Meet Willow, the Biden Family’s New Cat
The Biden family welcomed a long-anticipated new arrival to the White House this January, a cat named Willow.
Willow, a 2-year-old short-haired grey cat, entered the picture on a stop during President Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign. Her whimsical name comes from Dr. Jill Biden’s hometown, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. She is the first cat to live in the White House since President George W. Bush’s cat India.
Meet Willow!💕 pic.twitter.com/Gl3SnsMnvW
— Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) January 28, 2022
Her arrival was serendipitous, according to the family. The First Lady’s spokesman gave background on the new addition in a news release, stating, “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. Seeing their immediate bond, the owner of the farm knew that Willow belonged with Dr. Biden.”
🐾I used to be a farm cat, I think that’s pawbably code for stray. My meowmy @FLOTUS named me Willow from Willow Grove, PA where I was born. I got noticed by meowmmy Jill Biden after I jumped up on stage, and interrupted her remarks during a campaign stop in PA. #COTUS pic.twitter.com/wztuqzj7B2
— The Oval Pawffice® 🇺🇸 DOTUS Fans (@TheOvalPawffice) January 28, 2022
The Biden’s latest pet joins Commander, a 4-month-old German Shepherd puppy. Previously, they were owners of Champ, who passed away last year, and Major, who went to live with another family after having a difficult time adjusting to bustling White House life. According to social media posts, Willow seems to have no problem relaxing right into her new home.
socks clinton walked so willow biden could run pic.twitter.com/58evK3xuwp
— ⚔️💗 (@chillarystan) January 29, 2022
The White House has been home to many creatures. Former President Trump famously had no pets to accompany the family during his stay. While President Biden served as Vice President, former President Obama had two Portuguese Water Dogs: Bo and Sunny. More unusual pets once occupying the President’s residence include cows, a ram, and a raccoon (kept by First Lady Grace Coolidge).
