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.

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.

Larry Remains In The Cabinet

 

Larry Has Outlasted 6 Prime Ministers!

  

David Cameron (2010–2016)

Theresa May (2016–2019)

Boris Johnson (2019–2022)

Liz Truss (2022)

Rishi Sunak (2022–2024)

Keir Starmer (2024–2026)

15 Glorious Years at Number 10

 

Reshuffle Latest

 

Larry Celebrates 13 Years at Number 10

 

Happy Gotcha Day to @Number10cat, adopted on this day in 2011 from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and appointed Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street. Since then he’s outlasted four prime ministers, proving who the real boss is. #12YearsOfLarry pic.twitter.com/MTCQ1LOV8G

— Xenia Karayiannis (@_XeniaKara_) February 15, 2024

Larry is Alive and Well

@Number10cat stole the news again…. pic.twitter.com/NtuF8fNvbS

— Richard Gordon (@RichardWGordon) September 24, 2023

 

Contrary to what the media would have you believe, Larry is alive and well!

Larry Doing His Job

 

Larry .@No10Cat hard at work at his mousing duties! .@Alamy_Editorial #downingstreet pic.twitter.com/KYiDIu7FlD

— Ian Davidson (@ianandmj) June 27, 2023

Larry Celebrates 12 Years at Number 10

 

Best paws forward today we will be celebrating Larry the Cat being at Number 10 for 12 years - ALL HAIL LARRY THE CAT xxx #number10cat #catsoftwitter #catsontwitter 🐾🐾🐾🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🐾🐾🐾 pic.twitter.com/RH3M0MROgQ

— Elizabeth Radcliffe and Boots the Cat (@ElizabethRadcl5) February 15, 2023

Larry Inspects The Number 10 Christmas Tree

 

Its beginning to look a lot like Larry-mas pic.twitter.com/Wpvu1rWCX4

— Justin Ng (@justin_ng) November 25, 2022

Larry Takes Charge

 

The Reshuffle Continues - Except for One Post

 

Power Play at Number 10

 

Dilyn Nicking Larry's Food

 

The Prime Minister's dog (Dilyn) has allegedly has been caught sneaking into the room where fellow pet Larry the cat’s food bowl is kept – and gobbling up the contents.  

A Downing Street insider has now said Dilyn has been seen eating Larry’s food several times – although his behaviour is thought to have improved recently. However, a Government source insisted the allegations were ‘totally untrue’.

Larry's Lockdown Paunch

 

The Mirror reports that Larry has been to the vets for a check up, and has been found to have put on 0.5kg during lockdown.

As such, Number 10 staff have been told to cut down on treats for14 year old  Larry. 

A memo sent to No10 staff warned: 

“Larry…has put on 0.5kg in lockdown so likely too many Dreamies. Please can we reduce these?”

Seemingly Larry was “noisy in the car, but remained dignified once in the vets - even whilst having his temperature taken in a place he wasn’t expecting.”

The memo noted that upon his return from the vets, Larry immediately went to “flirt” with the press - who did not notice a small shaved area on his neck where blood tests had been taken.

Larry’s heart, lungs and body are sound and there was no sign of heart, kidney or liver disease.

However, vets said his remaining teeth will have to come out soon.

 

Happy 10th Anniversary Larry - The Number 10 Cat

 

I arrived in Downing Street exactly 10 years ago today. It’s felt like my housemates have been intent on making a mess of things since then, but hopefully I’ve provided some stability. Time to get to work on the second decade!#Larryversary

— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) February 15, 2021

The key thing to remember is that I live here permanently, the politicians just lodge with me for a bit until they’re fired. They all work out sooner or later that it’s me that runs the place... #Larryversary pic.twitter.com/5QJhZrrE5D

— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) February 15, 2021

How it started How it’s going#Larryversary
(Pic @JeffOvers) pic.twitter.com/bhcPUDsgpX

— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) February 15, 2021

I know how much you love seeing pictures of me - so please thank@justin_ng@PoliticalPics@imageplotter@PjrFoto
and all the other brilliant and dedicated photographers that share their pictures of me on here #Larryversary pic.twitter.com/vo1P8jKfl9

— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) February 15, 2021

Larry at Home in Number 10

PM leaving No 10 for #PMQs https://t.co/o5l0tdFRKa pic.twitter.com/VzxKsEopR7

— John Rentoul (@JohnRentoul) January 27, 2021

 

Larry at Number 10 - The Book

 

The Londoner reports that Larry the Downing Street cat is to be immortalised in children’s picture-book form. 

The mouse-hunting moggy will star in Larry at Number 10 by Elizabeth Radcliffe, who tells us she’s been “a really big fan of Larry for a long time — he’s got such personality. When Dilyn [the No 10 dog] came on the scene I had an idea for the story... Larry gets his whiskers put out of joint.” The book, which is planned for later this year, will reveal all.

Larry and Justin Ng

 

VIDEO: 🇬🇧 For #InternationalCatDay on Saturday photographer Justin Ng explains his obsession with Larry, the beloved Downing Street cat who has been a permanent fixture of the British Prime Minister's residence since 2011 pic.twitter.com/LPcER4TS57

— AFP Entertainment (@AFPceleb) August 7, 2020