Outgoing US President George W. Bush’s black cat “India” died at home at the White House at the age of 18 on January 4, 2009.

India Bush has been a beloved member of the Bush family for more than 10 years. India was acquiured in late 1990’s when twin daughters of the US President Barbara and Jenna Bush were 9. When Barbara and Jenna moved away to college, India, affectionately called “Kitty” by the family, stayed at the White House with the President and Mrs. Bush.

The President, Mrs. Bush, Barbara, and Jenna are deeply saddened by the passing of their cat India (a.k.a. Willie).

In reality, the cat is not named for the country of India, yet rather for baseball player Ruben Sierra who was nicknamed “El Indio”, during his time with the Texas Rangers when Bush owned the team but through some controversy reported in India several people were upset with the cat’s name.

In India, the people believe that “BLACK CAT” are inauspicious. It is also said that when a black cat was seen people used to believe that some ghost must be also weavering somewhere near black cat.

They even have this belief that if a black cat crosses your path, it is considered as a bad omen.