American presidents who have brought cats into the White House during their administration promoted feline awareness. An appreciation for strays goes back to the Lincoln years. The Siamese was introduced when Rutherford B. Hayes was in office, and two more presidents would bring that breed into the Residence. Historically, when the most powerful leader in the world brings a cat to Washington, his tenure includes stories that incorporate his four-footed friends.
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**Get the January 2009 issue of CAT FANCY to read the full article.**