New Delhi, Feb. 16 -- In turbulent political times, stability comes with four legs, whiskers and a fondness for napping.

Larry the cat celebrates 15 years on Sunday as the British government's official rodent-catcher and unofficial first feline, a reassuring presence who has served under six prime ministers. Sometimes it seems like they have served under him.

"Larry the cat's approval ratings will be very high," said Philip Howell, a Cambridge University professor who has studied the history of human-animal relations. "And prime ministers tend not to hit those numbers.

"He represents stability, and that's at a premium."

The gray-and-white tabby's rags-to-riches story has taken him from stray on the streets to Britain's seat of power, ...