London, United Kingdom — Amid years of political change in Britain, one constant has remained at the heart of government: Larry, the famed cat of 10 Downing Street, who marked 15 years this week as the country’s official Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office.
The gray-and-white tabby, often referred to as Britain’s “first feline,” has served under six prime ministers since arriving at Downing Street in February 2011. Adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home during the tenure of former Prime Minister David Cameron, Larry quickly became a familiar and widely photographed figure at the British government’s headquarters.
According to his official profile, Larry’s duties include greeting guests, inspecting security defenses, and testing furniture for napping, quality tasks he often performs while casually roaming the area outside the iconic black front door of No. 10. His knack for appearing during high-profile visits has made him a favorite among photographers and journalists covering political events.
Over the years, Larry has crossed paths with a host of world leaders, including former U.S. President Barack Obama and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During a 2019 visit by then-U.S. President Donald Trump, Larry famously wandered into the official photo opportunity before taking a nap beneath the presidential armored limousine known as “The Beast.”
Though his title suggests a focus on rodent control, reports on Larry’s hunting prowess vary. While he has occasionally been photographed catching mice, observers say his true talent lies in maintaining a relaxed, nonchalant presence that contrasts with the often intense political environment around him.
Larry has also shared Downing Street with other political pets, including the dog Dilyn owned by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Nova, the Labrador of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. He currently resides alongside the family cats of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, though they occupy separate living areas.
A notable chapter in Larry’s story involved his rivalry with Palmerston, the former feline resident of the Foreign Office, whose encounters with Larry were occasionally captured on camera before Palmerston retired in 2020.
Now estimated to be 18 or 19 years old, Larry has slowed down but remains a visible symbol of continuity at Downing Street. Experts say his enduring popularity reflects the public’s affection for a nonpartisan figure who offers a sense of stability during periods of political uncertainty.
As political leaders come and go, Larry continues to lounge near the front entrance, embodying what some observers describe as a uniquely British blend of humor, resilience and understated charm — a reminder that even in the corridors of power, a little unpredictability can be endearing.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
