Remembrance/Veteran’s Day Military Cats

As the world prepares to observe Veteran’s Day (or Remembrance Day/Poppy Day in the UK) on November 11th, it’s a time to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by those who have served in the military. That includes military cats

With many parts of world impacted by war this year, more than ever I feel grateful to live in a country where the military keeps us safe.

While we rightly honor the bravery and dedication of our human service members, there is another group of courageous veterans often overlooked – the cats who have fought and served alongside them.

Throughout history, cats have played vital roles in military operations, providing everything from essential rodent control aboard naval ships to loyal companionship for isolated troops. These feline veterans have braved the front lines, endured the hardships of war, and formed unbreakable bonds with the soldiers who depended on them.

 

Cats in the Military

3. Ancient Warriors: Cats have been used in warfare since ancient times. In 525 B.C., Persian King Cambyses II used cats to his advantage in the Battle of Pelusium by painting the image of Bastet, the Egyptian cat goddess, on his soldiers’ shields and releasing cats onto the battlefield. The Egyptians, who revered cats, surrendered rather than risk harming them
4. World War I and II Companions: During both World Wars, cats served as mascots and morale boosters for soldiers. They were also invaluable for controlling rodent populations on ships and in trenches12. One famous cat, “Unsinkable Sam,” survived the sinking of three ships during World War II.
5. Crimean Tom: During the Crimean War, a cat named Tom led British soldiers to hidden caches of food, helping them survive a siege2.
6. Mourka the Messenger: In the Battle of Stalingrad, a cat named Mourka was used to deliver messages across dangerous territory, proving that even in the harshest conditions, cats could be reliable allies.
7. Able Seacat Simon: Perhaps the most decorated cat in military history, Simon was found on a dock in Hong Kong by a British seaman and smuggled aboard the HMS Amethyst. During the Yangtze Incident in 1949, Simon was injured by shellfire but continued to catch rats and boost the crew’s morale. For his bravery, Simon was awarded the Dickin Medal, the highest honor for animal valor.
8. Pooli: Pooli, short for Princess Papule, served aboard a U.S. attack transport during World War II. She saw action in the Pacific Theater and was awarded three service ribbons and four battle stars. Pooli lived to the ripe old age of 15, celebrating her birthday in full uniform.
9. Private First Class Hammer: During the Iraq War, PFC Hammer was adopted by a U.S. Army unit. He provided companionship and helped control the rodent population in their camp. When the unit returned to the U.S., they ensured Hammer was brought back with them.
10. Pitouchi: During World War I, a Belgian soldier named Lt. Lekeux found a kitten he named Pitouchi. The cat saved Lekeux’s life by alerting him to an approaching enemy patrol, allowing him to avoid capture.
11. Ching: Ching was the mascot of the Royal Australian Navy destroyer HMAS Swan during World War I. He was known for his friendly demeanor and was often seen shaking hands with the sailors.

Stories like these military cats remind us of the profound ways cats have served our military forces, oftentimes at great personal sacrifice. These feline veterans have braved artillery fire, endured long periods of isolation, and offered invaluable companionship to battle-weary troops. Their loyalty and resilience is truly worthy of our recognition.

Way to Celebrate Veterans Day with or without cats

1. Adopt a Pet: Consider adopting a cat from a shelter. Organizations like Pets for Patriots help match veterans with shelter animals, providing companionship and emotional support

2. Host a Patriotic Gathering: Invite friends and family over for a Veterans Day celebration. Decorate your home with red, white, and blue, and include some cat-themed decorations to add a fun twist. You can even dress your cat in a patriotic bandanna.

3. Create a Tribute Wall: Dedicate a space in your home to honor veterans. Include photos, medals, and stories of veterans in your family or community. Add a few pictures of your cat to show how they’re part of the family’s support system.

4. Volunteer Together: Many animal shelters and veteran organizations welcome volunteers. Spend the day helping out at a local shelter or participating in a community event that supports veterans. Bringing your cat along (if they’re comfortable with it) can bring smiles to many faces.

5. Donate to Veteran and Animal Charities: Consider making a donation to organizations that support veterans and animals. Some charities provide service animals to veterans, which can be a meaningful way to contribute.

6. Share Stories and Memories: Gather your loved ones and share stories about the veterans in your life. Talk about how your cat has been a source of comfort and joy, especially during challenging times.

7. Crafts and DIY Projects: Get creative with some DIY projects. Make patriotic-themed toys for your cat or create a special Veterans Day card to send to a veteran. You can also make a donation in their name to a veteran’s charity.

8. Moment of Silence: At 11 AM on November 11th, observe a moment of silence to honor all veterans. This can be a peaceful time to reflect on their sacrifices and the freedoms we enjoy because of them.

By combining our love for cats with our respect for veterans, we can create a meaningful and enjoyable Veterans Day celebration. Whether through fun facts, heartfelt tributes, or community involvement, there are many ways to honor our heroes and cherish our feline friend.

As we observe Veteran’s Day and Remembrance Day this year, let us also take a moment to honor the cats who have served alongside our human servicemembers.

Whether it’s donating to organizations that support military and veteran animals, or simply sharing the stories of these courageous felines, we can ensure their contributions are never forgotten.

 

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Lest We Forget: WW1 Poppy Day Military Cats