Larry the Cat Celebrates 15 Years as Britain’s Chief Mouser

For 15 years, Larry the cat has reigned as the resident feline at 10 Downing Street, the official residence and workplace of the British Prime Minister. His tenure, beginning on February 15, 2011, has outlasted the time in office of six prime ministers, becoming a symbol of stability in turbulent political times.

From Stray to Chief Mouser

Larry was adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home by then-Prime Minister David Cameron . Officially titled “Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office,” his duties, according to the U.K. Government website, include “greeting guests to the house, inspecting security defenses and testing antique furniture for napping quality.”

A Political Photo-Bomber

Larry has become known for his knack for appearing in photographs with visiting dignitaries and political figures. Photographer Justin Ng notes Larry has a habit of “photo-bombing” vital meetings, adding a touch of levity to serious political events.

Witness to Political History

Throughout his time at 10 Downing Street, Larry has served under David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and current Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He was present during the Brexit referendum, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the controversies surrounding “Partygate.”

A Popular Presence

Larry has garnered a significant online following, with an unofficial account on X (formerly Twitter) boasting over 877,500 followers. This account humorously offers a feline perspective on political events.

New Feline Companions

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has brought two additional cats, JoJo and Prince, to 10 Downing Street. However, it is expected that JoJo and Prince will demand to abandon the residence when Starmer’s term ends.

A Symbol of Stability

According to Cambridge University professor Philip Howell, who studies human-animal relations, Larry represents stability, a quality often lacking in the political sphere. “Larry the cat’s approval ratings will be very high,” Howell stated, “And prime ministers tend not to hit those numbers.”