Larry has so far served six United Kingdom (UK) prime ministers, watched presidents and princes pass through the black door of No. 10, and will soon become the longest-residing permanent inhabitant of Downing Street since the time of Pitt the Younger.
The landscape of UK politics has changed significantly over the past 15 years, but Larry the cat has remained a comforting constant companion. His enduring popularity – which some of his temporary owners might envy – is now the focus of a new documentary series on Channel 4 that explores the UK’s love for cats. For his fans, the moment in the spotlight has been long-awaited.
“Larry is definitely the guy you have to meet at Number 10,” said a source from Westminster, adding that, as confirmed by the police officers stationed in front of the entrance to No. 10 who regularly open the door for him, “he has the freedom of the whole house.” Larry, whose official title is Chief Mouser of the Cabinet Office at 10 Downing Street, arrived at the heart of the UK government after being adopted from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to deal with a rodent problem.
Outshines any political story
His story is a true “from mouse to riches” tale that would overshadow any political biography. Found as a stray cat in Wandsworth, he arrived in Westminster in 2011 with the coalition government of David Cameron and Nick Clegg.
If the tension was high between the unlikely political allies, Cameron wanted to ease any strain between himself and the nation’s new favorite cat. “Rumors say I don’t like Larry – I love him,” he declared at one of the PMQs. Now, as a more established figure, Larry seems completely accustomed to media attention. He is often seen on live broadcasts, patiently waiting by the door, and his ease before the public sometimes bothers the Downing Street gardener – Larry often uses the courtyard in front of the house for his needs.
His official government page describes the 18-year-old cat as someone who spends his days greeting guests, inspecting security measures, and testing antique furniture for quality naps, while his daily duties include pondering the solution to the mouse problem in the house.
“He loves the red carpet”
Although he is the first cat with this title, cats have been present in the UK corridors of power for more than a century, explains Philip Howell, professor of geography at the University of Cambridge. “Stability is a key part of Larry’s charm. Larry provides the public with continuity, and that is non-political,” he said.
Photographer Justin Ng, often present in front of No. 10, who has become friends with Larry over the years, agrees: “His consistency and incredible ability to appear at just the right moment and pose for everyone make him everyone’s favorite.”
“As soon as something is happening on the street, especially an official visit, like a protocol event, he’s right out in front,” said a Downing Street source. “He loves the red carpet.” Former United States (U.S.) President Barack Obama and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are just some of the world leaders he has charmed. But not all leaders were equally delighted.
“Theresa May famously hated him”
“Theresa May famously hated him because she preferred dogs,” said Ng, adding that some MPs tried but failed to pet Larry (Matt Hancock and David Lammy).
Former Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray described Larry as “a nasty little thing” because he refused to pose with the new Labour cabinet, said Ng, adding: “I think Larry ultimately won in that situation.” Like all political animals, Larry has had clashes with the public, most famously with Palmerston, the cat who retired in August 2020. The two were often seen in fierce fights, said a police officer on duty at Number 10. Did the police ever intervene? “Oh no, no. You don’t get involved in cat fights,” he said.
Larry’s popularity among the public, however, is undeniable. There are numerous social media profiles dedicated to this cat, especially the witty Number10Cat account on platform X, which has more than 868.000 followers. Larry also receives fan letters, toys, and treats from around the world, and was recently featured in a book by journalist and former adviser Peter Cardwell titled Political Animals.
“Dependent on welfare”
When not walking through the corridors, Larry often sleeps beside the printer and document trays, and his favorite spots are the window sills on both sides of the main door. Ng says Larry’s brush and favorite Dreamies are kept in a cabinet in the hallway – this is known to the staff, officers, and police who come into contact with him. Those who feed him or bring treats are his favorites.
As the chief cat, Larry naturally receives criticism as well. Andrew Marr, a UK journalist, recently called him “too fat and too lazy to really do his job,” accusing him of being “dependent on welfare.”
In these times of budget cuts, sources close to Larry gave a sharp response. In fact, they say, Larry is not state-funded; Downing Street staff voluntarily pay his expenses. Cat care!
