Larry the Number 10 cat has backed a charity’s campaign to change the law allowing tenants to keep pets.

Tweeting on X - @Number10cat - the chief mouser to the Cabinet Office says: “Those of you lucky enough to live with a cat will know how unfair it is that some people are denied that pleasure because they rent a home that doesn’t allow animals. Please consider lending your support to the #HeadsForTails campaign to make renting with pets easier for all.”

Although not an official site and run by an anonymous insider, the AdvoCATS charity hopes the 17-year-old tabby’s support – although a little tongue-in-cheek - will boost its campaign to introduce pet damage insurance in law for both renters and landlords so that more people can rent with pets without landlords feeling their property is at risk.

“Having now gained the support this most influential government cabinet member with 897,200 Twitter followers has, we are confident of succeeding in achieving a simple change in the law to eliminate pet discrimination by landlords,” says Jennifer Berezai (pictured), co-founder of the East Midlands-based charity.

Damage

AdvoCATS was instrumental in getting a pet damage insurance-based solution included in the failed Renters (Reform) Bill and now wants to put the subject firmly back on the new government’s rental reform agenda.

With only 7% of landlords advertising their properties as pet friendly, too many tenants struggle to find a home they can share with a pet, according to AdvoCATS.

“This, coupled with the fact that more people than ever before are renting property, has generated a real crisis in animal shelters, not to mention the emotional trauma it creates for both pet owner and the pet - something Larry, having been adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, would be aware of,” adds Berezai.

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