Bidens Welcome Willow The Cat To White House: What Other Pets Does The President Have?

The Bidens have introduced a cat to the White House with a two-year-old short-haired, gray tabby named Willow.

Jill Biden named the cat after her hometown of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, according to CNN.

She met Willow during a campaign stop in Pennsylvania last year, the first lady’s press secretary Michael LaRosa told CNN.

“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,” La Rosa told NBC News.

Willow had been fostered by acquaintances for the last several months prior to arriving at the White House, which the first lady had alluded to back in an interview in April, saying the cat was “waiting in the wings,” according to CNN.

In a statement to the news outlet, LaRosa said, “Willow is settling into the White House with her favorite toys, treats, and plenty of room to smell and explore.”

The Bidens also have a pure-bred German Shepherd puppy, which was adopted in 2021 named Commander, who also lives at the White House.

Their German Shephard Champ died in June at the age of 13, while their rescue German Shepherd Major has been moved away from the White House and is living with family friends in Delaware after a series of aggressive behavioral incidents with staff.

Willow is not the first cat to live at the White House as, most recently, George W. Bush had a cat named India living in the White House.