The White House website reports that President Bush and his family have lost a treasured friend.

“The President, Mrs. Bush, Barbara, and Jenna are deeply saddened by the passing of their cat India,” reads a statement issued by the office of First Lady Laura Bush. “India was a beloved member of the Bush family for almost two decades. She will be greatly missed.”

The 18 year-old American Shorthair female was given its name by Barbara in honor of a Texas Ranger baseball player. Mr. Bush used to run the major league franchise.