The History of Cats in the White House

culture

When we think of the White House, we imagine grand halls, historic meetings, and, of course, the President of the United States making decisions that shape the nation. But beyond the politics and public image, the White House has also been home to a long line of feline companions. Since the late 19th century, cats have kept presidents and their families company, offering comfort and companionship in times of great stress. From Abraham Lincoln's beloved Tabby and Dixie to Joe Biden's farm cat Willow, cats have left their mark on the presidential residence. Let’s dive into the fascinating, and sometimes surprising, history of cats in the White House.

Before exploring the lives of presidential felines, it’s important to understand the place they called home. The White House, one of the most iconic buildings in the world, wasn’t always located where it is today. The nation’s first capital was Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but by 1800, the seat of government moved to Washington, D.C.

The White House has undergone numerous changes and renovations since its completion in 1792. Despite fires, renovations, and expansions, one thing has remained constant—pets, including cats, have played a significant role in White House life. While only three presidents—Donald Trump, James K. Polk, and Andrew Johnson—didn’t have pets, it’s unclear exactly how many cats have graced the White House. As historian Katherine C. Grier notes, cats have often served as working animals, particularly in rodent control, throughout American history.

Abraham Lincoln: The First Presidential Cat Parent

The story of cats in the White House begins with Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States and first Commander in Chief to bring cats to the White House. Lincoln, known for his fondness for animals, was particularly enamored with cats. He cherished two feline companions, Tabby and Dixie, who were gifted to him by Secretary of State William Steward. Lincoln’s love for his cats was well-known, with stories circulating about him feeding Tabby from the presidential dinner table, much to the dismay of his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln. Mary was reported to have said, "Cats," when asked about her husband's hobbies.

Lincoln’s affection for Dixie also sparked a bit of humor. He was once quoted as saying, “Dixie is smarter than my whole cabinet! And furthermore, she doesn’t talk back!” Lincoln’s love for animals extended beyond just pets—he was also known to rescue stray cats.

Rutherford B. Hayes: The First Siamese Cat in America

Following Lincoln’s assassination, a few catless presidencies passed before Rutherford B. Hayes brought felines back to the White House. Hayes and his wife, Lucy, adopted a Siamese cat named Siam, believed to be the first of the breed in the United States. Siam was a gift from a U.S. diplomat stationed in Bangkok, marking the beginning of America’s fascination with Siamese cats.

Hayes also owned a cat named Piccolomini. While details about Piccolomini are sparse, Siam became the more famous of the two, sparking interest in the exotic breed that remains popular today.

Theodore Roosevelt: A Presidential Zoo

Theodore Roosevelt, one of the most colorful presidents in U.S. history, turned the White House into something of a zoo during his time in office. Among the many animals that called the White House home were two cats: Slippers and Tom Quartz. Slippers, notable for having extra toes (a condition known as polydactylism), were a favorite in the Roosevelt household.

Tom Quartz, on the other hand, was named after a cat featured in Mark Twain’s semi-autobiographical book Roughing It. Roosevelt’s White House was also home to a menagerie of animals, including dogs, ponies, and even more unusual pets like a hyena and a snake. With Roosevelt’s love of animals, his feline companions enjoyed plenty of company.

Calvin Coolidge: The Explorer Cat

Calvin Coolidge and his family were known for their vast collection of pets. The Coolidges’ cats, Tiger and Blackie, were beloved members of the family. Tiger was known for his wandering ways, and his collar famously bore the inscription, “The White House,” in case he got lost. Blackie, meanwhile, preferred hunting and hanging out with the White House staff rather than lounging in luxury. The Coolidges, much like Roosevelt, had a diverse array of pets, from dogs to birds to even a bobcat.

A black and white vintage photograph showing two cats perched on a woven wicker basket. One cat is solid black, sitting in the basket, while the other is a striped tabby cat positioned on the basket's edge, appearing to be stepping off or climbing on. The basket has a tall handle with what looks like a white cloth or ribbon tied to it. The photograph has the grainy, high-contrast quality characteristic of early photography, with soft focus in the background. Both cats appear to be young and alert, with their ears perked up and whiskers visible. The tabby cat is looking to the right while the black cat faces forward.

Blackie and Tiger, two of President Calvin Coolidge's cats, 1923

Cats of the Mid-20th Century: Kennedy to Carter

In the mid-20th century, the White House saw a few notable feline residents. John F. Kennedy’s daughter, Caroline, had a cat named Tom Kitten, although the Kennedy household was better known for its dogs and ponies.

Later, Gerald Ford’s daughter, Susan, brought a Siamese cat named Shan Shein to the White House. Shan Shein and the Ford family’s dog, Liberty, reportedly had a tenuous relationship, often requiring the two to be kept apart.

Jimmy Carter’s daughter, Amy, also made headlines with her Siamese cat, Misty Malarky Ying Yang. Known for his vocal nature, Misty was said to have enjoyed "singing" along with Amy as she practiced the violin.

A black and white photograph from what appears to be the 1960s, showing a scene in an office or press room. In the foreground, a young woman in light-colored clothing sits holding a gray cat in her lap. Behind her, several men in suits are gathered, with at least two of them holding cameras to their faces as if taking photographs. The scene includes office furniture such as a desk and telephone. The image has a photojournalistic quality, with multiple photographers capturing what seems to be an impromptu moment. The lighting is bright and the photo is well-composed, showing clear detail despite being a vintage photograph.

Tom Kitten, President Kennedy's cat, 1961

The Modern Era: Clinton, Bush, and Biden

In recent times, the Clinton family’s cat, Socks, became a media sensation. A black-and-white stray adopted by the family in Arkansas, Socks followed them to the White House, becoming one of the most famous cats to live there. As part of his duties as the unofficial “First Cat,” he frequently visited schools and hospitals.

The Bush family also had a feline companion—India, a sleek black cat who enjoyed quiet moments in the White House library. Like Socks, India captured the public’s imagination and lived a long, happy life with the Bush family.

Most recently, President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, welcomed Willow, a charming tabby cat with striking green eyes. Named after Jill Biden’s hometown of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, Willow made headlines when she jumped on stage during one of Jill’s campaign speeches. Now settled into White House life, Willow shares her home with the Biden family’s German Shepherd, Commander.

A gray tabby cat walks gracefully across a wooden floor. The cat has bright yellow-green eyes and distinct tabby stripes across its coat. It appears to be mid-stride, with one paw lifted. Behind the cat is a large sage-green planter containing a houseplant with variegated leaves, likely a Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema). The scene is well-lit and appears to be in a home setting, with the wooden floor having a warm, polished finish. The cat's whiskers are prominent, and its ears are perked forward in an alert position.

Willow, President Biden's cat, 2022

A Purrfect Tradition

From Abraham Lincoln’s Tabby and Dixie to Joe Biden’s Willow, cats have held a special place in the hearts of many U.S. presidents. These feline companions, often providing comfort and stress relief, have quietly witnessed history unfold from one of the most significant buildings in the world. As the tradition of cats in the White House continues, it’s clear that these furry friends have earned their place in the story of American history.