Larry the Cat Celebrates 15 Years as Downing Street's Chief Mouser

Larry the cat, the Chief Mouser of 10 Downing Street, has been on duty for fifteen years. He has seen many leaders come and go and is known for his calm presence.
By Newsroom | Animals, United Kingdom |

Larry the cat, a fixture at 10 Downing Street for fifteen years, has reached a notable milestone. Serving as the UK's official Chief Mouser, Larry has witnessed the comings and goings of six prime ministers, weathering significant political events. His enduring presence has become a symbol, with his appeal often seen as separate from the political figures he lives alongside.

15 Years of Larry the Cat: 10 Photos of the Purr-manent Fixture Downing Street Can't Evict - 1

A Constant in Shifting Political Tides

Larry's tenure at 10 Downing Street began approximately fifteen years ago, during the premiership of David Cameron. Since then, he has observed profound changes in British politics and society.

15 Years of Larry the Cat: 10 Photos of the Purr-manent Fixture Downing Street Can't Evict - 2

  • Historical Events: Larry has been present through major events such as Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and periods of political turbulence including "partygate" and the brief tenure of Liz Truss.

  • Prime Ministerial Transitions: He has served under David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and currently Keir Starmer.

Larry's Role and Public Perception

Larry's duties extend beyond rodent control. According to his official biography on the Downing Street website, his responsibilities include:

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15 Years of Larry the Cat: 10 Photos of the Purr-manent Fixture Downing Street Can't Evict - 3

  • Greeting guests: He is noted for his interactions with visitors to Downing Street.

  • Inspecting security: This includes checking the premises.

  • Testing furniture: He is known for napping on antique furniture.

Larry's appeal appears to be rooted in his independence, a characteristic observers contrast with the more politically tied pets of American presidents. His interactions with notable figures have also garnered attention.

15 Years of Larry the Cat: 10 Photos of the Purr-manent Fixture Downing Street Can't Evict - 4

  • Notable Encounters: He was reportedly comfortable with former U.S. President Barack Obama and drew a smile from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a visit.

  • Reported Preferences: Observers have noted that Larry can be selective, appearing less friendly towards men.

  • Rivalries: He had a notable rivalry with Palmerston, the former cat from the Foreign Office.

Observations on Larry's Political Standing

Several reports suggest that Larry's public approval might exceed that of many politicians.

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  • Symbolic Importance: His presence is seen by some as a form of British "soft power."

  • Media Presence: Larry has his own social media presence and has been known to draw attention from the press, sometimes overshadowing important political news.

  • Coexistence: He now shares the Downing Street residence with the current Prime Minister's family cats, JoJo and Prince, though he remains in the working areas while the family cats occupy the private quarters.

A Glimpse at Larry's History

  • Larry was initially brought to Downing Street as a pet for David Cameron's children.

  • His adoption came at a time when mice were observed in the vicinity of Downing Street.

  • Other pets, such as George Osborne's cat Freya, have coexisted with Larry at Downing Street, though their relationships were sometimes marked by competition.

  • Larry has been photographed in various official capacities, including beside Christmas trees and on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street.

Expert Perspectives

Professor Philip Howell of the University of Cambridge, who studies human-animal relations, suggests that Larry's "approval ratings would likely be higher than most politicians." This sentiment highlights the cat's unique position as a non-political, yet highly visible, inhabitant of the seat of British power.

Conclusion and Implications

Larry the cat's fifteen-year tenure as Chief Mouser signifies a remarkable consistency amidst significant political flux in the United Kingdom. His role has evolved from a simple pest controller to a recognized, almost symbolic, figure. His ability to remain a constant presence, seemingly independent of the leaders he serves, has cemented his status as a unique fixture in British public life.

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  • Longevity: Larry has outlasted six prime ministers, a testament to his enduring appeal and perceived value.

  • Public Engagement: His interactions with international leaders and his own media presence underscore his broad recognition.

  • Future: Larry is believed to be around 18 or 19 years old, and while he may have slowed down, he continues his duties.

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long has Larry been at 10 Downing Street?
Larry has been the Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street for fifteen years. He started his job around fifteen years ago.
Q: How many Prime Ministers has Larry served under?
Larry has served under six different Prime Ministers. He has seen many changes in leadership during his time.
Q: What does Larry do as Chief Mouser?
Larry's main job is to catch mice. He also greets visitors and inspects the building. He is known for napping on furniture.
Q: Is Larry still working?
Yes, Larry is still working as the Chief Mouser. He is believed to be around 18 or 19 years old and continues his duties.