Larry is a stray cat rescued from the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and adopted by Downing Street personnel. Larry was supposed to be a pet for David and Samantha Cameron's children, and Downing Street sources characterized him as an "excellent ratter" with "a strong chasedrive and hunting instinct." Larry's popularity resulted in a 15% increase in individuals adopting cats, according to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 2012.