Larry the Downing Street cat 'disliked by the Cameron family'

Downing Street moved to dismiss suggestions in Matthew d'Ancona's In It Together that the cat was unloved. Credit: Sean Dempsey/PA Archive/Press Association Images

Number 10 has denied claims that Larry the Downing Street cat is disliked by the Cameron family.

Following allegations in a new book that the rescue pet was little more than a public relations prop, a "savelarry" hashtag quickly took off on Twitter.

Downing Street moved to dismiss suggestions in Matthew d'Ancona's In It Together that the cat was unloved.

Larry was re-homed at Number 10 on February 15 2011 by animal charity Battersea Dogs And Cats Home.

But the cat's initially lackadaisical approach to his mousing duties led to speculation that his days at No 10 could be numbered.

Larry the Downing Street sits with British bunting to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Credit: Ki Price/PA Archive/Press Association Images

In August last year Downing Street confirmed the six-year-old feline had finally recorded a kill.

Larry the Downing Street cat sits by a toy outside 10 Downing Street. Credit: Steve Parsons/PA Archive/Press Association Images