Larry has become a beloved fixture of Downing Street, often seen outside the door to Number 10 during major political events

Downing Street officials are preparing a “media plan” to announce the eventual passing of Larry the cat.

Larry has become a widely loved fixture of Downing Street and is often seen outside the door to Number 10 during major political events and news broadcasts.

The 17-year-old ‘chief mouser’ is thought to be in his final years, having already outlived the average lifespan for a tabby cat.

Government sources told The Times that a press release and graphics are drafted “ready for the sad day he goes”.

Pictures, selected to be published upon news of his death, are reportedly stored in folders on the No 10 IT system as part of a plan to inform the public.

While one source said that, at present, Larry is “doing OK”, another said: “We felt it had to be handled so sensitively.”