From Stray Cat to Celebrity Resident: The Extraordinary Story of Number 10's Top Cat
The cat has seen six prime ministers arrive and depart, greeted world leaders and princes at the famous black door of No 10, and is soon set to become the most enduring uninterrupted resident since Pitt the Younger.
Enduring Presence in UK Government
While the scene of British politics has changed dramatically over the last 15 years, Larry has remained a comforting constant. His lasting appeal - the kind that many leaders would covet - is now featured in a new documentary series exploring the nation's affection for cats.
"The cat is certainly the character to encounter at No 10," commented one Westminster insider, adding that he "has the freedom of the residence."
Humble Origins
The tabby, whose official title is Chief Mouser of the Government at the Prime Minister's residence, was adopted from an animal shelter to tackle a rodent issue. His journey from homeless feline in Wandsworth to official inhabitant represents a true humble beginnings story that surpasses many official biographies.
Government Life
When tensions ran high during the coalition government, former leader David Cameron was keen to dispel any rumors of dislike between him and the country's new favorite feline. "The story is I don't love the cat - I do," he declared during one government meeting.
Now a more recognized figure, the cat appears fully adjusted to the spotlight. Often spotted on live television lingering calmly by the front door, his calm demeanor in front of cameras has become somewhat problematic for the Downing Street groundskeeper - Larry frequently visits the front garden to do his business.
Formal Duties
His official description details the 18-year-old cat as spending his time greeting visitors, inspecting security defenses, and evaluating historical furniture for sleeping comfort. His day-to-day responsibilities include contemplating answers to the mouse presence in the house.
While the cat is the first to hold this specific title, felines have been accepted in the halls of government for at minimum a hundred years. "Consistency is an essential part of the cat's appeal," explained one academic who has studied people-pet relationships.
Diplomatic Presence
Larry has an sharp sense of official occasion. "The minute anything happens on the road, especially an official visit, like routine, he'll be outside the front," commented a Number 10 insider. "He adores the red carpet."
Former American leader the former president and Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy are among the world leaders he has charmed. However, not all leaders were similarly fond.
Character and Preferences
"The former PM famously hated him because she was a dog person," said one photographer who has seen several politicians trying, and failing, to pet the cat.
When he isn't walking the sidewalks, his frequent sleeping spots include the printer and in-trays, but his favorite locations are on the ledges on both side of the front door.
Public Adoration
The cat's appeal with the people remains unquestionable. There are various social media accounts dedicated to the nation's top mouser, including one with over eight hundred sixty-eight thousand followers. Larry also gets letters, playthings, and snacks from around the globe and has recently been included in a publication about government pets.
Complaints and Answer
As top feline, Larry naturally gets his portion of criticism. One political analyst recently described Larry as "excessively fat and too idle to actually do his job," claiming him of being "support reliant."
In response, insiders near to Larry have issued a stinging response. They clarify that he is not at all publicly paid for, with Number 10 employees voluntarily covering his costs.