Meet Larry the Cat: Downing Street’s Most Famous Resident
If there is one figure at 10 Downing Street who has outlasted prime ministers, weathered political storms, and won the hearts of people far beyond Westminster, it is not a politician at all. It is a brown-and-white tabby named Larry. Officially titled Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, Larry has become one of the most recognisable cats in the world and a quiet symbol of continuity at the heart of British government.
Watch Larry in action in the short clip below, filmed as he marked a remarkable milestone outside the world’s most photographed front door.
Who Is Larry the Cat?
Larry arrived at Downing Street in February 2011, rehomed from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in London. He was brought in to help deal with reports of rodents around the government buildings, reviving a long tradition of working cats in British public offices. Since then, he has lived at No. 10 through a series of different prime ministers, becoming a permanent fixture regardless of who holds the keys to the building.
Importantly, Larry is cared for by the Downing Street staff rather than belonging to any single prime minister. When governments change, Larry stays. That detail is a big part of why so many people see him as a reassuring constant in an often unpredictable political world.
What Does a Chief Mouser Actually Do?
The role of Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office sounds grand, and in many ways it is a piece of gentle British tradition. In practical terms, the job is exactly what it sounds like: keeping an eye out for mice around the historic government buildings. Larry follows in the paw prints of a long line of Downing Street cats, including his well-known predecessor Humphrey.
Of course, Larry is also an unofficial ambassador. He greets visitors, wanders the pavement of Downing Street, and frequently appears in news footage and photographs alongside world leaders arriving for high-profile meetings. Many owners find that cats have their own ideas about working hours, and Larry is no exception, which has only added to his charm.
A Symbol of Stability Through Political Change
Over the years Larry has served alongside several prime ministers, and he has watched countless ministers, advisers, and visiting dignitaries come and go. Through it all, his daily routine of patrolling, napping in the sun, and occasionally facing off with neighbouring cats has continued largely unchanged.
It is this steadiness that has turned a rescue cat into a national talking point. In a setting defined by change, Larry represents something simple and dependable, which is part of why news of his milestones tends to make headlines well beyond the political pages.
A Few Things Larry Is Known For
- Being rehomed from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home before taking up his role in 2011.
- Holding the official title of Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office.
- Appearing in news coverage alongside visiting world leaders outside No. 10.
- Serving across multiple governments while remaining a Downing Street fixture.
- Building a large and devoted following on social media.
Why the Internet Loves Larry
Larry’s appeal is easy to understand. He is a rescue cat who landed one of the most unusual addresses in the world, and he carries out his duties with the unbothered confidence that cat owners everywhere will recognise. Photos of Larry sitting calmly on the steps of Downing Street, ignoring the political drama around him, are exactly the kind of lighthearted content people enjoy sharing.
For many fans, Larry is also a reminder of the value of animal adoption. His story shows how a cat from a rescue centre can thrive in a loving, stable home, even one as famous as No. 10.
Final Thoughts
Larry the Cat has gone from a shelter resident to a genuine British icon, proving that you do not need to be elected to leave a lasting impression on a nation. Whether he is dozing in a sunny spot or strolling past the cameras, Larry continues to remind us that sometimes the most beloved public figure in the building is the one on four paws.
If Larry’s story has inspired you to consider giving a cat a home, your local rescue centre is a wonderful place to start. For guidance on caring for a new or senior cat, it is always a good idea to consult a licensed veterinarian for advice specific to your pet.
