"Larry," the United Kingdom's most famous cat, is celebrating 15 years as the "Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office" at 10 Downing Street today (15 Feb). His story traces a journey from stray cat to a beloved figure among global politicians, having served six British prime ministers.
Larry's humble beginnings began when he was adopted from the renowned Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in London. He arrived at the British prime minister's residence on 15 February 2011 during David Cameron's premiership, at an estimated age of about four years.
His main task when recruited was to tackle a rodent problem. However, his official government website biography now states that besides pest control, Larry's hobbies include "welcoming visitors, inspecting the security system, and testing the quality of antique furniture for napping suitability."
Over 15 years, Larry has proven himself a seasoned "politician" whose fur remains unruffled. He has lived at Downing Street through six prime ministers: David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss (who served just 49 days), Rishi Sunak, and the current prime minister, Keir Starmer.
Through political storms like Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, the "Partygate" scandal, and multiple government transitions, Larry has maintained his calm feline composure, faithfully performing his duties at the door of 10 Downing Street—a location among the world's most photographed.
Larry also has an X (formerly Twitter) account, @Number10cat, with over 877,500 followers. Managed anonymously, the account often posts complaints about rain and occasionally political jabs, especially targeting the UK's Reform Party and the administration of former US President Donald Trump.
In Larry’s early months at the residence, he inspired the 2011 book "The Larry Diaries." He now lives at 10 Downing Street alongside Jojo and Prince, Siberian cats belonging to the Starmer family.Jojo and Prince joined the household in 2024 after "negotiations" with Starmer's children, who wanted a German Shepherd dog. However, there was a challenge:"The only exit door from our new flat is a blast-proof door," Starmer told the BBC in 2024. "So installing a cat door is quite difficult."
Fans of Larry can rest assured that he is considered a civil servant, meaning he will remain at Downing Street indefinitely, unlike prime ministers who come and go. Larry has become a symbol of stability amid the UK's political upheavals and continues to capture hearts worldwide.
,AFP