British PM gets on 'purr-fectly' with Downing St cat

LONDON Sept 28, 2013 British Prime Minister David Cameron's office denied Saturday that his family has no love for Larry, the Downing Street cat.

Following claims in a new book that Cameron acquiring the moggy was little more than a public relations stunt, a “savelarry” hashtag began trending on Twitter.

Downing Street dismissed suggestions in journalist Matthew d'Ancona's book on Cameron's coalition government, “In It Together”, that Larry was an unloved pet.

A spokesman said: “Totally untrue. He is very popular with everyone in the building and we all get on purr-fectly well.” Larry was acquired in February 2011 after a rat was spotted in two television news bulletins scurrying around outside the black door of the prime minister's residence in central London.

But his efficiency has been regularly called into question and it took him a few months to make his first confirmed kill.

Reports have made him out as a cat more interested in snoozing than putting the frightners on inner-city rodents.

The Downing Street website says Larry has “captured the hearts of the Great British public and the press teams often camped outside the front door. In turn the nation sends him gifts and treats daily.