Oh, What a Feline!

Ordinary cats have nine lives, but Socks, pet of presidential daughter Chelsea Clinton, seems to be well on the way to immortality. Thanks to a runaway merchandising blitz of Socks memorabilia, the white-footed feline’s likeness is now found on books, stuffed animals, buttons, earrings, T shirts and note cards in stores and trade shows around the U.S. In Portland, Oregon, Pam Gibson of the Cat’s Meow store, left, calls Socksmania “a phenomenon.” % The hottest items, she says, are pictures of Socks at the White House and MOVE OVER MILLIE T shirts. Bloomingdale’s, the upscale New York City department store, is selling a gold-tone-and-enamel Socks pin for $45. And that, kitties, isn’t just catnip.