Since 2011, Larry the cat has been the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, a constant presence through seven prime ministers. Now, incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham must win his favor as he moves into No10 with his wife Marie-France van Heel and their rescue dog Axel, a Bichon-Poo. Larry's likely displeasure at the new canine housemate is anticipated, given his history of feline feuds.
Larry's Role and Longevity
According to the official Downing Street website, Larry's duties include "greeting guests to the house, inspecting security defences and testing antique furniture for napping quality." He has captured public affection, receiving daily gifts and treats. His status as a civil servant rather than a personal pet means he remains unaffected by leadership changes. Born in 2007, the stray tabby was adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2011, initially as a pet for David Cameron's children, but Cameron confirmed in 2016 that Larry would stay permanently.
At 19 years old, Larry has outlasted six prime ministers: David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and Keir Starmer. His upkeep is funded voluntarily by Downing Street staff, costing taxpayers nothing. His brush and treats are stored in the Duke of Wellington's chest of drawers in the No10 foyer.
Interactions with World Leaders and Pets
Larry has greeted world leaders like Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but his relationships have been frosty at times. In 2019, he darted behind Donald Trump's £1.2 million armoured Cadillac, causing delays. David Cameron noted in 2011 that Larry liked Barack Obama, who gave him a stroke. Cameron reportedly disliked cat hair on his suits, and Theresa May preferred dogs. Former Scotland Secretary Ian Murray called Larry a "little s***" after he refused to pose for a photo.
Larry's most famous feud was with the Foreign Office's cat Palmerston, who died in Bermuda earlier this year. In 2016, they were spotted brawling outside No10, with Palmerston losing a clump of hair and Larry requiring treatment for a sore paw. Larry also had spats with Rishi Sunak's puppy, Nova, but bonded with former Chancellor George Osborne's cat Freya. In 2024, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer admitted he kept his family's new Siberian kitten Prince away from Larry, fearing Larry would come off better.
Axel the Dog: A New Challenge
Now, fans wonder how Larry will cope with Burnham's dog Axel, a Bichon Frise-Poodle mix adopted from the Dog's Trust. Burnham, a known dog lover, may relocate to No10 or stay in Manchester. Larry is familiar with canine housemates, having lived with Boris Johnson's Jack Russell cross Dilyn and Rishi Sunak's Labrador, Nova. Cats Protection advises that introducing a dog to a cat requires patience. The charity stated, "Axel and Larry can form an effective pet coalition at 10 Downing Street if the introduction is handled right. Mr Burnham might be tempted to take Axel with him on regular trips between Manchester and London but it is not advised to transport pets over long distances unless there is a strong welfare reason."
Larry's Media Fame and Legacy
Larry's popularity has made him a media sensation. A parody X account boasts over 900,000 followers, and he has a popular Instagram account. He featured in a Channel 4 documentary by David Baddiel titled "David Baddiel: Cat Man." A Downing Street source told the Guardian that Larry "loves the red carpet" and often steps out for photo opportunities during official visits. Larry is part of a long lineage of official Downing Street cats, including Rufus, Peter, Bob, Nelson, Peter II, Peter III, Peta, Wilberforce, Humphrey, Sybil, and Freya.
