Meet Larry, The Cat Of 10 Downing Street Who Has Seen Six PMs Come And Go; Now He Awaits A Seventh

The resignation of Prime Minister and Labour leader Keir Starmer threw Britain into major political chaos.

But in the midst of all the political chaos, a photo of a cat has gone viral on social media. Larry is not a regular cat. He is the official "Chief Mouser" and has been residing in Number 10 since 2011. Larry has seen six British prime ministers come and go during his 15 years in the job and is preparing to welcome a seventh resident to Downing Street.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, so that means Larry is getting ready to welcome yet another new leader, making him one of the longest-serving residents of the Prime Minister's official residence.

Famous Larry the Cat from 10 Downing Street refuses to learn the future PM’s names

‘If it carries on like this Im going to stop making the effort to learn their names’, — the comedy X account posted pic.twitter.com/bsC6a8LdNI

— RT (@RT_com) June 22, 2026

Who Is Larry - The Cat

Well, we need to understand Larry is by no means an ordinary cat, being an official title of "Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office," a title that involves the traditional responsibility of keeping mice and rats away from government buildings.

The cat was adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2011 and moved into 10 Downing Street during the tenure of David Cameron as prime minister.
Over the years Larry has become a familiar figure in British public life. He is a familiar face outside the famous black door of Downing Street, with a loyal following built up at home and abroad.

Who Are The PMs Larry Served?

Since arriving at Downing Street, Larry has witnessed some of the most dramatic political changes in modern British history.

He has served under six prime ministers:

• David Cameron
• Theresa May
• Boris Johnson
• Liz Truss
• Rishi Sunak
• Keir Starmer

Now, with Starmer stepping down, Larry is set to welcome his seventh prime minister while continuing his role at the historic residence.

More Than Just A Government Cat

Larry has become much more than a mouser over the years. He's become a social media sensation; a beloved public figure.

His activities are frequently reported in the media and he is seen regularly in news coverage of major political events. When leadership changes occur, journalists tend to point to him, citing his extraordinary knack of outliving Britain's political leaders.

His popularity has also helped make him one of the most recognisable animals in public service anywhere in the world.

Why people like Larry

Part of Larry's appeal is his unique position. Politicians have elections, resignations and leadership battles. Larry just plods on at Downing Street.

His long time spent at No 10 means he has seen British political history, watching events unfold in silence from the doorstep of one of the world's most famous government buildings.

For many British people, Larry is a lighter side of politics, a sense of familiarity in a time of change.