Lewis Hamilton risks wrath of his beloved Roscoe after he is seen petting Chief Mouser Larry the Cat at meeting with PM
SIR LEWIS HAMILTON has risked the wrath of his beloved dog Roscoe... after he was seen petting Larry the Cat.
Formula One superstar Hamilton is well known to be a socially conscious person, and leads his Mission 44 project to support young people in their education.
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To that end, the 40-year-old was seen in attendance at Downing Street earlier this week for a meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to discuss education reform.
During his visit, the seven-time F1 world champion took some time out from the meetings to introduce himself to Number 10's Chief Mouser, Larry.
Larry has served in the role since 2011 after being adopted by then PM David Cameron.
Born in 2007, the tabby is as old as Hamilton's F1 career when he started out with McLaren in the same year.
Taking to social media, the (un)official Larry the Cat account shared a photo of Hamilton petting the feline as he laid on his bed by a window.
He captioned the post: "Thanks for the stroke. @LewisHamilton - love from the sleeping cat to the prancing horse x."
It was a bit of a change of pace for Hamilton, who is usually seen alongside his French bulldog Roscoe.
And one fan on social media was quick to point out: "If Roscoe ever sees this picture he will never forgive LH."
However, Roscoe's most recent Instagram post showed him being given a tasty treat, showing Hamilton knows the way to the heart of man's best friend.
Hamilton has not had the best interaction with cats in the past, revealing last year how he had black cats "thrown" at him.
He also landed himself in trouble with animal rights activists in 2016 when he was seen playing with a tiger and jaguar during a visit to Mexico City's Black Jaguar-White Tiger Foundation.
But most fans were loving the crossover of two British icons, with one saying: "Two legends in the same photo."
A second said: "Oh what an honour! (For Lewis)."
A third added: "Prime Minister Larry deigns to share some of his aura with Lewis. I respect that."
Another joked: "Ahh I guess Lewis's demands to Sir Keir Starmer proved futile and Lewis went over Keir's head to the real power in Number 10."
The Ferrari star admitted last month that he worries about his 12-year-old pooch following a recent battle he had with pneumonia.
Hamilton said: "This is a time where every time I get a text message from the lady who looks after him, my heart stops for a second.
"Because I'm thinking, 'What's next?' But he's fine now, fortunately. He is doing well.
'I never felt like my voice was heard' - Lewis Hamilton on education reform
Hamilton's appearance at Downing Street was for more than just saying hello to Larry the Cat, but in fact was down to his goal of pushing for education reform in the UK.
On his visit, Hamilton said: "I struggled in school and never felt like my voice was heard, that's why I know first-hand that ensuring every student feels they belong in school is vital.
"I'm grateful that, off the back of this meeting, the government has committed to working with Mission 44 to enact change focused on making the education system more inclusive.
"I'm so proud of how far Mission 44 has come in such a short space of time and the opportunity we have to transform the lives of vulnerable students across the country."
In a previous interview with the Sunday Times, Hamilton revealed: "When I was in my 20s, I had some really difficult phases.
"I've struggled with mental health throughout my life. [I've had] depression.
"From a very early age, when I was, like, 13.
"I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school.
"The bullying. I had no one to talk to.'
"He's 12 and a half years old, so he's an old boy and it's unusual for them to live that long."
The duo have practically been inseparable for a decade, and even appear together on the front cover of a recent edition of Vogue.
When quizzed on Roscoe's next appearance, Hamilton said: "I really want to take him to Silverstone, and particularly Monza, this year.
"I plan to put him in a red cape and outfit. I was with him before Miami and he still wants to play.
"He's still got that youthful spirit. But he does like to sleep a lot."
Roscoe's trainer, Kirstin McMillan, nursed the vegan canine back to full fitness after he fell ill in April, as he was treated with medication and specialist acupuncture treatment.
Meanwhile, Hamilton has been struggling to extract the best out of his Ferrari machinery, and - outside of a Sprint Race win - is yet to score a podium with the Scuderia after joining them over the winter.
He later showed his class by apologising for snapping at reporter Rachel Brooks.
Hamilton will have a chance at redemption at the Canadian Grand Prix on June 15.
More summer risks to dogs
EXPERTS are warning pet owners to be vigilant when it comes to taking their dogs out this summer - especially when it comes to taking them to the beach.
Dr Rebecca MacMillan says it is important that dog parents are well prepped to ensure a safe trip away with their dog.
From consumption of salt water, to open holes, the Gloucestershire-based vet says there are hidden hazards to look out for.
Angela Laws, who is head of community at British pet-sitting platform TrustHousesitters, also urges pet owners to 'prioritise safety' and to 'be aware of potential hazards.'
Preventing injuries
Large holes can be hidden amongst the sand, which can cause injury if your dog trips or falls into it.
Dr Rebecca is warning pet owners, as if you are playing fetch with them, your dog might not be 'expecting a hole' as they are running, which can cause them to fall and injure themselves.
Talking to the Femail, Dr Rebecca also wanted to be mindful of other beach-going pets if you and your dog choose to dig a hole and to fill it back up before heading off.
Food for thought
Although you would never dream of drinking the water from the sea, your pets may view it as a large bowl of water for them.
However, seawater consumption is extremely dangerous for your dogs according to Dr Rebecca.
Drinking saltwater can disrupt the 'balance of electrolyte in the body and cause dehydration,' according to Rebecca.
This is also the case for sand as too much sand can cause a painful obstruction, 'which may require surgery.'
Check the temperature
Just like humans, pets can get heat stroke too.
It is most likely to occur when the body's temperature rises above 36C and hits 40C.
Dr Rebbeca suggests caution when the weather outside hits 25C, and especially if it's over 27C.
She also warned pet owners to do their research on the type of breed of their dog, as some will be much more 'prone to heatstroke.'
Dr Rebecca says these dogs include flat-faced dogs like pugs and bulldogs, and large breeds with thick coats.
She urges dog parents to make sure their pet is well hydrated, try to keep them in the shade and remember to be aware of their paws burning on the ground.
Digging dangers
Dr Rebecca there could be anything from discarded BBQ's with hot coals, to broken glass or sharp objects.
She said: 'If your pooch is prone to digging, make sure you're nearby in case of any unexpected finds.'
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