London (United Kingdom), 15 February (LaPresse/AP) – In turbulent political times, stability comes in four legs, whiskers and a fondness for naps. Cat Larry celebrates his 15th birthday today as the UK's “Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office” at 10 Downing Street, a reassuring presence who has served under six prime ministers. “Larry the Cat” is a former stray. He was adopted in 2011 by then Prime Minister David Cameron from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and over the years has turned welcoming guests and napping into his public brand. Photographers say he loves to steal the show during visits by foreign leaders. Reports of his mouser skills are mixed, but he has become a much-loved figure that no leader dares to turn away. The “first feline” first entered 10 Downing Street on 5 February 2011 and, according to a profile published on the British government's website, his duties include “welcoming guests to the house, inspecting the security defences and testing the quality of antique furniture for napping”. Larry roams freely and has a knack for stealing the show from world leaders arriving at the famous black door of 10 Downing Street, much to the delight of photographers. ‘He's very good at ruining photos,’ said Justin Ng, a freelance photographer who has gotten to know Larry well over the years. ‘If there's a foreign leader visiting, we know he'll come out just as the meeting is about to take place.’
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