Jill Biden plants tree as White House readies for family cat

First lady Jill Biden commemorated Arbor Day by planting a linden tree on the north lawn of the White House.

She strode out Friday in a skirt and a double-breasted blazer and put three shovelfuls of dirt around the awaiting tree.

“Who doesn't plant trees in high heels?" she said.

First lady Jill Biden participates in an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony at the White House, Friday, April 30, 2021, in Washington. (AP PhotoEvan Vucci)

Biden said that the family's cat would be coming to the White House “pretty soon.” The first lady told NBC News in an interview broadcast Friday that the younger of the Bidens' two German shepherds, Major, was being trained for the arrival of the cat. Major has been involved in two biting incidents as President Joe Biden and the first lady have gotten settled into the White House.

“That was part of his training," she told NBC News. "They took him into a shelter with cats. He did fine.”

The president was asked during the televised interview if the cat was his idea.

First lady Jill Biden uses a shovel as she participates in an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony at the White House, Friday, April 30, 2021, in Washington. (AP PhotoEvan Vucci)

“No,” he replied.

First lady Jill Biden arrives to participate in an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony at the White House, Friday, April 30, 2021, in Washington. (AP PhotoEvan Vucci)

Superintendent of the White House Grounds Dale Haney hands first lady Jill Biden a shovel as she participates in an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony at the White House, Friday, April 30, 2021, in Washington. (AP PhotoEvan Vucci)

First lady Jill Biden arrives for an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony at the White House, Friday, April 30, 2021, in Washington. (AP PhotoEvan Vucci)

Placards with the seal of the President of the United States mark a shovel used in past White House tree planting ceremonies before first lady Jill Biden holds an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony at the White House, Friday, April 30, 2021, in Washington. (AP PhotoEvan Vucci)

First lady Jill Biden participates in an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony at the White House, Friday, April 30, 2021, in Washington. (AP PhotoEvan Vucci)

First lady Jill Biden participates in an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony at the White House, Friday, April 30, 2021, in Washington. (AP PhotoEvan Vucci)