<p><br /> Downing Street has unveiled its latest recruit - a rat-catching cat called Larry.<br /> </p><p><br /> The feline weapon has been taken on after a rodent was spotted scuttling past live TV cameras twice last month.<br /> </p><p><br /> The four-legged deterrent is a tabby from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.<br /> </p><p><br /> Downing Street said staff at Battersea had observed that Larry had a "strong predatory drive" and enjoyed playing with toy mice, suggesting that he will be a good rat-catcher.<br /> </p><p><br /> "Before coming to Battersea, he was a stray, so he is used to fending for himself on the streets," added a spokesman.<br /> </p><p><br /> "Nothing is ever guaranteed but his behaviour in Battersea convinced staff that he was up for the job."<br /> </p><p><br /> It is the first such official appointment since stalwart ratter Humphrey was retired in 1997, shortly after Tony Blair arrived in Downing Street.<br /> </p><p><br /> Humphrey was succeeded for a short period by Sybil, the pet of then chancellor Alistair Darling, in 2007 - but the renowned mouser failed to settle and returned to Scotland.<br /> </p>
