Shouldn’t he be self isolating?: Larry the Downing Street cat relaxes outside No 10 despite warning cats from infected households should be kept inside during coronavirus lockdown
- The tabby cat was pictured going about his business as usual outside No10
- The BVA has said cats from infected households should be kept inside
- Prime Minister Boris Johnson is currently in hospital with coronavirus
Larry the Downing Street cat was spotted relaxing outside No10 yesterday despite warnings that cats from infected households should be kept inside during the coronavirus lockdown.
The tabby cat was pictured flopped on the pavement resting, before later sitting on the steps, as police officers and other staff members went about their business.
The feline, who was brought in to Downing Street in 2011 to tackle a rat problem, was outside, despite advice from the British Veterinary Association that said cats from infected households, or those where people are self-isolating should be kept inside if possible.
Boris Johnson is currently hospitalised with coronavirus, and his fiancée Carrie Symonds is also in self-isolation after getting symptoms of the disease.
Larry the cat on the doorstep of No 10 Downing Street yesterday looking pensive
A police officer approaching Larry the cat while he is resting on the pavement outside Downing Street
Larry looking up to see who is coming while taking a well-deserved rest on Wednesday
Larry doesn’t move a muscle as the officer stands guard outside No10 Downing street yesterday
Speaking at a Westminster briefing yesterday, the Prime Minister’s spokesman said: ‘Larry’s absolutely fine.
‘I’ve seen him this morning. He’s going about his business in the usual way.’
There is no evidence that cats can transmit the virus to humans.
BVA President Daniella Dos Santos said: ‘We are not advising that all cats are kept indoors.
‘Only cats from infected households or where their owners are self-isolating, and only if the cat is happy to be kept indoors. Some cats cannot stay indoors due to stress-related medical reasons.
‘There have been a tiny number of cases of Covid-19 in animals and in all cases, it is likely that the transmission was human to animal.
‘There is no evidence that pets can pass Covid-19 to their owners.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson with Larry the 10 Downing Street cat prior to the coronavirus crisis
Larry later moved onto the steps and was keeping a watchful eye as Boris Johnson lays in hospital
Larry the cat
Larry spots a pigeon while having a wander outside No10 Downing Street on Wednesday this week
Larry looking unhappy as he sees an enemy approaching the steps of No10 Downing Street on Wednesday
‘From the small number of cases it appears that dogs do not show symptoms, but cats can show clinical signs of the disease.’
A Number 10 spokesman told the Daily Mirror: ‘There is no evidence that pets can pass on coronavirus to their owners.
‘As the BVA have said today it’s important to wash your hands before and after petting your pets.’