While prime ministers have come and gone through the famous black door of Number 10, one resident has remained a constant presence through fifteen years of political turmoil. Larry the cat, Britain's official chief mouser, has become an unlikely symbol of stability in Westminster, with his enduring popularity now set to feature in a new Channel 4 documentary series about the nation's love affair with cats.
From Humble Beginnings to Political Royalty
Larry's journey to the heart of British power is a classic rags-to-riches tale. Found as a stray in Wandsworth, he was adopted from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 2011 to address a rodent problem in Downing Street during the early days of David Cameron and Nick Clegg's coalition government.
His arrival coincided with a period of political tension, but Cameron was quick to dispel rumours of any animosity toward the new feline resident. "The rumour is I don't love Larry – I do," the former prime minister once declared during Prime Minister's Questions.
Now eighteen years old, Larry has witnessed the comings and goings of six prime ministers and is poised to become the longest continuous resident of Downing Street since Pitt the Younger.
A Day in the Life of Britain's Top Cat
According to his official government biography, Larry spends his days "greeting guests to the house, inspecting security defences and testing antique furniture for napping quality." His responsibilities officially include "contemplating a solution to the mouse occupancy of the house."
Westminster insiders confirm that Larry truly "has the run of the house," with police officers regularly opening the famous black door for him. "Larry's totally the guy to meet in No 10," one source revealed, highlighting his unique status among the power brokers and politicians.
The tabby cat has developed an acute sense for diplomatic occasions, often appearing precisely when important visitors arrive. "The minute something happens on the street, especially an official visit, like clockwork, he'll be out the front," a Downing Street source noted. "He loves the red carpet."
Political Rivalries and Public Adoration
Like any political figure, Larry has experienced his share of controversies and rivalries. His most famous feud was with Palmerston, the cat who resided at the Foreign Office until his retirement in August 2020. The two were often seen fighting viciously outside Number 10, though police officers knew better than to intervene. "Oh no, no. You don't get involved in a cat fight," one officer remarked.
Not all political leaders have been enamoured with Larry either. Photographer Justin Ng, who has become firm friends with the cat over years of working outside Downing Street, revealed that "Theresa May famously hated him because she was a dog person." Some MPs, including Matt Hancock and David Lammy, have tried and failed to earn Larry's affection through attempted strokes.
Despite occasional criticism – including recent comments from The New Statesman's political editor Andrew Marr, who called Larry "too fat and too idle to actually do his job" – the cat's popularity remains undeniable. He receives fan mail, toys and treats from across the world and has amassed over 868,000 followers on the witty Number10Cat X account.
Professor Philip Howell of the University of Cambridge, who has written extensively about human-animal relationships, explained part of Larry's appeal: "Stability is an essential part of Larry's appeal. Larry gives the public some much-needed continuity and nonpartisan continuity at that."
As British politics continues to evolve, Larry remains the one constant that transcends political divisions – a furry fixture in the corridors of power who continues to charm world leaders and the public alike from his favourite spots on the window sills flanking the famous black door.
