Meet Larry the Cat: The Downing Street’s "chief mouser" turned 15, enters rare feline longevity club!

Larry the cat who is the resident of 10 Downing Street turned 15. (Image: X/@Number10cat)

• Larry the Cat, Chief Mouser at 10 Downing St, turned 15 years old on 15 February 2026.
• He was adopted as a stray in 2011 and served under 5 PMs of Britain.
• Reaching 15 years makes Larry a "super senior" domestic cat.

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Larry the Cat, the long-serving resident of 10 Downing Street, has turned 15 years old. This milestone places him among the rarer ranks of long-lived domestic cats. This cat is known officially as the UK government’s “Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office".

Larry has quietly witnessed more than a decade of political change from the doorstep of Britain’s most famous address. But beyond the headlines and humour, his 15th birthday also raises a scientific question that how long do cats typically live and what makes some reach this age?

What Species Does "Larry" Belong To?

Larry belongs to the species Felis catus which is better known as the domestic cat. More specifically, he is a domestic shorthair, not a rare pedigree breed. Domestic shorthairs are mixed-breed cats known for genetic diversity and generally robust health.

This genetic variation can sometimes contribute to longer lifespans compared to certain purebred cats that may inherit breed-specific conditions.

How Was This Cat Found?

Larry was adopted in 2011 from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in London. He had previously been found as a stray before being taken into care. After being assessed for temperament and suitability, he was introduced to Downing Street with a specific role which is tackling a reported rodent issue.

Since then, he has remained a permanent resident of Downing Street. He served under multiple UK prime ministers, which is an unusually stable home environment for a former stray.

15 years ago today I arrived on Downing Street in a cage. I've seen off Cameron, May, Johnson, Truss and Sunak and I'm still going strong. Only two Prime Ministers have ever done longer stints here: William Pitt the Younger and Sir Robert Walpole. Bill and Bob - I'm coming for… pic.twitter.com/Mx52NJg93W

— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) February 15, 2026

How Rare Is 15 for a Cat?

Domestic cats typically live between 12 and 15 years. Reaching 15 places a cat at the upper end of average life expectancy. In veterinary terms, cats aged 14 and older are often classified as “super senior.” Some cats can live into their late teens or even early twenties, but that is far less common.

In human age comparisons, a 15-year-old cat is roughly equivalent to a person in their mid-to-late seventies. For a former stray, reaching 15 is particularly notable, as outdoor exposure early in life often reduces average lifespan.

What Does Science Say About Feline Ageing?

Feline ageing follows predictable biological patterns. After age 10, cats enter their senior years. Ageing may bring:

• Slower metabolism
• Reduced kidney efficiency
• Joint stiffness or arthritis
• Dental wear
• Gradual muscle loss

However, modern veterinary medicine has significantly extended feline lifespan over recent decades.

Entering a Rare Longevity Club

While 15 is not record-breaking, it places Larry firmly in a relatively small percentage of older domestic cats. Longevity in cats depends on a combination of genetics, early-life health, diet, medical care and environment.

Larry’s journey, from stray to one of Britain’s most photographed cats reflects how majorly circumstances can influence lifespan.