Larry the cat, also known as the Downing Street cat, is the Chief Mouser of the Cabinet Office. He has served Downing Street since February 15 2011 and has outlasted three Prime Ministers in the cabinet office. With the recent news of Boris Johnson’s impending departure, people are wondering what will happen to Larry the Cat?
Larry’s history
Larry was born in January 2007, making him 15-years-old today. He is a brown and white tabby cat, who has a friendly and slightly lazy nature.
Larry was originally a stray cat who was taken in by Battersea animal rescue centre. The Prime Minister at the time, David Cameron, adopted Larry in 2011 and appointed him as the Chief Mouser of the Cabinet Office, the first of all the Downing Street cats given the official title.
What does he do?
Larry’s official title means he is a civil servant. His presence serves to to control a pest problem that Downing Street have been experiencing since 2011. Despite his official title of Chief Mouser, Larry is seemingly not very good at catching mice. His laziness means that during October 2017 and November 2017, pest control were called to Downing Street 29 times! Oh, Larry!
However, there are several instances of him successfully stalking and catching pigeons. It may not be his official job, but at least he’s trying, right?
Larry’s altercations
Larry may love the Downing Street security and staff members, but he is not too fond of the Foreign Office’s mouser, Palmerston. These two cats have been witnessed fighting one another on multiple occasions.
Larry was also involved in a fight with 11 Downing Street’s former cat, Freya, in 2012. This fight was said to have left Larry anxious to leave his house in case Freya was lurking outside. Talk about Downing Street drama!
Larry as a meme
With the recent turmoil in British politics in the last week, the internet has found comfort and humour in Larry. His unofficial Twitter account posts daily jokes and memes about how Larry should be appointed the next Prime Minister. It just goes to show how well people on the internet can lighten the mood during uncertain times!
Also, there are several compilation videos showcasing Larry’s ‘best moments’, from meeting Barack Obama to catching a pigeon a few feet away from the reporters. It’s safe to say Larry is a true British icon!
What will happen to him now?
Since Larry is not the property of anyone and he is a civil servant with an official title, he will not be leaving 10 Downing Street when Boris Johnson leaves. His old age and lazy nature will probably mean he continues snoozing the way he has been the whole time. Don’t worry, he’s not going anywhere!
The takeaway message
It’s reasonable to worry about Larry’s position with all the uncertainty in the current British political climate. We don’t want to lose out on his loveable and lazy attitude, and his presence has brought many joy and laughter in recent weeks. But there’s no need to worry, as Larry isn’t going anywhere! He will remain at Downing Street even when Boris Johnson leaves. We love you, legend Larry!