Cutest Moments From First Cat Willow Biden To Enjoy Long After She's Left The White House

Former first dogs of the White House and first felines like President Joe and Dr. Jill Biden's Willow have captivated pet lovers all over the country for decades. The tabby cat roamed the rooms and halls of the mansion from 2022 through 2024, and while her time there has come to an end, the photo memories she created will last a lifetime.

The Bidens adopted Willow, originally a farm cat, in February 2021. The adoption took place months after the feline put in an unexpected appearance during Dr. Biden's speech in Pennsylvania. "Willow made quite an impression on Dr. Biden in 2020 when she jumped up on the stage and interrupted her remarks during a campaign stop," Michael LaRosa, the first lady's spokesman, shared (via NPR). "Seeing their immediate bond, the owner of the farm knew that Willow belonged with Dr. Biden."

More than a dozen images and videos of Willow Biden have circulated on social media over the years, to the delight of thousands of followers. From inspecting tree ornaments to warming cold desks and inspiring children's books, Willow has certainly kept her fans entertained while enjoying her years at the White House.

The first lady was the first of the Bidens to fall in love with Willow back in 2000, and her affection for the feline shows in every image of the pair. Based on a photo posted on X of the cat rubbing her head against Dr. Biden's leg, it appears the feline has fallen in love as well. What's not clear, though, is if Willow crawled into the box in the picture at any point. After all, even in a 55,000-square-foot home, surely a cat can still be drawn to the safety and comfort of a small space.

Holiday cheer with @FLOTUS and Willow! pic.twitter.com/fKl9Mft9o4

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 24, 2022

In 2023, President Joe Biden shared a humorous and relatable fact about his feline friend. "She has no limits," he said, according to USA Today reporter Joey Garrison's post on X, formerly known as Twitter. "You think I'm kidding — I'm not. Especially in the middle of the night when she climbs up and lays on top of my head." If you're a cat owner, perhaps you have your own stories to share about how your kitty uses your head as a pillow. Although it's an odd place, cats tend to sleep on their owner's neck, face, or head because they enjoy their scent, as an expression of trust, or because it's a source of warmth.

In August 2022, Dr. Jill Biden joined the growing list of people around the world who tested positive for COVID-19. During her time of recovery and quarantine, Willow kept her company by following her around the White House, including outdoors. "She won't leave my side," the first lady wrote. Needless to say, the tabby enjoyed having the opportunity to lie around and was probably equally grateful to get to spend so much time with her often busy owner.

From cardboard boxes to the top of refrigerators, felines can find comfort in the oddest places. Sometimes that spot is the White House work station of the first lady's press secretary, Michael LaRosa. "Will(ow) nap anywhere," LaRosa shared on X. Judging by the number of other social media images depicting her resting in the mansion, desks seem to be one of the cat's favorite spots to sleep.

In November 2023, Willow made an unexpected appearance at a holiday party in the White House. Dr. Jill Biden carried her feline friend, donning a red bow, with her to the podium as she expressed her "Happy Pawlidays" greetings to the audience.  Willow shows no fear as she glances at the people in front of her or even as she's handed off to someone else. As a resident of a home staffed with hundreds of people, the kitty probably thought they were some of her newest housemates.

What is it about Christmas trees that draws in cats? Some felines are content to sniff them, while others chew, climb, or knock them straight to the ground. It seems Willow Biden was no exception to the ensnaring effect of a decorated tree in 2023. Cats often target ornaments that dangle, twinkle, or reflect light because they trigger their hunting instincts and pique their interest. Willow is definitely a curious kitty.

Since the first snapshots of Willow began circulating, many viewers wanted more, including The Dodo's executive producer, Joanna Zelman. Dr. Jill Biden agreed to give the fellow cat lover a holiday tour of the White House in December 2023 and introduce her to Willow. The tour footage shows the cat playing with toys and rolling in faux snow.

The clip also shows her being a little naughty, doing what cats do: scratch! Luckily, it was only a decorative object, not a person. Despite the brief moment of misbehavior, Willow didn't hesitate to put her friendly side on display, giving the producer her approval with a gentle, affectionate head butt.

Willow has attracted thousands of fans over the years on social media, but there was a time when one audience in particular knew very little about her: kids. Dr. Jill Biden aspired to change this when she authored a children's book about her beloved feline. "Willow the White House Cat" ($15 on Amazon) tells the story of how the tabby went from living in a barn to living in a mansion, complete with details about who she met, what she ate, and the rooms she explored.

A few days before Christmas in 2024, First Lady Jill Biden shared a photo of Willow trotting with a look of determination, as if on her way to her food bowl. It seems the Bidens were fortunate to have a cat with no interest in meddling with the lights and other decorative items visible in the background -– or perhaps they just didn't catch her in the act. If she didn't meddle, age might have had something to do with it. Kittens have a tendency to be more curious and playful than adult cats; Willow's third Christmas in the White House took place when she was around 6 years old, so she might have gotten all of the hijinks out of her system during the previous holiday seasons.