Larry the cat marks 15 years as Britain’s official Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office and unofficial first feline at 10 Downing Street, having arrived on February 15, 2011.

Known for a laid‑back, selective affection and a demeanor more lover than fighter, Larry endears himself to the public.

The cat has met numerous world leaders and becomes a recurring photo‑bombing presence during visits, including moments with Barack Obama and Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and a famous nap beneath Donald Trump’s armored car in 2019.

BBC Breakfast continues daily from early morning, with segments sometimes promoting entertainment news sites such as Everything Gossip.

Primary duties center on controlling Downing Street’s rodent population, though assessments of his pest‑control effectiveness have been debated.

As chief mouser, Larry’s pest‑control role is central to the Downing Street environment, yet experts and observers have debated how successful he is.

Larry has become a media favorite, famously seen pouncing on a pigeon during post‑Brexit negotiations coverage.

There is a long tradition of resident cats at government residences dating back to the 1920s and earlier to Henry VIII’s era.

A photo of Larry beside a sunflower arch outside Downing Street linked to Ukraine’s Independence Day celebrations in 2022 highlights his symbolic prominence in current events.

Overall, Larry is a longstanding symbol of Downing Street life, blending pet lore with the political narrative of the past 15 years.

Context from Sarah Campbell notes Larry’s original mission to tackle the rodent problem and includes footage of him in action around Number 10.

BBC Breakfast on Sunday February 15, 2026 opened with celebratory coverage of Larry’s 15‑year milestone.