Feb 19, 2025

Larry the Cat: The Real Power Behind 10 Downing Street

10 Downing Street's Most Permanent Resident on Prime Ministers, Animals, and #CatCheck

For 14 years, Larry the Cat has been the most enduring figure at 10 Downing Street, outlasting five prime ministers with his signature blend of feline diplomacy and strategic napping. As Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, he's more than just a cat with a fancy title - he's a British institution, a social media sensation, and arguably Westminster's most trusted political commentator.

From his front-row seat to history (preferably the sunny windowsill by the famous black door), Larry has witnessed political upheavals, stared down foreign foxes, and perfected the art of holding the powerful accountable - one #CatCheck at a time. In this exclusive interview, Downing Street's most permanent resident shares his unfiltered views on political lodgers, his secret to maintaining order (and securing extra meals), and what it truly takes to be Britain's most beloved civil servant.

You've been at No. 10 for over a decade - what's a day in the life of Britain's Chief Mouser like? And what's your skincare routine?

14 years pass quickly if you spend most of your time sleeping, napping or dozing! A typical day starts with breakfast at noon, brunch at 12.30, lunch at 1, and tea at 2. I go for a stroll, see my photographer friends, say hello to a world leader or two, and then go for a rest. I take care of my fur, though it leaves my tongue a bit rough.

Do you have a favorite spot in Downing Street to nap or keep watch?

There are lots of good spots for napping in Downing Street - Boris Johnson had a different spot for each day of the week! My personal favourite is the windowsill at the front, next to the famous door. Means I can keep one eye open to see who's coming and going.

We've seen photos of you surveying the premises - how would you rate the security situation under your watch? Any notable "intruders" (besides politicians)?

Security is provided by my friends at the Metropolitan Police - they keep (most) troublemakers away, though unfortunately, one or two have a pass... There's a fox that likes to skulk around sometimes, but I showed him who's boss.

If you could pick one historical figure to share a saucer of milk with, who would it be and why?

A fun fact is that David Cameron wanted to call me Winston, but a journalist revealed that I was already named Larry. I'd love to have a chat with Winston - it's fair to say I haven't had the best of luck with the calibre of political lodgers, so it would be nice to spend time with the best to have done the job.

Do you have a favorite prime minister? Or maybe a least favorite one?

I'll always have a soft spot for David Cameron for bringing me here, though that was pretty much the only thing he did right. In terms of least favourite, Boris Johnson left more hair on the furniture than I did.

If you were in charge (officially), what's the first law you'd pass?

My first law would be to create a new meal between breakfast and brunch. My next would be to put someone else in charge.

How do you feel about all the dogs and birds that have come and gone from No. 10?

Birds are good for exercise, dogs are ruddy nonsense. Boris Johnson had a dog called Dilyn; a scruffy and reckless fool who left a trail of destruction in his wake. Dilyn was nothing like as bad as his owner.

The world is changing fast, so much is happening, both good and bad. But you always manage to keep people entertained. What's your secret to staying positive?

There's a lot of negativity in the world and especially on Twitter since Elon Musk took over, so the least I can do is try and bring a bit of positivity. I have lots of reasons to be grateful; I was looked after by my friends at the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, and then I became the nation's favourite pet.

Thanks for starting #CatCheck! Tell us more about it - what inspired you and what do you want to achieve?

” As well as positivity it's important to stand up for what's right. I'm lucky to have lots of followers, and the least I can do is let them know when other people are telling porkies on Twitter.

It's a shame those people are often the richest man in the world and the President of the United States, but that's life!

What's one thing about you that most people don't know?

That my food, vet bills etc are covered by the staff at Number 10 - I don't cost the taxpayers a penny.

What book would you recommend on Britain in WWII?

The Most Dangerous Enemy: A History of the Battle of Britain

What do you wish we had asked you about?

Lovely set of questions - thanks for letting me share my answers with your readers. One final thing is why it's so great to be a cat. It's important to remember that the ancient Egyptians worshipped us as Gods; we certainly do!

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