Why the most powerful resident of 10 Downing Street is a tabby cat
In short: Larry the cat has outlasted seven British prime ministers since his 2011 appointment as Chief Mouser. While he is officially tasked with pest control, he is better known for his viral social media presence, diplomatic photobombs, and a reputation for being more popular than the politicians he shares his home with.
Born a stray around January 2007, Larry was adopted by Downing Street staff from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 2011. Unlike his predecessors, he is not government property; his upkeep is funded entirely by voluntary staff donations. His role, officially described as inspecting security and napping on antique furniture, is often overshadowed by his perceived lack of a 'killer instinct.' Despite his nickname 'Lazy Larry,' he has occasionally demonstrated his hunting prowess, including catching a pigeon in 2020 and chasing off a fox twice his size in 2022.
Larry’s tenure has been marked by complex relationships with both human and animal residents. He famously clashed with Palmerston, the Foreign Office cat, in a series of brutal fights that made headlines. He has also navigated the arrival of various prime ministerial pets, including dogs like Dilyn and Nova, often asserting his dominance. Former Prime Minister David Cameron, who initially viewed Larry as a potential public relations asset, later noted that the cat was 'a bit nervous' around men, with the notable exception of Barack Obama.
Beyond his domestic duties, Larry has become a global cultural icon. His popularity is so immense that an unofficial parody Twitter account, @Number10Cat, provides snarky commentary on political events, even drawing praise from international leaders like Emmanuel Macron. In 2024, polling data revealed that Larry held a significantly higher favourability rating than both Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer. Whether he is photobombing world leaders or 'contemplating' solutions to mouse occupancy, Larry remains a fixture of British political life, proving that in the corridors of power, a cat can sometimes command more public affection than the politicians themselves.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Larry (cat)
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