Remember Socks? The First Cat?
You may not like certain presidents, or agree with their policies or beliefs, but you’ve to to admit, whoever the president is, if they have an animal, you’re 100% on board with the first animal, be it cat, dog, snake (yes, snake), tiger, lion, hamster, rabbit, horse, donkey, and even chicken.
Animals are amazing, adorable and full of love, love they actually give away not only for free, but freely, without asking for anything in return (although a warm, safe to sleep, food, water and respect – ‘or admiration,’ says Marvin the Cat – is very much appreciated). So I have to say, I like a president who has pets. I may not like his policies or how he’s leading the country. And you might think he’s the best thing since someone invented toasted sandwiches with cheese (cheese…mmm). But beyond politics is that wondrous thing, the unconditional love of an animal.
Let’s face it, with the world always being a constantly changing, often brutal landscape of political and socio-economical change, I can see someone in charge of one of the most powerful countries on the planet needing a bit of unconditional love, especially when that certain little friend is usually fuzzy, warm, has big eyes and never asks questions (except for ‘where’s my dinner??!?, and perhaps, ‘I think just seared filet mignon would be a fitting change to the First Cat’s dinner menu from now on, don’t you?’), and is soft, fuzzy, warm and often (if it’s a cat) purry. It seems like just what the doctor would order.
Animals have been constant companions in the White House.
In honour of a recent announcement from the White House that President Obama is adding a new addition to the family in the form of a four legged, furry friend (and so many people are hoping for a cat – well they already have super dog, Bo!
So, to those of you out there who care about the upcoming election, or who don’t care about the upcoming election, but who ALL care about animals (YAY!!!), here is a list of the 13 cats that have ruled the USA – I mean, lived in the White House. So, say thanks to the Examiner,(for writing the next bit, and researching it, they do rock, possibly roll, and most definitely some of their team purrrr) and read on!
‘There has been a total of 13 cats plus 1 bobcat, 2 lion cubs and 2 tiger cubs. (Dear Royal readers – how cool is that? Bobcats, lions, tigers romping about the White House grounds…I want to say: bobcats, lions, and tigers, oh MY!)
- George W. Bush India (also known as Willie)
- Bill Clinton Socks
- Jimmy Carter Misty Malarky Ying Yang
- Gerald Ford Shan
- John F. Kennedy Tom Kitten
- Calvin Coolidge Tiger, Smoky (Bobcat) and two lion cubs
- Woodrow Wilson Puffins
- Theodore Roosevelt Tom Quartz and Slippers
- William McKinley Valeriano Weyler and Enrique DeLome
- Rutherford Hayes Piccolomini and Miss Pussy
- Martin Van Buren Tiger cubs
