Meet Misty Malarky Ying Yang!
Misty has the distinction of having one of the most unique cat names of all time — in fact, the name is so unique that there was even a song composed for it. Gabor Szabo featured an original instrumental composition called “Misty Malarkey Ying-Yang” on his album Faces.
This lovable Siamese cat belonged to Amy Lynn Carter, only daughter of President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter.
Misty lived in the White House with the Carters until Amy turned 9 and President Carter’s term ended. Misty was the last cat to live in the White House until President Clinton moved in with his feline companion, Socks.
Typical Siamese
Misty has been described as a typical Siamese — active, playful, and intelligent.
And although Misty didn’t seem to mind being photographed with Amy, it seems big fancy occasions were just too much. During the Carters’ first state dinner, Misty sauntered down the grand staircase, only to flee at the sight of all those flashbulbs.
Misty often sat by during Amy’s violin sessions, meowing.
During a visit by Carter grandson James Earl Carter IV, young James set to clapping and Misty to meowing during the practice session, leading Washington AP reporter Frank Cormier to remark: “It may be a wonder that the president’s daughter is able to practice at all!”
Lap Cat
Misty appears to have been devoted to Amy, spending time with her playing (and even sleeping) in a dollhouse, speaking to reporters, and even sitting in Amy’s lap during an interview after Amy’s brief arrest for civil disobedience when she was a teenager.
Misty was not allowed to roam freely through the White House, although according to Ronald Rosen and Francine Hornberger, authors of So You Think You Know Cats?, Misty enjoyed steak and seafood from the White House kitchen. Who wouldn’t?
Misty was briefly joined by a dog: a border collie mix named Grits.
And the most fun fact of all: Despite Misty’s seemingly female moniker — he was, in fact, a male!
Emily Cox says
Amy Carter would have been 9 when Carters term started, not when it ended.
Emily Cox says
*Carter’s