Larry Marks 15 Years As Downing Street Chief Mouser
The gray-and-white tabby adopted Feb. 15, 2011, has served under six prime ministers and remains Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street at age 18 or 19.
Overview
Larry the cat is marking 15 years as Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street.
He has served under six prime ministers, making him a steady, nonpartisan presence, Philip Howell said.
Photographer Justin Ng said Larry frequently upstages visiting world leaders by photo-bombing arrivals at Downing Street's black door.
Larry was adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and entered Downing Street on Feb. 15, 2011, and is 18 or 19.
Larry continues to patrol his turf and sleep on a window ledge above a radiator just inside the No. 10 door.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Larry as a reassuring, nonpartisan symbol of continuity and British soft power by using affectionate, evaluative language ("reassuring presence," "rags-to-riches," "soft power"), prioritizing friendly expert commentary (Philip Howell) and feel-good anecdotes (Obama smile, Trump nap), emphasizing stability while omitting critical perspectives.
Sources (3)
FAQ
Larry was adopted by then-Prime Minister David Cameron and entered 10 Downing Street on February 15, 2011.
Larry has served under David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and Keir Starmer.
Larry was adopted in 2011 from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to address a rodent infestation after rats were spotted on the steps of Number 10.
Larry is known for photo-bombing world leaders at arrivals, greeting guests, inspecting security, testing furniture for napping, and patrolling his turf.
Yes, Larry was the first cat given the official title of Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office by the British government in 2011.
History
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