India (cat) facts for kids
India
|
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| Species | Cat |
|---|---|
| Breed | American Shorthair |
| Sex | Female |
| Born | July 13, 1990 |
| Died | January 4, 2009 (aged 18) White House |
| Owner | George W. Bush and Laura Bush |
| Appearance | Short haired black fur |
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India "Willie" Bush (born July 13, 1990, died January 4, 2009) was a special pet cat. She belonged to George W. Bush, who was the President of the United States. India lived with the Bush family for nearly 20 years. This included their time in the famous White House.
India's Life Story
The Bush family welcomed India, an all-black female American Shorthair, as a kitten. This happened in late 1991 or 1992. At that time, their twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna Bush, were nine years old. India stayed with George and Laura Bush even after their daughters went to college.
When George W. Bush became President in early 2001, India moved with the family. They left the Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas. Their new home was the White House in Washington, D.C.
Life in the White House
Even though she lived in the White House, India the cat did not get as much attention. The family's two Scottish terrier dogs, Barney and Miss Beazley, were more famous. The White House staff often made fun videos called "Barneycam" videos. India sometimes appeared in these videos, especially around Christmas.
She was even in a video called Where in the White House is Miss Beazley?. In this video, she was called by her nickname, "Willie." The dogs were usually more interesting to the news reporters. This made them more well-known to the public during the Bush presidency. India (as "Willie") was also featured in Architectural Digest magazine in March 2008. She was shown in the East Sitting Hall of the White House.
Saying Goodbye
India passed away at the White House on January 4, 2009. She was 18 years old. Sally McDonough, who spoke for First Lady Laura Bush, shared a statement about India's death. She said the family was "deeply saddened" by losing their cat. Part of the statement said, "India was a beloved member of the Bush family for almost two decades. She will be greatly missed."
