Downing Road officers are making ready a “media plan” to announce the eventual passing of Larry the cat.

Larry has develop into a extensively liked fixture of Downing Road and is usually seen exterior the door to Quantity 10 throughout main political occasions and information broadcasts.

The 17-year-old ‘chief mouser’ is considered in his last years, having already outlived the common lifespan for a tabby cat.

Authorities sources instructed The Instances {that a} press launch and graphics are drafted “prepared for the unhappy day he goes”.

Photos, chosen to be printed upon information of his loss of life, are reportedly saved in folders on the No 10 IT system as a part of a plan to tell the general public.

Whereas one supply mentioned that, at current, Larry is “doing OK”, one other mentioned: “We felt it needed to be dealt with so sensitively.”

The cat, who was adopted from Battersea Cats Dwelling, was first introduced into Downing Road by David Cameron as a pet for his youngsters and has since outlasted 5 prime ministers.

The Cupboard Workplace web site features a biography of the beloved cat, which reads: “Larry has been in residence since 15 February 2011, he’s the primary cat at Quantity 10 to be bestowed with the official title Chief Mouser.

“Larry was recruited from Battersea Canines and Cats Dwelling on advice for his mousing expertise. He joined the Quantity 10 family and has made a big affect.”

It provides: “He has captured the hearts of the Nice British public and the press groups usually camped exterior the entrance door. In flip the nation sends him items and treats every day.

“Larry spends his days greeting company to the home, inspecting safety defences and testing vintage furnishings for napping high quality.

“His day-to-day obligations additionally embody considering an answer to the mouse occupancy of the home. Larry says that is nonetheless ‘within the tactical strategy planning stage’.”