British Prime Minister David Cameron will be leaving Downing Street this week to make way for Theresa May, and many animal lovers are wondering what will become of the Chief Mouser Larry the cat.
Larry has lived in Number 10 since 2011, and was brought into the prime minister's office after a rat was spotted in two television news bulletins scurrying around outside the famous black door of Number 10.
A spokesperson for the UK Cabinet Office told AFP that the rescue cat will survive May's forthcoming reshuffle.
"It's a civil servant's cat and does not belong to the Camerons," she explained. "He will be staying."
The nine-year-old brown and white tabby often receives gifts and treat from his adoring fans, but sources close to the feline have said he has been seen in several stand-offs with Palmerston, the Foreign Office cat who was brought in in April.
He also told a police sniffer dog where to go as the British General Election got underway in 2015.
Don't mess with Larry the cat! | Image: Andrew Matthews / PA Archive/Press Association Images
Larry's most recent moment in the limelight came on the morning of the EU Referendum result.
As the world's media stood outside Downing Street waiting for David Cameron to come out and announce what his plans were post-Brexit, the door of Number 10 opened a crack. Reporters gasped, microphones were grabbed, and cameras put in place for the all important speech.
Seconds later Larry the cat sheepishly slipped out and took his place on the front step.
MPs have been setting out their positions on the EU referendum - but Larry the Downing Street cat is keeping quiet https://t.co/JHltaFbLFJ
— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 20, 2016
Downing Street has been home to mice-fighting cats since the 1920s and some have even been given the title of "Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office" and put on the state payroll.
An unofficial Twitter account set up under Larry's name reached out to Theresa May to ask her not to evict him.
One final thing before they'll let you have the job @TheresaMay2016 - tell the people you'll keep me in Number 10.
— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) July 11, 2016
On Monday the account tweeted: "Does anyone know a good cat groomer available tomorrow? I need to make a good impression on someone on Wednesday..."
