While Prime Ministers come and go with dizzying speed, one figure at 10 Downing Street has remained unshakeable. On Sunday, February 15, 2026, Larry the Cat celebrates a historic milestone: his 15th anniversary as the official Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office. For a decade and a half, the brown-and-white tabby has patrolled the corridors of power, outlasting six Prime Ministers and becoming arguably the most popular political figure in the United Kingdom.

The Survivor of Six Premierships

When Larry arrived from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on February 15, 2011, David Cameron was Prime Minister, Barack Obama was in the White House, and TikTok didn't exist. Since then, the political landscape has shifted dramatically, but Larry remains the constant anchor. He has officially seen off the tenures of David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak.

Now serving under Sir Keir Starmer, Larry's longevity is the stuff of legend. At 19 years old, he has become the elder statesman of Number 10. While politicians fret over approval ratings, Larry's popularity remains consistently high. He has witnessed Brexit, general elections, and international crises, all while maintaining his primary schedule of napping on antique furniture and inspecting the security defenses (usually by napping on them).

The Starmer Era: Dealing with 'The Prince'

The transition to the Keir Starmer era in 2024 brought new challenges for the veteran mouser. The Prime Minister brought his family cat, Jojo, and later introduced a Siberian kitten named Prince to the mix. For a cat accustomed to ruling the roost solo (after the departure of his frenemy Palmerston), this required a reassertion of authority.

According to insiders, while Prince may have the youthful energy to chase laser pointers, Larry retains the "alpha" status. He reportedly tolerates the younger feline's presence with the weary patience of a senior executive training an over-enthusiastic intern. The dynamic has provided endless fodder for funny cat news watchers, who note that despite the new additions, it is still Larry who greets the world's press at the famous black door.

Best Moments: The Fox, The Rain, and The Snub

Larry's 15-year reign has been punctuated by viral moments that have cemented his status as a global icon. His 15th anniversary is the perfect time to revisit his greatest hits:

  • The Fox Standoff (2022): Larry was captured on CCTV chasing a large urban fox off his territory, proving that despite his reputation for laziness, he possesses a warrior's spirit when provoked.
  • The Rain Masterclass (2024): While then-PM Rishi Sunak announced the general election in a downpour, getting famously soaked, Larry was photographed sensibly waiting under cover, perfectly illustrating his superior political instincts.
  • The Trump Limousine Incident: During Donald Trump's state visit, Larry halted the presidential motorcade by refusing to move from under the armored limousine, "The Beast," creating a diplomatic security nightmare that could only be resolved with treats.
  • The Truss Snub: Larry famously walked away when Liz Truss attempted to pet him during a photo op, a moment social media users retroactively cited as a predictor of her short tenure.

A Day in the Life of a Political Heavyweight

Despite his advanced age, Larry's daily routine remains vital to the smooth operation of government. His official duties include testing the napping quality of upholstery and acting as a stress-relief therapist for harried civil servants. However, his most visible role is that of a media handler. Photographers stationed outside Number 10 know that when the political news is slow, Larry will often oblige with a "photo-bomb" or a slow saunter across the pavement.

Critics—mostly jealous dogs—have pointed out his lackluster mousing record in recent years. However, supporters argue his role has evolved from pest control to soft power diplomacy. He has met more world leaders than most foreign ministers, charming everyone from Barack Obama to Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Legacy of London's Most Famous Cat

As tributes pour in for his 15th anniversary, it is clear that Larry is more than just a pet; he is a symbol of continuity. In a world of turbulence, there is something reassuring about the sight of Larry waiting to be let in the front door, indifferent to the chaos around him. Here's to Larry the Cat—Britain's real boss—and his remarkable 15-year reign.