Larry the Cat Marks 15 Years of Service at Downing Street
Larry the cat, the iconic feline resident of 10 Downing Street, is celebrating a remarkable milestone this month: 15 years as the official chief mouser to the Cabinet Office. Now 19 years old, Larry was adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in February 2011 by then-Prime Minister David Cameron, initially intended as a family pet for Cameron's children. However, he quickly assumed the crucial role of rodent controller after mice were spotted scurrying across the famous black door during news broadcasts, a duty that has defined his tenure at the heart of British government.
A Career Spanning Six Prime Ministers
Over the past decade and a half, Larry has overseen the administrations of six Prime Ministers: David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and Keir Starmer. His longevity in the role, equivalent to over 90 human years, has made him a beloved fixture in Westminster, witnessing political upheavals, Brexit negotiations, and global summits from his perch outside Number 10.
Despite his primary mission to control the rodent population, Larry's success as a mouser has been a topic of light-hearted debate. He is believed to have made his first kill on the job in April 2011 at the age of four, but his most memorable moments often involve more public displays, such as pouncing on a pigeon in 2019 while journalists awaited updates on post-Brexit talks with the European Union.
Diplomatic Encounters and Feline Rivalries
Larry's presence has not been limited to domestic affairs; he has welcomed world leaders, including former US President Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to Lord Cameron, Larry reportedly "gelled well" with Obama, despite a noted preference for women over men. His interactions have sometimes sparked amusement, as when Akshata Murty, wife of former PM Rishi Sunak, revealed Larry had "heated exchanges" with their Labrador puppy Nova, though the cat always came out on top.
Within Westminster, Larry has navigated rivalries with other felines, such as former chancellor George Osborne's cat Freya, with whom he largely coexisted peacefully despite occasional skirmishes. His media savvy has also shone through, with reporters even conducting mock interviews with him, cementing his status as a media star.
Legacy and Future at Downing Street
As Larry enters his 16th year of service, his role extends beyond pest control to symbolising continuity and charm in British politics. From yawning outside his home to greeting dignitaries like Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in early 2026, he remains a constant amid the flux of leadership changes. With no signs of retirement, Larry continues to patrol the corridors of power, a testament to the enduring appeal of this tabby in the annals of Whitehall history.
