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    Cat at Number 10 Downing Street embroiled in mouse-related scandal

    Larry the Cat, No. 10 Downing Street--for now (AFP/Getty)

    British Prime Minister David Cameron is resisting some calls for the resignation of 10 Downing Street's official mouse catcher Larry, in the wake of the scandalous recent appearance of an uninvited mouse at a recent official government dinner.

    Downing Street brought on the 4-year-old Larry last year to help combat a growing rodent problem after TV broadcast cameras caught the image of a "large rat" promenading through the seat of British government.

    Like many a professional spinmeister, a spokesman for Cameron's  government stressed past performance over present-day scandal-mongering. Larry has caught three mice since his services were first employed in February, the spokesman said, and reiterated that he would not be relinquishing his post. The Cameron spokesman also gamely tried to change the subject, noting that "Larry brings a lot of pleasure to a lot of people."

    Larry is a rescue cat from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, and reputedly acquired a "strong predatory drive" from his time living on the streets. According to the BBC, Larry is not taxpayer-funded, his expenses were covered by the prime minister's staff out of their own pockets—at least until a recent fundraising event was held in Larry's honor.

    In addition to his hunting duties, Larry has been a bit of a diplomat, continuing the tradition of strong ties between the UK and America. Although Cameron said Larry is "not very keen on men," he apparently made an exception this past May when, "he was happy to be stroked by US President Barack Obama."

     
    • Joseph Gill  •  Shakopee, United States  •  6 mths ago
      Hey, at least its not about the Kardashians...
    • Penelope  •  Los Angeles, United States  •  6 mths ago
      How refreshing. Something humerous in the news for a change. Keep it up Larry the cat.
      • becca T 6 mths ago
        I agree.LOL Thanx for the chuckel Larry.
      • Corky 6 mths ago
        For once the news brought a smirk to my face. It is awsome to see something uplifting instead of GOP this or Kardashians that and so forth.
    • VickiS  •  Minneapolis, United States  •  6 mths ago
      Rats are tough customers for cats and can hurt them. Let Larry stick to mice and get a terrier for the rats. Problem solved!
      • Kitty 6 mths ago
        Then Larry would have a buddy!
      • Val 6 mths ago
        Larry is confused...He allow the biggest US rat into his domain.
      • ScottD 6 mths ago
        Too easy Val. Let B.O. do himself.
    • x x  •  6 mths ago
      He's cuter than most of the other government officials I've seen.
      • TarheelTony 6 mths ago
        and has better teeth than most British officials
      • JanPre 6 mths ago
        I have to say this made my day! Go Larry!
    • dudtu  •  6 mths ago
      a large rat promenading through parliament...... so whats new?
      • SteveS 6 mths ago
        Er...that's not exactly what the story said. Otherwise, good point!
      • Stan 6 mths ago
        You talking rats or MPs? :-)
      • PJai 6 mths ago
        Actually Steve...the rat was part of the story...read it all...don't just look at the cute pictures...
    • Rum Paulanus  •  6 mths ago
      Maybe Larry and the mouse have a peace agreement. Or, is this a corrupt cat?
    • space  •  6 mths ago
      Cats are worth their weight in gold; ours scared a prowler away from my daughters room window late one night.
    • Zero X.  •  Fort Collins, United States  •  6 mths ago
      That's a government official I can support.
    • SillyKittyVideos.com  •  Santa Monica, United States  •  5 mths ago
      Such a fancy cat..
    • SillyKittyVideos.com  •  Santa Monica, United States  •  5 mths ago
      A cat scandal.. Outrageous!
    • Imus  •  Chicago, United States  •  6 mths ago
      Cute lil kitty.
    • MR PECK  •  6 mths ago
      I came in one afternoon and my cat was sit on top of the fridge. He sat there all evening, never moving, and late that night I heard a thump and a scuffling on the floor. I turned on the light and he was sitting there with the mouse in his mouth. He must have sat on top of that fridge for a good 8 hours. :)
    • The longest display name ...  •  6 mths ago
      The Mice Union have been paying Larry under the table. The dog knew this but nobody would listen to him.
    • Don  •  Doylestown, United States  •  6 mths ago
      I wouldn't go chase a mouse with that stupid bow around my neck either.
    • wadudem  •  6 mths ago
      Maybe he's on strike until they take that silly looking ribbon off his neck. Very demeaning for a proud cat.
    • james  •  6 mths ago
      If people would only take a chill pill once in a while and not complain about everything.
    • Howie  •  Poway, United States  •  6 mths ago
      Three mice since February? They need Leo. Leo has killed at least one rat or mouse a night for two years at my place. He is a real live serial killer.
    • hammerdown  •  Georgetown, United States  •  6 mths ago
      How come we have Tuna flavored cat food, beef cat food, chicken cat food, but no Mouse flavored cat food?
    • baron  •  6 mths ago
      Larry probably mistook the rat for another politician!
    • Bonnie  •  6 mths ago
      A cat hater probably brought it in on purpose to get ride of him...........THE CAT STAYS
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