India, also known as "Willie" or "Kitty," the cat belonging to President George W. Bush and his family, passed away at The White House on January 4, 2009. The following day, spokesperson Sally McDonough stated that: "The President, Mrs. Bush, Barbara, and Jenna are deeply saddened by the passing of their cat."CNN Political Ticker: 'First Cat' dies (January 5, 2009)
First Cat Fast Facts
- Died: January 4, 2009
- Age at time of death: 18 years
- Cause of death: Kidney failureThe Wall Street Journal: Bush Family Cat 'Will Be Greatly Missed' (January 5, 2009)
- Breed: American Shorthair
- Color: Black
- Sex: Female
- The Bushes have two Scottish terriers named Barney and Miss BeasleyReuters: Bush family cat India, 18, dies (January 5, 2009)
What's In a Name?
When the Bushes first got their cat, twins Jenna and Barbara were nine years old. Barbara named the cat "India" after Texas Rangers baseball player Ruben Sierra, whose nickname was "El Indio." The Bushes changed the cat's name to "Willie" in 2001, after Hindu nationalists said that the name "India" was an insult to their country and urged Hindus to name their dogs "George W. Bush." Despite the changing official name, the cat was commonly referred to as "Kitty" by the family.CNN Political Ticker: 'First Cat' dies (January 5, 2009)
Quote
"India was a beloved member of the Bush family for almost two decades. She will be greatly missed."—Statement from First Lady Laura Bush's officeET Online: White House Loses Beloved Pet (January 5, 2009)
