Willow The Tabby Has Moved Into The White House And Assumed Her Role As "First Cat" Of The United States
In January of this year, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden announced that there would be a new resident at the White House. The couple had adopted an adorable gray tabby cat named Willow.
Dr. Biden had given a talk two years earlier at a Pennsylvania farm where Willow was living at the time. Willow made an impression on the future First Lady when she jumped on stage during her speech.
"Willow made quite an impression on Dr. Biden in 2020 when she jumped up on the stage and interrupted her remarks during a campaign stop," said the First Lady's spokesperson, Michael La Rosa. "Seeing their immediate bond, the owner of the farm knew that Willow belonged with Dr. Biden."
The First Lady named the cat after her hometown, Willow Grove. Of course, the gray tabby is company for Commander, the Bidens' German Shepherd, who moved into the White House in December 2021.
By the looks of it, Willow is adjusting to her role as America's "First Cat" purr-fectly. "Willow is settling into the White House with her favorite toys, treats, and plenty of room to smell and explore," La Rosa said.
It has been quite a while since there has been a cat in the White House, but Willow certainly isn't the first. There have been many presidential cats before her, from Bill Clinton's cat Socks to George W. Bush's cat India.
Keep scrolling to see more of Willow and meet some of the previous "White House cats." These are some lucky felines!
Meet Willow!
The new "First Cat" of the United States has settled into the White House purr-fectly.
The sweet tabby was named after Dr. Jill Biden's hometown, Willow Grove.
And, of course, the gray tabby is company for Commander, the Bidens' German Shepherd, who moved into the White House in December 2021.
Socks Clinton
Former President Bill Clinton's cat Socks was adopted as a stray. He was the Clinton family's only pet, and he had a fan base all his own.
India "Willie" Bush
India "Willie" Bush was owned by former President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. She was with the Bush family for almost two decades and passed away in 2009.
Ernie Bush
Ernie was the Bushes' cat before George became President. He was given up for adoption before the Bushes moved from Texas to the White House because they were concerned he would claw the furniture.
Tom Kitten Kennedy
Tom Kitten belonged to President Kennedy’s daughter, Caroline Kennedy. Funnily enough, JFK was actually allergic to cats, and Tom Kitten would make him sneeze terribly.
Misty Malarky Carter
Misty Malarky was an adorable Siamese cat that belonged to President Jimmy Carter's daughter, Amy Lynn Carter. Misty lived at the White House until Carter's term ended.
Shan Ford
Shan belonged to former President Gerald Ford's daughter, Susan. The shy cat often hid under the Lincoln bedroom bed when her owner was in school.
Dixie Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was the first President ever to bring a cat into the White House. His two cats, Tabby and Dixie, were gifts from Secretary of State William Seward.
Tiger "Tige" Coolidge
Tiger, or "Tige," belonged to former President Calvin Coolidge. The sweet cat even wore a collar with his name and "The White House" engraved on it.
Cleo and Sara Raegan
Ronald and Nancy Reagan owned two stray tortoiseshell cats, Cleo and Sara. Although technically, the cats didn't live at the White House, they lived at their vacation home, Rancho del Cielo.
How sweet life must be for a little cat in the White House! We bet Willow must be the envy of all her feline friends!
One thing we know for sure is that life is better with animals. And cats are some of the best.
So, a president with pets is fine by us! Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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