🔗 Share this article

The cat has observed half a dozen government leaders arrive and depart, welcomed presidents and royalty at the famous entrance of Downing Street, and is soon set to become the longest continuous resident since historical figures.

Enduring Presence in UK Government

While the landscape of UK government has changed significantly over the past decade and a half, Larry has remained a comforting steady presence. His enduring appeal - the kind that many leaders would covet - is now featured in a upcoming documentary series exploring the country's love for cats.

"The cat is certainly the character to meet at Downing Street," stated one Westminster source, adding that he "has the freedom of the residence."

Humble Beginnings

Larry, whose formal designation is Head Cat of the Cabinet Office at 10 Downing Street, was taken in from an animal shelter to address a pest problem. His journey from stray cat in south London to government inhabitant represents a true rags to riches story that outshines many official biographies.

Political Existence

When strains ran strong during the coalition government, former Prime Minister David Cameron was keen to dismiss any rumors of dislike between him and the country's new favorite cat. "This story is I don't love Larry - I do," he announced during one parliamentary session.

Now a increasingly recognized figure, Larry appears completely adjusted to the spotlight. Often seen on broadcast television waiting patiently by the front door, his relaxed behavior in front of audiences has become somewhat problematic for the Number 10 gardener - Larry frequently visits the front flower patch to do his business.

Formal Responsibilities

His government description describes the 18-year-old tabby as spending his days greeting guests, checking protection measures, and testing antique pieces for sleeping quality. His day-to-day responsibilities include considering answers to the mouse occupancy in the house.

While Larry is the initial to hold this particular position, cats have been welcomed in the corridors of government for at least a century. "Consistency is an essential part of the cat's attraction," noted one academic who has studied people-pet relationships.

Official Appearances

Larry has an acute sense of official occasion. "As soon as minute anything occurs on the street, particularly an official arrival, like clockwork, he'll be out the main," commented a Number 10 insider. "Larry loves the attention."

Ex- US President Barack Obama and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are among the international figures he has charmed. However, not leaders were equally fond.

Personality and Likes

"The former PM notoriously hated him because she was a canine lover," explained one photographer who has seen several MPs trying, and unsuccessfully, to stroke the cat.

When he isn't treading the pavements, Larry's regular resting spots include the printer and desk organizers, but his favorite spots are on the window sills on either side of the entrance.

Public Adoration

The cat's popularity with the public remains unquestionable. There are various social media profiles dedicated to the nation's top cat, including one with over 868,000 followers. He also receives fan mail, playthings, and snacks from around the globe and has lately been featured in a book about government pets.

Complaints and Answer

As chief feline, he inevitably receives his share of complaints. One political commentator recently described Larry as "excessively fat and too idle to actually perform his job," claiming him of being "welfare reliant."

In reply, sources near to Larry have issued a stinging rebuke. They clarify that he is not at all publicly funded, with Downing Street staff voluntarily paying his expenses.