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Bush family’s 18-year-old cat dies

India, a black American shorthair, was named after a pro ballplayer

Image: Bush cat India
Paul Morse/White House
Daughter Barbara, then 9, named the cat “India” after Ruben Sierra, a former major league player whose nickname was "El Indio."
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updated 11:46 a.m. ET Jan. 5, 2009

WASHINGTON - The first family leaving the White House this month will be without one of its longtime members: the Bush family's 18-year-old cat has died.

The first lady's office said Monday that India, a black American shorthair named for former Texas Rangers player Ruben Sierra, died Sunday at the White House.

Bush daughter Barbara, then 9, named the cat “India” after Sierra, a former major league player, whose nickname was "El Indio." President George W. Bush was a former co-owner of the Texas Rangers.

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When Bush daughters Barbara and Jenna went to college, the cat stayed at the White House with the president and first lady. The family affectionately called the cat “Kitty.”

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