The first dogs, Major and Champ, have been a hot topic of conversation since President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, EdD, entered the White House. Not only do the two dogs mark the return of pets to the White House after four years without furry friends, but Major is also the first rescue dog to live in the White House. The Bidens just announced that they plan to add another long-awaited pet to their family shortly. Read on to find out more about the animal that will be moving into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and for more on Biden's pets, President Biden Just Revealed the Truth About the Incident With His Dog.
The Bidens are getting a cat.
NBC News/Today ShowCat lovers, rejoice: A feline is moving into the White House. During an April 30 interview with the Bidens, Today co-anchor Craig Melvin asked if the couple could confirm that they were considering adopting a cat. "That is true," Jill said. "She's waiting in the wings."
Melvin asked the president if adopting a cat was his idea. "No," he laughed, "but it's easy." The first couple went on to assure Melvin that the famously prickly Major is prepared for the new addition. And for more on the first pets, This Is the One Place in the White House the First Dogs Aren't Allowed.
Major received training in order to welcome a cat.
Adam Schultz/White HouseMajor, the younger of the two German Shepherds, has found adjusting to the White House and all the new people a bit challenging. The dog has been cited in two incidents, which led to him receiving some extra training. Melvin asked if it was a good idea to add a cat into the mix, but Jill said that learning to cooperate with a cat "was part of his training." She explained that "they took him into a shelter with cats" and "he did fine." The First Lady added that Major really is a "sweet, lovable dog," who has gotten some bad press. And for more on rescue dogs, Jennifer Aniston's Adorable New Rescue Puppy Has the Classiest Name.
People have long been awaiting the Biden cat.
ShutterstockBack in November, CBS reported that the Bidens planned to bring a cat into the White House. Five months have passed since that announcement, but many people won't let the Bidens forget about it. On March 9, during a White House press briefing, someone asked where the cat was. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said she didn't have any update on the cat, but noted, "We know the cat will break the internet" when it arrives. And for more up-to-date news delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
This will be the first cat in the White House since 2009.
Smith Collection/Gado/Getty ImagesThere have been a handful of first cats in the past. However, no felines have graced the halls of the White House in over a decade. Most recently, George W. Bush had a cat named India, and Bill Clinton had a cat named Socks. Abraham Lincoln was the first president to introduce cats to the White House with his cats, Tabby and Dixie. And for more fun animal facts, discover The 50 Most Popular Dog Breeds in America.
