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An appeal by a Labour peer to introduce cats for pest control in the Houses of Parliament has been denied, despite Larry the cat’s successful tenure as 10 Downing Street’s chief mouser. While mice continue to plague the Grade I listed landmark, there are no immediate plans to bring in furry friends to combat the issue in the Palace of Westminster. Senior Deputy Speaker Lord Gardiner of Kimble cited risks from construction activity, self-closing doors, and inadequate arrangements for caring for the feline predators as reasons for the decision.
Lord Berkeley inquired about the feasibility of utilizing cats on the Parliamentary Estate to address the vermin problem in a written question. Lord Gardiner responded by explaining the previous advice given to the House of Commons, highlighting concerns about the unstable living conditions for a free-roaming cat due to ongoing construction, the risk of cats becoming trapped without sustenance, and the lack of daily care arrangements. The emphasis remains on working with pest control contractors to implement effective measures across the Palace to manage the persistent issue.
Since his adoption from Battersea Cats and Dogs Home in 2011, Larry has dutifully served as the official mouser for successive prime ministers at 10 Downing Street. His recent companions include Jojo, the family cat, and a new Siberian kitten. Additionally, the Foreign Office enlisted Palmerston as their chief mouser in 2016. After retiring to the countryside in 2020, Palmerston has returned to take on a diplomatic role in Bermuda as a “feline relations consultant.” Despite the rejection of the proposal for more cats in Parliament, Larry and his colleagues continue to play important roles in pest control efforts in their respective government residences.
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