The cat Larry has dominated Downing Street for a decade. He is the star of the British Prime Ministry, has served 3 prime ministers and has become a legend that everyone follows the news of his nap, mood and misery.

The White Striped Cat arrived at 10 Downing Street on February 15, 2011, when he was 4 years old.

He was adopted by the "Battersea Dogs and Cats Home" animal shelter in London, chosen for his rat hunting skills, according to his Downing Street biography.

He was awarded the title of "chief of rat chasing" and the first inhabitant of the famous Prime Minister's residence to receive the title.

But while he hunted 3 mice during his first months on the spot, according to David Cameron, the first prime minister of his "reign," he has disappointed expectations since then, restricting his role in "tactical planning."

Despite his indifference, Larry clung to power.

Although he lacks the instinct to kill, he has engaged in non-diplomatic quarrels with opponents including Palmerston, the black and white kitten residing at the nearby State Department headquarters.

Since then, Palmerston acquiesced, retired from politics and moved to the countryside, where he retired in 2020.

According to Downing Street, Larry’s soft power diplomacy “has captured the hearts of the British people,” and it involves building relationships with journalists and photographers stationed abroad who reward him with snacks and some foreplay.

Cameron left Downing Street in 2016, following the "Leave" campaign voted by the British people, and Larry remained in office.

Even Cameron had to fight rumors about a dispute with Larry in his last question session as prime minister before Parliament, showing a picture of them together, denying that he said, "In one way or another: I don't like Larry."

Larry subsequently stayed on the Downing Street crew, cohabiting with Theresa May, and now with Boris Johnson.

Larry has been awarded the title of "chief rat chaser" and is the first inhabitant of the famous Prime Minister's residence to receive the title

Critical role

A cat's presence on Downing Street plays a crucial role in the PR in an animal-loving country, historian Anthony Seldon told AFP.

The biographer of the last 4 British prime ministers explained that this "helps to humanize the prime minister," and that in times of crisis, the cat can be "a source of disguise."

Tim Bale, professor of political science at Queen Mary University of London, attributed Larry's continuity in this role to the prime minister's desire to bridge "a large gap between politicians and voters."

He added that the prime minister - especially if he has polarized public opinion - "will use whatever opportunity is available to him to give people the impression that there is a common denominator between them."

"We don't all like cats, and that might be the reason Boris Johnson has a dog too ... But millions of Britons have pets. So, this is one of the opportunities," he added.

Larry participated in the visits of many world leaders with varying degrees of friendliness.

While allowing former US President Barack Obama to caress him, he intercepted an armored car left by former President Donald Trump, sat under it and stubbornly refused to move.

On Christmas Eve, as reporters waited outside for the announcement of the Brexit deal, Larry suddenly rushed and pounced on a pigeon. The bird escaped with its feathers while the cat caught media attention.