Larry the Cat is the Official Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, and his brief is to mouse at 10 Downing Street. (There has been such a mouser since the days of Henry VIII!) Sadly, Larry was an ineffectual mouser, and his job (but not his title) has been usurped by Palmerston, a tuxedo cat who mouses well.
As if that humiliation weren’t enough, Larry has now returned to 10 Downing Street after an overnight scrap that seriously damaged his paw and apparently made him lose his collar. Here’s a picture of the injured moggie from the Torygraph piece. He can’t put weight on that front paw.
It’s not yet clear how Larry came a cropper, but it could be that he’s gotten into yet another scrap with Palmerston, perhaps motivated by jealousy. The Torygraph has reported on and given photos of Larry’s recurrent scraps with his rival:
Stay tuned for further updates:
h/t: Aaron
So why does Buckingham Palace use human mouse control experts?
(I learned this watching the marvelous stage play “The Audience” with Helen Mirren reprising HM E2 after playing her in the movie “The Queen” [by the same writer] but have confirmed it with Google.)
Why does Buckingham Palace HAVE mice??? I live in a veritable hovel, but even I don’t need a mouser (not that I don’t have four, just in case, but never mind that). The Royal Cat should not be expected to WORK, especially at a job rounding up rodents. I mean, really!
Because the corgies don’t have any cows to worry, and so would disturb the work of diligent feline rodent controllers.
I don’t know why people care about Larry’s mousing ability. He is, after all, the “Chief Mouser” – all he has to do is supervise.
(Apparently he has some disgruntled employees.)
To Larry from Tigger, We look a lot alike, don’t we? Like you, I have a tendency to get into battle with neighborhood cats that wander into my turf ( and try to steal my food!). I’ve had some pretty serious injuries too, but save for a split ear, I’ve recovered nicely. Like you, my job was to rid the property of mice and gophers. I think I do a great job, but the humans may disagree😸 So far, I haven’t been replaced. Best wishes for a speedy recovery! Meow, Tigger Sent from my iPad
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Man, British politics are TOUGH!
+ 1
I have had many cats and none were any good at catching house mice. In fact, they would bring in field mice from outside, which then quickly became indoor house mice.
My outdoor cat (lives in the garage) is a very good mouser. He learned from his mother who was excellent. Tends to bring the kill into the garage which gets a little messy.
You may be witnessing a new step in cat evolution. Your cats seem to attempt domestication and husbandry of mice.
Cats. Mice. They’ve conned us again.
Poor Larry—Every time I hear of a cat getting hurt of injured I freak out and call Alice, my Cat, my sole companion, my only friend, into our disheveled old travel trailer. I pet her, check her out to make sure she’s OK, give her a treat, and seek comfort from her that we’re both still alive and making it—than if everything seems normal—she goes back out side to catch another lizard or bug or whatever, and I return to my keyboard—and time and old age roll on by. I don’t know when I’m going or where Alice is at the moment, but I sure hope Larry is alright and his paw recovers quickly. I salute you Larry, in all your struggles and endeavors. Live Long and Prosper kitty cat.
My money’s on Palmerstonas. As for Mrs Windsors hovel, she can’t have Cats with those Corgis running around the place, like all little Terriers, theres a Rottie in there trying to get out, and I’m afraid the Cats wouldn’t have a very good time.
How do we know Larry was defeated? Has anyone seen Palmerston lately? He might have come off worse!
I remember that I first read about this conflict in a comment of yours. I guess that, as a British, you are well informed about the Larry saga – please report when there is a new development!