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Who is Larry the Cat? Meet the 'chief mouser'

By FOX TV Digital Team
Published  July 5, 2024 12:24pm MST
Pets and Animals
FOX TV Stations

New U.K. prime minister speaks after win

Labour Leader Keir Starmer has become prime minister and can form a majority government. He becomes the first left-party leader to win a U.K election since 1997. He vowed to lead a "government of service" on a "mission of national renewal."

Prime ministers come and go in the UK, but Larry the Cat – the "chief mouser" of 10 Downing Street – isn’t going anywhere. Or at least he’d better not be. 

As the new UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer settles into office, the big question is: Will he meet with Larry the Cat? And will that be before or after he meets with King Charles III? 

Larry — a gray and white tabby who roams the heart of government as if it is his own personal realm — has been a fixture of the residence for more than 13 years, outlasting five prime ministers. He’s affectionately known as "chief mouser" to the Cabinet’s office.

WATCH: Kate, Princess of Wales, attends King Charles' Trooping the Color parade

Who is Larry the Cat? 

The former stray was brought to Downing Street from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2011 to help control a rodent problem. He’s been the most popular Downing Street resident ever since. 

Larry the cat sits in front of a flower arch of Ukraines national flower, sunflowers, erected outside Number 10 Downing Street in London to mark Ukrainian Independence Day on August 24, 2022. (Photo by SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images)

Larry’s official duties include greeting guests, inspecting security defenses, and testing antique furniture for napping quality, according to the British government. But he’s also highly skilled at ignoring the many famous faces who visit the prime minister’s residence and office.

WATCH: Britain's Labour Party wins in landslide victory

When President Joe Biden visited 10 Downing Street last year, Larry was removed from his favorite spot at the entrance to make room for a photo op. 

The press corps fawns over Larry every chance they get. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.