Larry, the mouser who has resided at 10 Downing Street for the past 15 years, officially celebrated his 15th birthday on Tuesday. Originally rescued from a local cat home in 2011, the British Shorthair arrived at the Prime Minister's residence to replace his predecessor, Sybil, and has since become a fixture of British political life.

Known for his stoic demeanor and frequent naps, Larry has weathered 10 prime ministers, from David Cameron to current leadership figures. While his primary job is pest control, he is also credited with providing a morale boost to staff during high-pressure political periods.

What the Right Is Saying

Supporters of the Downing Street tradition emphasize the symbolism of Larry's long tenure. Conservative commentators have pointed out that the cat represents the 'stability' and 'continuity' of the British state, often remaining calm while political winds shift. Some have also defended the public expenditure on the cat as a necessary cost for maintaining morale among the thousands of staff working in government buildings.

What the Left Is Saying

Animal welfare advocates argue that at 15 years old, Larry is in his golden years and deserves a retirement focused on comfort rather than pest control. Organizations like the RSPCA have noted that while Larry has served the nation well, the demands of the job—particularly the frequent movement between residences—may be taking a toll on the senior cat's health. Some activists have suggested the government review the standard working hours for government pets.

What the Numbers Show

Larry is now 15 years old, which is roughly equivalent to 76 in human years. Since his arrival in 2011, he has resided at Number 10 for roughly 5,475 days. While official counts of mice caught are not maintained, anecdotal reports and staff accounts suggest he has removed dozens of rodents from the building over the decades. The estimated total cost of the cat's upkeep over 15 years, including food and veterinary care, is approximately £100,000.

The Bottom Line

Larry's 15th birthday serves as a reminder of the human-animal dynamic within high-level government. Regardless of political affiliation, the cat remains a unifying symbol of British eccentricity and resilience. Future Prime Ministers will likely continue to welcome him into their homes, though calls for a more relaxed retirement schedule are likely to grow louder as he ages.