Larry the Cat: A 15-Year Legacy at 10 Downing Street

Larry the cat, the United Kingdom's official rodent-catcher and unofficial first feline, recently marked 15 years at 10 Downing Street. Adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home on February 15, 2011, by then-Prime Minister David Cameron, Larry has served under six prime ministers, becoming a symbol of stability in an ever-changing political landscape. Philip Howell, a Cambridge University professor, noted, “Larry the cat’s approval ratings will be very high,” suggesting that he represents a reassuring presence amid political turmoil.

Times of Malta

Larry's official role, as outlined on the UK government website, includes greeting guests, inspecting security defenses, and testing antique furniture for napping quality. His charming antics, such as photobombing high-profile visits, have endeared him to the public and media alike. Freelance photographer Justin Ng remarked on Larry's knack for appearing at opportune moments, stating, “He’s great at photobombing.”

Taipei Times

Despite his title as Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, reports of Larry's rodent-catching prowess are mixed. While he has been photographed with the occasional mouse and even a pigeon, his effectiveness in this role is often humorously debated. Ng described him as “more of a lover than a fighter,” emphasizing his laid-back demeanor.

South China Morning Post

Throughout his tenure, Larry has cohabited with various prime ministerial pets, including Boris Johnson’s Jack Russell cross, Dilyn, and Rishi Sunak’s Labrador retriever, Nova. He is kept separate from current Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s family cats, JoJo and Prince, who reside in the private quarters. Larry also had a well-documented rivalry with Palmerston, the former chief mouser at the Foreign Office, which lasted until Palmerston's retirement in 2020. Palmerston recently passed away in Bermuda, prompting Larry to pay tribute on social media, stating, "Farewell old friend x."

Taipei Times

Larry's status as a nonpartisan official pet distinguishes him from American presidential pets, which are often dogs used to soften leaders' images. Howell noted that “a cat-hating PM... seems to me to be political suicide,” highlighting the affection the British public holds for Larry. His whimsical nature and independence contribute to his charm, making him a beloved figure in British culture.

Taipei Times

As Larry continues to patrol the corridors of power at 10 Downing Street, he embodies a unique aspect of British soft power. Now aged 18 or 19 in human years, he remains a constant amid political upheaval, with his presence considered essential by many. Larry's legacy as a civil servant is secure, ensuring that he will remain a fixture at the heart of British governance for years to come.

Taipei Times