New Biden White House Cat Willow Hails From PA

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The latest addition to President Joe Biden's administration is a feline from western Pennsylvania. Willow was adopted by the president and first lady Jill Biden, who met the cat on a campaign stop in 2020.

Willow is named after Jill Biden's hometown of Willow Grove in Montgomery County. It's the first cat to occupy the White House since George W. Bush's presidency.

Willow formerly belonged To Rick Telesz, a farmer in Volant, Lawrence County, about an hour north of Pittsburgh. The tabby introduced herself to Jill Biden by jumping onto a makeshift stage and formed an "immediate bond" with her, according to Michael LaRosa, the first lady's press secretary.

Shortly after the presidential election, Telesz received a phone call from a Democratic official.

"The gentleman says, 'I don't know how to ask you this, Rick.' And I thought, 'Oh boy, I'm in trouble now,'" Telesz told the Erie Times-News."But he goes, 'Dr. Jill Biden was wanting to know if you would allow her to adopt that cat.'"

LaRosa said in a statement that Willow is "settling into the White House with her favorite toys, treats, and plenty of room to smell and explore."

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