President Biden Plans to Add This Long-Awaited First Pet
William Howard
Updated on February 22, 2026
The first dogs, Major and Champ, have been a hot topic of conversation since President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, EdD, entered the White House. Not only do the two dogs mark the return of pets to the White House after four years without furry friends, but Major is also the first rescue dog to live in the White House. The Bidens just announced that they plan to add another long-awaited pet to their family shortly. Read on to find out more about the animal that will be moving into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and for more on Biden's pets, President Biden Just Revealed the Truth About the Incident With His Dog.
The Bidens are getting a cat.
Cat lovers, rejoice: A feline is moving into the White House. During an April 30 interview with the Bidens, Today co-anchor Craig Melvin asked if the couple could confirm that they were considering adopting a cat. "That is true," Jill said. "She's waiting in the wings."
Melvin asked the president if adopting a cat was his idea. "No," he laughed, "but it's easy." The first couple went on to assure Melvin that the famously prickly Major is prepared for the new addition. And for more on the first pets, This Is the One Place in the White House the First Dogs Aren't Allowed.
Major received training in order to welcome a cat.
Major, the younger of the two German Shepherds, has found adjusting to the White House and all the new people a bit challenging. The dog has been cited in two incidents, which led to him receiving some extra training. Melvin asked if it was a good idea to add a cat into the mix, but Jill said that learning to cooperate with a cat "was part of his training." She explained that "they took him into a shelter with cats" and "he did fine." The First Lady added that Major really is a "sweet, lovable dog," who has gotten some bad press. And for more on rescue dogs, Jennifer Aniston's Adorable New Rescue Puppy Has the Classiest Name.
People have long been awaiting the Biden cat.
Back in November, CBS reported that the Bidens planned to bring a cat into the White House. Five months have passed since that announcement, but many people won't let the Bidens forget about it. On March 9, during a White House press briefing, someone asked where the cat was. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said she didn't have any update on the cat, but noted, "We know the cat will break the internet" when it arrives. And for more up-to-date news delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
This will be the first cat in the White House since 2009.
There have been a handful of first cats in the past. However, no felines have graced the halls of the White House in over a decade. Most recently, George W. Bush had a cat named India, and Bill Clinton had a cat named Socks. Abraham Lincoln was the first president to introduce cats to the White House with his cats, Tabby and Dixie. And for more fun animal facts, discover The 50 Most Popular Dog Breeds in America.
Filed UnderAnimals • NewsRead This NextBiden Just Explained the Incident With His Dog
POTUS has some new insight into what really happened with Major at the White House.March 24, 2021Meet Jennifer Aniston's New Rescue Puppy
The star introduced the world to her new best friend on Instagram.October 13, 202010 Things You Didn't Know about Justin Trudeau
Athlete, nerd, hopeless romantic, thespian. Yes, there’s a lot more to Canada’s Prime Minister than just politics.March 21, 2017Jon Hamm: The Best Life Interview
Jon Hamm, star of TV's Mad Men, reveals the secrets of manliness in a postmodern world.November 15, 2016Driving Tips Smart Men Know
Ten easy ways to be the safest driver on the road. April 3, 2017Men Who Set the Time: Cash Warren
The successful producer, entrepreneur and husband of Jessica Alba reveals how you, too, can live your best life.October 31, 2016Dr. Oz: The Best Life Interview
Mehmet Oz, M.D., asks the toughest question: Are you living or dying?October 23, 2016Dr. Oz's 15 Best Life Tips
October 23, 2016The One That Got Away
A single nutrient—omega-3 fatty acids—may have turned early humans into civilized man. Has stripping it from our diet given rise to cancer, diabetes, and other civilized diseases? Our correspondent investigates.February 23, 2017George Clooney Is Having Twins. Here's What Women Everywhere Are Saying About It
The legendary ladies' man who once swore off fatherhood went from zero to "Full House" very quickly—and the Internet has responded.February 10, 2017
