President Biden Joins the 'Butler' Ranks... 'First Cat' Enters the White House

▲U.S. President Joe Biden (right) and First Lady Jill Biden. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to bring a 'First Cat' to the White House following the 'First Dog.'

According to the Washington Post (WP) on the 2nd (local time), First Lady Jill Biden recently appeared on NBC News and said, "President Biden's new cat is on standby."

Although Jill Biden did not mention the cat's name or the arrival time at the White House, she hinted at the cat's gender by saying, "He, or rather she, is waiting."

When asked by the anchor whether adopting the cat was President Biden's idea, he laughed and said, "No. But it was an easy decision."

President Biden currently keeps two German Shepherd dogs, Champ and Major, at the White House as pets.

Major, who is 2 years old this year, is also the first rescue dog to enter the White House. The Biden family has been with Major at their Delaware home since 2018.

Major, who bit two security guards twice after entering the White House, is reportedly undergoing additional training to live with the cat.

WP reported that there have been fewer 'cat-loving' politicians compared to 'dog-loving' ones.

Notable dog lovers include former President Barack Obama, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is cited as a representative 'cat owner' politician.

Prime Minister Ardern gained affection by adopting a polydactyl cat named Paddles just before taking office, but had to say goodbye to Paddles after a traffic accident a few weeks into her term. Paddles left a mark by meowing and interrupting Ardern's first phone call with then U.S. President Donald Trump.

Larry, a former stray cat who has served as the 'Chief Mouser' at the UK Prime Minister's residence for 10 years, is also famous worldwide.

In February, Larry celebrated 10 years in office, officially introduced as the 'Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office.' A 14-year-old cat, Larry has outlasted the leaders of all UK political parties.

Among former U.S. presidents, Bill Clinton brought in Socks, a tabby cat raised by his only daughter Chelsea, as the 'First Cat.'

Former President Jimmy Carter's daughter Amy Carter also raised a Siamese cat, and President George W. Bush and his wife kept a cat named India, who mysteriously disappeared from the White House at times.

According to WP, the first 'cat owner' president in U.S. White House history was Abraham Lincoln.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.