A recent article from the Financial Times noted the role cats' have played in British society and politics for for years.
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| Larry, the Downing Street cat. From BBC. |
"The British have always been a nation of animal-lovers. But I think cat stories are particularly comforting at a time of economic crisis."
British Prime Minister David Cameron has tried to show his fondness of cats with the adoption of the latest Downing Street cat, Larry, after a rat was recently spotted in the street. Britain's prime ministers have historically had cats with the exception of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose wife was not so fond of cats and forbid their cat Humphrey from living in the house.
Larry has attracted quite a bit of media attention since his adoption which has been a positive deflection from much of the news coverage of deficits and political unrest around the world.
"Ever since the adoption of Larry, the media has lapped up a steady stream of stories about his life and times. In June, it was reported that Larry had got on well with President Barack Obama. That same month, rumours surfaced of a girlfriend called Maisie, living in a hut in nearby St James’ Park. Then, this week, there were reports that a mouse had been spotted in a ministerial meeting in Downing Street. Questions were raised about Larry’s hunting prowess, leading the BBC to run yet another cat story, which reported with mock solemnity: 'Downing Street has rebuffed calls for Larry to resign as Number 10’s cat after reports a mouse appeared at a ministerial dinner.'"
Whatever the case may be, it's nice to see another shelter cat find a home and in turn, boost morale.
