Larry the cat boosting cat adoption rates, claims Battersea

Friday, 17th February 2012

Larry, the chief mouser at number 10 Downing Street, is encouraging people to adopt cats to take them home and fill them up with cat food.

The short-haired tabby was adopted by prime minister David Cameron from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to take on the role as 'chief mouser'.

He celebrated his year anniversary at no 10 on February 15th, with the establishment releasing images of Larry with balloons and 'practicing his dance moves'.

As well as being the most popular cat in Britain, Larry has encouraged other people to adopt their own cats.

Battersea saw a 15 per cent rise in the number of people adopting cats last year, with over 2,500 felines finding new homes complete with cat scratch posts.

Claire Horton, chief executive of the charity, said: "Rehoming a Battersea cat to such a world famous residence has helped put Battersea firmly on the map as a cats' home too.

"We've noticed a massive increase in the number of people coming to Battersea to adopt a cat, which is great for us and our feline residents."

One cat waiting for adoption is Larry-look-alike Toby who arrived after his owner passed away. Due to a neurological condition, the one to two-year-old is wobbly on his feet.