What's happened
Larry the cat, adopted in 2011 from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, marks 15 years as the UK government’s chief mouser. Serving under six prime ministers, he’s a fixture in British political life, known for his antics, media appearances, and role as a symbol of stability.
What's behind the headline?
Larry’s longevity and popularity underscore the symbolic role of animals in political stability. His nonpartisan status and media presence reinforce the UK’s soft power image. The stories of his interactions with world leaders, from Barack Obama to Donald Trump, highlight his role as a cultural icon. His slow-down at age 18 or 19 reflects the natural aging of a beloved institution, but his continued presence affirms the importance of tradition and continuity in British political life. The potential removal of Larry would provoke public backlash, illustrating how animals can serve as unifying symbols beyond their practical roles.
What the papers say
The Mirror and The Independent provide detailed accounts of Larry’s history, duties, and cultural significance. The Mirror emphasizes his early days, notable incidents, and interactions with political figures, while The Independent offers a broader perspective on his role as a symbol of stability and British soft power. Both sources agree on Larry’s importance but differ slightly in tone—one highlighting his antics, the other his symbolic stature.
How we got here
Larry was adopted by then-Prime Minister David Cameron in 2011 and has since become a well-known figure at 10 Downing Street. His duties include greeting guests, inspecting security, and occasionally catching mice. Over the years, he has interacted with numerous world leaders and cohabited with other prime ministerial pets, maintaining a nonpartisan presence in British politics.
Go deeper
- How has Larry's role changed over the years?
- What are some of Larry's most famous moments?
- Will Larry continue to serve as chief mouser?
More on these topics
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David William Donald Cameron is a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2010 to 2016. He was the Member of Parliament for Witney from 2001 to 2016 and leader of the Conservative Party from 2005 to 2016.
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10 Downing Street, also known colloquially in the United Kingdom as Number 10, is the headquarters of the Government of the United Kingdom and the official residence and office of the First Lord of the Treasury, a post which, for much of the 18th and 19th