Six prime ministers later, Larry the Cat still rules 10 Downing Street; how the ‘Chief Mouser' became a symbol of stability
The world may have seen several British PMs come and go. Yet, one long-standing resident of 10 Downing Street has refused to budge for years. Larry the Cat, holding the official title of 'Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office,' has been a constant presence since 2011, outlasting multiple prime ministers and political upheavals.
Born as a stray in 2007, Larry was adopted from London's Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2011 during David Cameron's tenure, according to Firstpost. While initially brought in as a family pet, he quickly acquired his official government position. According to the UK government website, his duties include 'greeting guests to the house, inspecting security defences and testing antique furniture for napping quality.'
What makes Larry stand out is his status as a civil servant rather than a personal pet. As David Cameron explained during his final Prime Minister's Questions in 2016, this is why Larry remains at Downing Street regardless of who occupies the office, reports Firstpost. Larry's unofficial account succinctly put it in 2022, 'I live here permanently, politicians are temporary residents'.
A post shared by Larry – Chief Mouser of the Cabinet (@larrythecatforpm)
Now 18 years old as of January 2025, Larry has served under six prime ministers: David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss (for her brief 45-day tenure), Rishi Sunak, and currently Keir Starmer, who took office in May 2024. Starmer represents Larry's first Labour Prime Minister, as his previous five bosses were all Conservative.
Larry's diplomatic relationships have varied. He reportedly favoured former US President Barack Obama but was less welcoming to Donald Trump. During Trump's 2019 UK visit, Firstpost states that Larry famously positioned himself under the president's armoured Cadillac, preventing Trump's departure after meeting with Theresa May.
His performance in mouse control has received mixed reviews. The Daily Telegraph reported early in his tenure that Larry displayed 'a distinct lack of killer instinct'. However, he has demonstrated territorial prowess, particularly in his famous rivalry with Palmerston, the Foreign Office cat.
Larry has developed a keen sense for media opportunities. Sky News reports that 'he knows exactly where the TV cameras are and where to position himself' to appear in broadcasts during major political events. His photobombing skills and occasional mischief have endeared him to the British public.
His popularity extends far beyond Downing Street. During the political turmoil of 2022, Tellyspotting reports that a viral tweet from an unofficial account proclaimed: 'The King has asked me to become Prime Minister because this nonsense has gone on long enough.' This sparked a '#Larry4Leader campaign' promoting platform planks including a 'responsible hiss-cal policy' and 'no lying in No 10 unless it's on a comfy cushion.'
In a time of political uncertainty, Larry represents continuity at the heart of the British government. His longevity after outlasting multiple prime ministers, including three in just 45 days, offers a glimpse into the tumultuous nature of politics. While human leaders come and go, Larry's presence reminds us that some institutions endure regardless of electoral outcomes.
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