Political Animals The secret life of the political pets of Westminster and Washington
Larry the cat, chief mouser of Downing Street, has seen off five Prime Ministers so far and is a national treasure. Though certainly the most famous cat in Britain, Larry is only one of a long line of political animals at the seats of government on both sides of the Atlantic.
From pandas and platypuses to Labradors and lions, animals have long shored up peace between rivals, clinched election campaigns, caused divisions within parties and left their unique calling cards in the halls of power.
Journalist and former special adviser Peter Cardwell traces the political (and not-so-political) adventures of these fascinating pets from Tudor times to No. 10’s newest kitten. Drawing on exclusive interviews with Washington and Westminster insiders, including Prime Ministers past and present, Cardwell reveals never-before-heard tales of political pets and offers a fresh insight into the enduring relationships between those in government and their furry friends.
This updated paperback edition explores Larry’s life under the eventful premierships of Theresa May and Liz Truss and takes a closer look at the life of Palmerston, the former Foreign Office cat, who passed in February 2026.
Reviews
“A treasure of a book – cute, smart and full of fabulous stories. Great fun from the first page to the last, showing how animals often behave with more dignity than the leaders they serve. At the end of this brilliant book I decided that pets aren’t an accessory for a politician – they're a central part of the mission! This is for anyone who loves politics but loves their dog or cat even more.”
Jeremy Vine, television and radio presenter
“Paws for thought indeed! Who knew that a famous Prime Minister had two kangaroos, a leopard and a lion, or that a Downing Street press secretary was allergic to the PM’s cat and a former Cabinet minister wrote a poem in memory of his dog? Which world leader took his labrador to a meeting with Angela Merkel? And which party leader made a party political broadcast with his dogs? Truly an un-fur-gettable read!”
Jon Craig, chief political correspondent, Sky News
“You’ll purr with delight at Peter Cardwell's heart-warming book of lively tales and frightful puns. In exploring politicians’ love for their pets, Cardwell achieves the seemingly impossible – he makes many of our leaders appear almost human.”
Michael Crick, journalist and broadcaster
“If you want a friend in Westminster, get a dog. Every MP should remember that timeless truth – and then consult this treasure trove from the witty and well-connected Peter Cardwell for advice. Political books aren’t supposed to be this fun.”
Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator at The Times and co-author of Get In and Left Out
“As someone who proudly reported live on the arrival of Larry the cat in Downing Street, let me heartily recommend this warm and life-affirming book. Peter has always brought the human touch to politics and now he adds the feline and canine touch too. A joyous read.”
Chris Mason, political editor at BBC News
“This is such a joyful and detailed book: come for the pets and stay for the political history, insight and vignettes. Peter tells us about the workings of Whitehall through its furry inhabitants in a book with wonderful levels of access and humour.”
Isabel Hardman, assistant editor at The Spectator and author of Why We Get the Wrong Politicians
Share this book
Buy this book
- Paperback, 304 pages
- ISBN: 9781837360710
-
1 September 2026
Available to pre-order - £12.99
- Hardback, 288 pages
- ISBN: 9781785909900
- 16 September 2025
- £14.99
- eBook
- ISBN: 9781837360154
- 16 September 2025
- £9.99