🔗 Share this article

Larry has seen six government leaders arrive and depart, welcomed presidents and royalty at the famous entrance of No 10, and is shortly set to become the most enduring uninterrupted occupant since Pitt the Younger.

Lasting Presence in UK Government

While the landscape of British politics has changed significantly over the past 15 years, Larry has remained a comforting steady presence. His enduring popularity - the kind that many leaders would desire - is now featured in a new documentary series exploring the country's affection for cats.

"The cat is certainly the person to encounter at No 10," commented one political insider, adding that he "has the freedom of the residence."

Humble Beginnings

Larry, whose official designation is Chief Mouser of the Government at 10 Downing Street, was adopted from an animal shelter to address a rodent issue. His journey from stray cat in Wandsworth to government resident represents a true humble beginnings story that outshines many official biographies.

Political Life

When strains ran high during the coalition government, former Prime Minister the ex-PM was eager to dismiss any suggestions of dislike between him and the country's new beloved feline. "The story is I don't love Larry - I do," he announced during one parliamentary session.

Now a more recognized figure, Larry appears fully accustomed to the attention. Often spotted on broadcast television waiting patiently by the front door, his relaxed behavior in front of audiences has become somewhat troublesome for the Number 10 groundskeeper - Larry frequently visits the front flower patch to relieve himself.

Official Responsibilities

His government profile details the 18-year-old cat as passing his time welcoming guests, inspecting protection defenses, and evaluating antique pieces for napping comfort. His regular duties include considering solutions to the mouse presence in the residence.

While Larry is the initial to hold this specific position, felines have been accepted in the halls of government for at minimum a hundred years. "Consistency is an essential part of Larry's appeal," explained one academic who has researched human-animal relationships.

Diplomatic Appearances

Larry has an acute sense of official occasion. "As soon as moment anything happens on the street, particularly an official visit, like clockwork, he'll be outside the front," remarked a Downing Street insider. "He adores the red carpet."

Former US President the former president and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are among the world figures he has charmed. However, not officials were equally enamored.

Personality and Preferences

"Theresa May notoriously disliked him because she was a canine person," said one camera person who has witnessed several MPs trying, and unsuccessfully, to pet Larry.

When not treading the sidewalks, his regular sleeping spots include the office equipment and desk organizers, but his preferred spots are on the window sills on both sides of the front door.

Public Adoration

The cat's popularity with the people remains unquestionable. There are various social media accounts dedicated to the country's top cat, including one with over 868,000 fans. Larry also receives letters, playthings, and snacks from around the globe and has recently been featured in a book about government animals.

Criticism and Answer

As top feline, Larry naturally receives his share of criticism. One government commentator recently described Larry as "excessively fat and excessively idle to really perform his duties," accusing him of being "welfare dependent."

In reply, insiders near to the cat have released a stinging response. They explain that he is not government funded, with Downing Street staff willingly covering his costs.