As we know, the bond between a man and a cat can be incredibly strong, and that includes world leaders. When a beloved tomcat went missing, one leader’s wife inspired a novel idea to try and find him. Bringing this kitty home was of great national interest!
The bond between this cat and his Cat Dad was so strong that when they were together, the usually stern man was known to crack a smile. This feline companion so completely won over his heart. But this cat won over the hearts of Army and Navy leaders, as well as a Capital guard all on his own.
White House in the snow, Library of Congress
A Tabby Went Missing in a Snowstorm at the White House
This tiger-striped tabby, named Tige, lived no ordinary life. He and his sibling Blackie, lived at the White House in 1923.
Blackie and Tiger, two of the cats owned by President Calvin Coolidge. Public Domain
They were the companions of the Coolidges, who both loved all kinds of animals. However, it was President Calvin Coolidge who preferred cats.
Calvin Coolidge and cat, summer 1924 at his father’s farm in Plymouth Notch Vermont via Facebook/Calvin Coolidge Presidential Libray and Museum
President Coolidge loved Tige, and the kitten would run to the White House to greet him at the end of every workday. Coolidge would then carry the tabby on his shoulder to the Executive Mansion. But sadly, on March 21, 1924, the adventurous Tige went missing during a heavy snowstorm. He was only seven months old at the time.
Blackie and Tige the kittens, Images via Library of Congress Blogs
In the snow, search parties tried but failed to find the tiny kitten. Fortunately, the First Lady was aware of a new possibility.
Secret Service Tries a New Idea Inspired by the First Lady
First Lady Grace Coolidge, a radio enthusiast, knew how powerful the radio was in reaching people instantly. She enjoyed listening to music and baseball on the radio.
First Lady Grace Coolidge in the news showing her at the radio. Coolidge Foundation
We don’t know how the conversation went, but her Secret Service agent, James Haley, gave the radio idea a try. After a brief broadcast, much of the eastern part of the country got a plea for help in finding the missing cat. At the time, use of the radio was limited to east of the Mississippi, so it was still very new.
“We regret to announce that the President of the United States has lost his cat,” said Haley. “It was a seven months old Thomas cat, marked like a tiger, and answered to the name of Tige. Tige has a very affectionate disposition , and Mr. Coolidge was very fond of him. He has not been seen since Friday evening during the snowstorm. The President would appreciate it very much if anyone who has seen Tige would return him to his master. Thank you.”
Afterward, there were hundreds of offers to replace the missing kitten. However, the President and First Lady only wanted their striped ‘Thomas cat’ back.
Tige Charms His Way into the Military
Meanwhile, Tige was doing very nicely half a mile from the White House. After straying, the tabby charmed many new friends in the military. Army Captain E. F. Koenig saw the kitten near the Lincoln Memorial and carried him to Navy guard Captain Edward Sullivan. He fed the kitten and kept him safe in a closet. But at the time, neither man knew that Tige was the President’s cat!
The New York Times reported that the “royal looking” Tige “immediately took possession” of the new Navy building.
After seeing the cat on the morning of the 26th, Captain Edward Bryant, who was aware of the radio broadcast, sent a guard, Benjamin C. Fink, to return the kitty home. And Fink appeared in the news, smiling widely with the handsome tabby.
Although the news gave Fink the credit for the rescue, the cat had actually charmed many helpers.
Tige the White House cat and pet of Mrs. Coolidge has been returned. Photo by National Photo Company, 1924 March 25. http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3c31880
A Rare Warm Smile
President Coolidge was delighted to hear that Tige was back at home. According to the Coolidge Foundation, he smiled warmly hearing it. Such a smile was unusual for the generally stern man.
“Tige’s return brought about a celebration. When told the good news, a warm smile of relief and happiness crossed the President’s face. Mrs. Coolidge, too, was happy. She must have been equally pleased that their radio appeal had worked so well and so quickly.”
According to one story, the the cat smiled, too!
“The cat returned promptly to the White House and at lunch time wandered into the dining room and smiled knowingly at the President. He had had his experience and appeared glad to be back in his home,” reported the Times.
The story of the reunion made for welcome and happy news. In a Cabinet meeting, Coolidge credited the radio and newspapers for helping find Tige. The new idea inspired by the First Lady’s interests had worked.
Afterward, the public took a different view of Coolidge, a powerful man who was known for being silent, yet melted for cats and other animals.
President and Mrs. Coolidge in November 1924, Wikimedia Commons
