Larry the Cat: Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office at 10 Downing Street Since 2011
In the bustling heart of London, 10 Downing Street stands as a symbol of British political power. However, amid the corridors of influence and decisions, a different kind of authority prowls—Larry the Cat, the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office since 2011. Larry's tenure is marked not only by his rodent-catching prowess but also by his unique role in the storied tradition of felines serving the British government, a practice that dates back centuries. A Historical Role The tradition of having a cat in residence at the heart of British government stretches back to the 16th century. Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, acting as Lord Chancellor under Henry VIII, was known to have his cat by his side. Modern records, however, date back to 3 June 1929, when A.E. Banham at the Treasury officially authorized spending "1d a day from petty cash towards the maintenance of an efficient cat." This allowance increased over time, reflecting the valued role of these feline guardians....
