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It is well known that past and current presidents have had dogs. We all should know of the Obamas; lovable Portuguese Water Dog, Bo, but few would remember the other animals in the oval office. John Quincy Adams’ had silkworms, Teddy Roosevelt and JFK both had a large menagerie of animals. Most importantly (to some), what about all the First Cats that have strut around the White House? Join me in chronicling some of the finest presidential cats. The single most awesome example I can find is Martin Van Buren's tiger cubs. The eighth president of the United States (1837-41) wasn't only one of the first presidential cat people, but he also owned the largest. According to The Purring Post, Van Buren was a pet parent to two tiger cubs, a pair of gifts from the Sultan of Oman. Van Buren was "eventually pressured (by Congress) to move them out of the White House and donate them to the local zoo." Honest Abe Lincoln had a lovalble tabby cat, Tabby. Though technically the feline was his son’s, Tad, Lincoln held a deep affection for Tabby, reportedly feeding the cat with a gold spoon during dinners, according to The Purring Post - delicious 19th century cat treats? As a testament to this president's often-acknowledged love of animals, a story says that, when asked about her husband's hobbies, Lincoln's wife Mary replied with just "cats." For all those old farts out there, remember JFK and Tom Kitten? Caroline Kennedy owned a cat named Tom Kitten who wasn't allowed to stick around Kennedy in the White House after the president was diagnosed with cat and dog allergies later in his term. And last but not least, Bill Clinton and Socks. Certainly one of the most photographed of White House pets, Sock's iconic visage was often seen slinking around Clinton's shoulders or peeking over presidential podiums. According to MustLoveCats.com, Socks not only hosts the children's version of the White House's website, but current Secretary of State and former First Lady Hillary Clinton even ghostwrote a children's book about the dynamic presidential cat. Topping even that, Socks made a guest appearance on the popular sitcom Murphy Brown, says TV.com. Isaac Macalister is a frequent contributor for Hartz and has written many articles pertaining to small animal health, as well as cat and dog needs. To read much more about these topics as well as Hartz Flea Control tips, make sure to visit their website.
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