Larry the cat is marking 15 years as No 10’s mouse catcher after serving six prime ministers in Downing Street. During his tenure, the 19-year-old tabby, officially known as the chief mouser to the Cabinet Office, has captured the hearts of the British public because of his frequent appearances outside the Prime Minister’s front door in central London.

Larry – arguably the world’s most famous feline – was adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in February 2011, and was originally intended as a pet for the children of then-prime minister David Cameron and his wife, Samantha. As chief mouser, he is tasked with controlling the rodent population of the building at the heart of the British Government, although his success has been disputed.