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Willow, America's new first cat, joins the Biden White House

Jan. 28 (UPI) -- The Biden White House finally has some feline energy. Meet Willow, a 2-year-old gray short-haired tabby with white stripes.

Willow is named after Willow Grove, Pa., first lady Jill Biden's hometown, according to her spokesman Michael LaRosa told NBC News.

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Adopting a cat wasn't President Joe Biden's idea. But he said last year it would be an easy addition to the White House.

Jill Biden met Willow in dramatic fashion. The cat jumped onto a stage and interrupted her during a campaign stop. The owner of the farm saw the magic and "knew that Willow belonged to Dr. Biden," LaRosa said.

Willow won't prowl the White House alone. The Bidens also have Commander, a 5-month-old German Shepard.

President Joe Biden (L) and first lady Jill Biden pet their dog, Commander, a German Shepherd puppy, on Christmas Day. File Photo by Michael Reynolds/UPI

This is the first cat in the White House since India, George W. Bush's First Cat.

Willow's arrival at the White House was delayed in part by Major, a rescue German Shepard that bit some Secret Service agents. He was subsequently sent to live with family friends.

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The Bidens' 13-year-old German shepherd, Champ, died in June.

Willow the cat latest in line of presidential pets: a look back

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden have added a cat named Willow to the White House household, announced January 8, 2022. Photo courtesy of Jill Biden/Twitter

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