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The facts
Larry the cat, rescued from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home on 15 February, has quietly held the title of chief mouser at 10 Downing Street for 15 years. He arrived under David Cameron and has outlasted successive occupants of Number 10 — Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak and now Keir Starmer — becoming a rare constant in a rotating political cast. Part pest controller, part public figure, Larry’s job blends practical duties with plenty of ceremonial moments.
Now thought to be about 19 years old (born around January 2007), Larry has evolved into more than a working cat: he’s a familiar face for staff, journalists and visitors alike. Broadcasters celebrated his 15th anniversary in February, highlighting how he sits at the crossroads of daily routines, press photo opportunities and state occasions.
Encounters, routine and public impact
Reporters and photographers at Number 10 say Larry is a reliable presence at doorway photo calls and formal events — whether he’s basking on a windowsill or cheekily interrupting a handshake. He’s met visiting dignitaries (including former US President Barack Obama) and became an unforgettable image during a visit when photographers caught him sheltering under the US presidential car.
Chosen from Battersea for his hunting instincts, Larry’s official duties include greeting guests, inspecting security and patrolling the building’s public spaces. His mouser record is a mixed bag: there are the success stories, the photographed misses, and the occasional pigeon that got away. Time has slowed him down, but he still patrols when on duty and naps in sunlit corners when off.
Larry’s celebrity has had visible effects beyond Number 10. Battersea reported a bump in adoptions after his rise to fame, and he’s appeared in documentaries, books and an unofficial parody account that uses his voice to comment on life at Downing Street.
Relationships, symbolism and current status
Within the informal network of official animals, Larry once had a public rivalry with Palmerston, the Foreign Office cat, until Palmerston retired. He also coexists with prime ministerial pets who live in the private quarters while Larry largely sticks to the working areas.
To many observers, Larry represents a reassuringly apolitical presence — a steady, familiar figure amid political upheaval. His independence, occasional mischief and constant visibility have made him one of the most recognisable animal personalities connected to modern British politics.
Update: Larry remains on duty at Number 10 and continues to appear to staff and visitors as they move through the residence.