Larry, the famous Downing Street cat, has become a beloved figure in British life. He's a familiar sight in the background of TV news reports filmed outside Number 10. Whether lounging on the steps, wandering near the famous black door, or simply observing the press from a distance, Larry often unintentionally steals the spotlight during live broadcasts.
Who is Larry the Downing Street cat?
Larry is not just any cat. He is the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, a title bestowed upon him when he was adopted from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 2011. His primary job is to keep Downing Street mouse-free. However, Larry's effectiveness as Chief Mouser has often been questioned, with suggestions that he showed "a distinct lack of killer instinct." Despite these early doubts, Larry later demonstrated his chase drive and hunting abilities by nearly catching a pigeon in 2020 and has occasionally presented dead mice to reporters. Larry's arrival coincided with David Cameron's time as Prime Minister and since then, Larry has witnessed several general elections and served under a number of prime ministers of the British government, including Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak. He's since welcomed new PM Keir Starmer to Number 10 and Starmer's cat JoJo.
Larry's job description
Larry's official duties, according to Number 10, include "greeting guests to the house, inspecting security defences and testing antique furniture for napping quality." However, Larry's interactions with visiting politicians have been unpredictable, to say the least. During one of President Donald Trump's visits to Downing Street, Larry caused quite a commotion by choosing to nap under Trump's £1.2 million armoured Cadillac, temporarily preventing the former US President from departing after a meeting with Theresa May.
Where does Larry the cat sleep?
Larry's exact sleeping arrangements at 10 Downing Street appear to be a closely guarded secret. However, it is known that he takes advantage of numerous rooms and cosy corners in the government offices. In fact, he's often been spotted sleeping on the job, whether taking a cat nap in the windows of Number 10 or lounging on the steps outside the iconic black door of Number 10, seemingly unbothered by the comings and goings of politicians and the press. One of his favourite spots is reportedly the heated floor in the entrance hall, a perfect place to nap while remaining at the centre of attention.
Who looks after Larry the cat?
Downing Street staff are responsible for Larry's care, which includes ensuring that he is well-fed, groomed and healthy. His upkeep is funded by voluntary contributions from civil servants, a tradition maintained for nearly a century. Larry has outlasted several prime ministers and chancellors, including his original adopter, Prime Minister David Cameron, who noted Larry's initial nervousness when he first arrived. However, Larry quickly settled into his role, becoming a key part of Downing Street's daily life.
Is Larry Downing Street's first cat?
Larry is just the latest in a long line of Downing Street cats, a tradition that dates back nearly a century. The first official government feline was Peter, a black cat who served in the 1920s. Like Larry, Peter was tasked with controlling the rodent population in government buildings. However, Peter's over-indulgence from adoring staff led to a request for a formal food budget from the Treasury. Peter III, one of Peter's successors, became Britain's first celebrity government cat, even appearing on the BBC's Tonight programme in 1958 and receiving fan mail, much like Larry does today.
The tradition of having a government cat continued with Humphrey, who served from 1989 to 1997. Humphrey was not only a dedicated mouser but also a media sensation. His career was marred by scandal, including an accusation of killing baby robins, which civil servants vigorously denied. Despite these challenges, Humphrey remained a beloved figure until his retirement.
Today, Larry, the Downing Street cat, has become integral to life at Number 10. Whether carrying out his duties as Chief Mouser or simply finding the perfect spot to sleep, Larry's presence brings warmth to the often stressful work of government.
