🔗 Share this article A Homeless Feline to Celebrity Resident: This Extraordinary Tale of Downing Street's Chief Mouser The cat has observed half a dozen government leaders come and go, greeted presidents and royalty at the iconic entrance of No 10, and is soon set to become the most enduring continuous occupant since Pitt the Younger. Enduring Figure in UK Politics While the scene of UK government has changed significantly over the past decade and a half, Larry has remained a reassuring steady presence. His lasting appeal - the kind that many politicians would covet - is now featured in a new documentary series exploring the nation's love for cats. "The cat is definitely the person to meet at No 10," commented one Westminster source, adding that he "enjoys the run of the house." Modest Beginnings Larry, whose official title is Head Cat of the Cabinet Office at 10 Downing Street, was taken in from an rescue center to address a rodent problem. His journey from stray feline in south London to government resident represents a true rags to riches story that outshines many political life stories. Political Existence When tensions ran strong during the coalition government, former Prime Minister David Cameron was keen to dispel any rumors of animosity between him and the country's new favorite cat. "This story is I dislike the cat - I certainly do," he declared during one government meeting. Now a increasingly recognized figure, the cat appears fully adjusted to the attention. Often seen on broadcast TV lingering patiently by the entrance, his calm demeanor in front of cameras has become somewhat problematic for the Number 10 gardener - he frequently goes to the main flower patch to do his business. Official Responsibilities His official profile describes the 18-year-old tabby as spending his time welcoming guests, checking protection measures, and evaluating antique furniture for napping comfort. His regular responsibilities include considering solutions to the mouse presence in the house. While the cat is the first to hold this specific title, cats have been accepted in the corridors of power for at least a hundred years. "Stability is an essential part of Larry's appeal," explained one academic who has researched human-animal connections. Diplomatic Presence The cat possesses an acute sense of official occasion. "The minute something occurs on the road, particularly an official arrival, like routine, he'll be out the main," remarked a Downing Street source. "He adores the red carpet." Former US leader Barack Obama and Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy are among the world figures he has impressed. However, not all leaders were equally fond. Personality and Likes "The former PM notoriously hated him because she was a canine lover," said one photographer who has witnessed several MPs trying, and failing, to stroke the cat. When he isn't treading the pavements, Larry's regular sleeping places include the office equipment and desk organizers, but his preferred spots are on the ledges on both sides of the front door. Popular Adoration The cat's popularity with the public remains unquestionable. There are various social media profiles dedicated to the nation's chief mouser, including one with over eight hundred sixty-eight thousand followers. Larry also gets letters, toys, and treats from across the world and has recently been included in a publication about political pets. Complaints and Response As chief cat, Larry naturally gets his portion of criticism. One government analyst recently described him as "excessively overweight and too lazy to really perform his job," claiming him of being "welfare dependent." In response, sources close to the cat have issued a strong rebuke. They explain that Larry is not at all government funded, with Downing Street staff voluntarily covering his expenses.