Larry the Cat: Celebrating 15 Years of Diplomatic Service as Downing Street’s Chief Mouser

Larry, the most famous resident of 10 Downing Street, is approaching a historic milestone in his long and storied career. On February 15, 2026, he will officially celebrate 15 years in his role as the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office. His journey at the heart of British power began in 2011, when he was first introduced to the Prime Minister's residence during the era of the coalition government led by David Cameron and Nick Clegg. Since then, he has become an inseparable part of the architectural and political fabric of Westminster.

Throughout his decade and a half of service, Larry has been a constant presence during a period of significant political transformation, witnessing the leadership of seven different British Prime Ministers. This list of leaders includes David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and the current Prime Minister, Keir Starmer. Born in January 2007, Larry has reached the venerable age of 19, making him one of the longest-serving figures in the current political landscape. His position is uniquely defined; he is not the personal pet of any individual politician but is officially classified as a civil servant. As David Cameron once explained, this status ensures that Larry remains a permanent fixture at Downing Street, providing continuity regardless of which political party holds power.

Larry’s professional life began when he was recruited from the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to address a pressing rodent issue within the historic government buildings. While his primary directive was to manage the mouse population, his portfolio of responsibilities has expanded significantly over the years. According to the official Cabinet Office website, his daily duties now involve a variety of diplomatic and administrative tasks, such as greeting important guests, conducting informal inspections of the building's security systems, and rigorously testing the comfort and suitability of antique furniture for sleeping.

The impact of Larry’s tenure extends far beyond the gates of Downing Street, influencing animal welfare trends across the country. His high-profile role and immense popularity were directly linked to a 15% increase in cat adoptions at the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 2012. This phenomenon demonstrated his effectiveness as an unofficial ambassador for rescue animals, encouraging the public to provide homes for cats in need. His presence has consistently highlighted the value of rescue pets, making him a powerful advocate for the organization that first saved him.

Larry is perhaps best known for his unflappable personality and his preference for sunbathing and napping over the rigors of active hunting. In the midst of the high-stakes environment of British politics, his calm demeanor has turned him into a symbol of stability. He has remained a fixture through some of the most tumultuous events in modern British history, including the complexities of Brexit and numerous cabinet reshuffles. For many observers, Larry represents a sense of permanence and British tradition, standing firm while the human actors on the political stage come and go.

His popularity among the public and the press remains exceptionally high, even as he enters his late teens. In July 2025, during a high-profile diplomatic event featuring French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves described Larry as the "most popular person on Downing Street." This sentiment reflects the broad affection held for the cat, whose presence often provides a lighthearted contrast to the serious nature of state affairs and international diplomacy.

While cats have been a part of British government residences since the 16th century, Larry is the first to be formally honored with the official title of Chief Mouser. His long tenure serves as a striking contrast to the often short-lived nature of political careers in the modern era. Staff at the residence have confirmed that Larry remains in good health and continues to carry out his duties with his signature poise. As he approaches his 15th anniversary, he remains a beloved anchor of tranquility and a living piece of Westminster history, continuing to charm visitors and officials alike.