Meet Willow!💕 pic.twitter.com/Gl3SnsMnvW
— Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) January 28, 2022
The White House has a new furry resident roaming its hallowed halls. On Friday, January 28, the Biden administration announced that the first family had adopted a gray shorthair tabby cat named Willow.
First lady Jill Biden was the driving force behind Willow's adoption. The cat had a memorable introduction to her nearly two years ago; Dr. Biden was giving a speech at a Pennsylvania farm where Willow was living. But like most animals, Willow didn't care that a future first lady was there and simply hopped on stage during her talk.
“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 Michael La Rosa, the first lady's spokesperson. “Seeing their immediate bond, the owner of the farm knew that Willow belonged with Dr. Biden.”
The cat is named after Dr. Biden’s hometown of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. She’s joining Commander, a German shepherd puppy who arrived at the White House in December 2021. The two come after the June 2021 death of the Bidens’ oldest dog, Champ. Their other dog, Major, had to be rehomed after having trouble adapting to life as a president’s pup; the White House environment was not the best place for him.
Based on the photos released of Willow, it appears she’s adjusting to the fast-paced life of POTUS just fine. “Willow is settling into the White House with her favorite toys, treats, and plenty of room to smell and explore,” La Rosa shared.
It’s been a long time since a cat has been in the White House. The last kitty to take up furry residence was President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush’s black cat, India. Before that, it was the Clintons’ cat Socks who was a “media darling” and even photographed in the White House briefing room.
Will Willow have the same level of fame? Only time will tell, but considering the internet’s general love of cats, the odds are good that we’ll be seeing more of her in the coming years.
h/t: [NPR]
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