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Chief mouser Larry to remain at No. 10
Larry with David Cameron and Barack Obama
David Cameron introduced Larry to US president Barack Obama at Downing Street in 2011.

Larry fans relieved as cabinet office confirms the cat will stay

In a time of intense political uncertainty, animal lovers are rejoicing at the news that Downing Street's chief mouser, Larry the cat, will remain at No.10 after current Prime Minister David Cameron steps down.

Mr Cameron is preparing to tender his resignation to the Queen later on today, after which Theresa May will take his place.

Larry fans were understandably concerned about the feline's future in office. Early this week, an unofficial Twitter profile for the cat tweeted: 'One final thing before they'll let you have the job @TheresaMay2016 - tell the people you'll keep me in Number 10.'

Putting fears at rest, a cabinet office spokeswoman said: "It's a civil servant's cat and does not belong to the Camerons - he will be staying."

National treasure Larry was rehomed from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2011 due to concerns about the rat problem at No. 10, but his career in politics has often been marked by accusations that he spends more time napping than rat catching.

Larry is the first feline to hold the post of chief mouser since Humphrey, who was appointed in 1989 after wandering into No.10 as a stray and retired after eight years in office.

Image by White House photographer Pete Souza

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.