rest on at least two independent sources and be properly checked before publication. Relying on a single channel, even one previously considered reliable, carries clear risks, particularly when accounts can be compromised. Cross-checking with official channels, people with direct knowledge, or additional independent reporting remains essential. In an environment where false information can spread in minutes, that discipline protects both the public and the credibility of those who publish.

Larry the Cat continues his duties as Chief Mouser. The brief scare of 21 August serves as a reminder that even popular, seemingly light stories demand the same standards of verification as harder news. Reports of his death were, indeed, greatly exaggerated.

Monday, 17 August 2026

Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day

Black Cat Appreciation Day is observed every year on August 17 (including today in 2026).

It was founded in 2011 by Wayne H. Morris to honour his sister June and her beloved 20-year-old black cat, Sinbad. Both passed away that year (Sinbad first, followed about two months later by June on or around August 17). Morris chose the date to commemorate their bond and to challenge the negative superstitions he had personally encountered, his father had initially resisted bringing Sinbad into the house because of beliefs that black cats bring bad luck.

Why it started and its main objectives

The day was created primarily to:

Combat longstanding myths and superstitions that portray black cats as omens of bad luck, associates of witches, or symbols of misfortune (beliefs with roots in medieval Europe and earlier folklore, though other cultures have viewed them positively as bringers of good luck or protection).
Celebrate black cats for their sleek beauty, affectionate personalities, playfulness, and unique qualities rather than their colour.
Encourage adoption of black cats, who are often overlooked in shelters (sometimes called “black cat syndrome”). Studies and shelter reports indicate they can take longer to be adopted than cats of other colours, increasing their risk of longer stays or euthanasia.

Morris promoted the day through social media (notably a Facebook event), and it grew with support from organisations such as Rikki’s Refuge Animal Sanctuary. It has since become a recognised annual observance focused on awareness, appreciation, and practical help for black cats in need of homes.

Note: This is distinct from the UK’s National Black Cat Day (October 27), which has a similar goal of promoting adoption of black and black-and-white cats.

People mark the day by sharing photos of black cats (often with #BlackCatAppreciationDay), giving extra treats or affection to their own cats, supporting shelters, volunteering, or adopting a black cat.