From Whiskers to Warriors: Stories of Army Cats

In military history, stories of human bravery and strategic warfare have often taken center stage. However, military cats, often called "army cats" have also played memorable roles alongside their human counterparts in various armed forces worldwide. Army cats have left an indelible pawprint on military operations, from their vital duties as companions and morale boosters to their unconventional contributions to warfare and espionage. Prepare to be intrigued and amazed as we unravel the extraordinary tales of these military cats of the US Army.

Historic Army Cats From Egypt

In ancient Egypt, society revered, worshiped, and honored cats. Astounding archaeological discoveries have revealed over 300,000 cat mummies, showcasing the depth of adoration bestowed upon these enigmatic creatures. The walls inside the pyramids are full of portraits of military cats. Such was the regard for cats in ancient Egypt that harming or killing a cat carried the severe consequence of death. This deep affection for felines became widely known, and the Persians would later exploit it in a shrewd military tactic.

In a fascinating historical episode, the Persian king Cambyses II skillfully harnessed the Egyptians' adoration for cats to his advantage. Leveraging their knowledge of Egypt's unwavering devotion to the revered cat goddess Bastet, the Persians ingeniously incorporated her image onto their shields during the Battle of Pelusium in 525 B.C. To further disrupt their adversaries, cats were released onto the battlefield. Bound by their reverence for these sacred animals, the Egyptians found themselves in a predicament: they could not harm or kill the feline warriors. Consequently, faced with this unconventional obstacle, they reluctantly surrendered to the Persian forces.

If you wish to dress up your feline as the ancient warrior cats from Egypt, check out the pet portrait inspired by Tutankhamun or this pet portrait inspired by Cleopatra.

Are Cats Used in the US Military?

Army cats have a long history of involvement with military forces, and while they may not be as commonly seen in modern times, there have been instances of cats being used in the US military. These feline companions have contributed in various capacities, showcasing their unique skills and attributes.

In the US military, there have been instances where cats were utilized for their natural hunting and pest control abilities. Ships, military bases, and installations often face challenges with rodent infestations, which can adversely affect health and operational efficiency. With their innate hunting instincts, cats can effectively control vermin populations, making them valuable assets in maintaining hygiene and preventing damage to critical equipment and supplies.

While cats in the military may not be actively enlisted or officially trained for military tasks in the US Armed Forces, their presence has been acknowledged and appreciated. Many military personnel, particularly those stationed in remote or isolated locations, have formed bonds with local cats or adopted stray cats as companions. These feline friends offer emotional support, reduce stress, and provide comfort and normalcy in demanding environments.

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If you wish to see your cat in a military uniform, check out these pet portraits inspired by the military.

Cats Who Are Military Veterans

While it may seem unusual to associate cats with military service, there have been remarkable instances where feline companions have played significant roles in the armed forces and earned the distinction of being recognized as military veterans. These exceptional army cats have demonstrated bravery, loyalty, and resourcefulness, proving that even the smallest creatures can make a substantial impact in the world of military operations.

Simon

One notable example is the story of Simon, a black and white cat who served aboard the Royal Navy's HMS Amethyst during the Yangtze Incident in 1949. Simon quickly became a beloved mascot and morale booster for the crew. During the ship's shelling by communist forces, Simon was wounded by shrapnel and suffered burns. Still, he continued to fulfill his duties, boosting the spirits of the sailors and providing comfort during challenging times. Simon's bravery and dedication earned him the prestigious PDSA Dickin Medal, making him the only cat to receive such an honor.

Oskar

In the United States, the tradition of military cats extends to the naval forces. During the Vietnam War, a courageous cat named Unsinkable Sam, also known as Oskar earned the distinction of being a three-time war survivor. Oskar initially served aboard the German battleship Bismarck before it sank in 1941. Miraculously rescued from the waters, he was assigned to the German cruiser Prinz Eugen, which also met a similar fate. Once again, Oskar defied the odds and was rescued. In a remarkable twist of fate, he found himself aboard the British destroyer HMS Cossack, torpedoed and sunk in 1941. Oskar's incredible survival and resilience earned him the nickname "Unsinkable Sam" and symbolized hope and luck during the challenging times of war.

Félicette: Only Feline to Travel to Space

Félicette, a French black and white tuxedo cat, made history as the first and only feline to travel to space. In October 1963, Félicette was part of the French space program's mission, during which she was launched aboard the Véronique AGI sounding rocket. The mission aimed to study the effects of space travel on animals.

During her brief but significant journey, Félicette reached an altitude of approximately 97 miles (156 kilometers) above the Earth's surface. The rocket reached a maximum speed of Mach 3 and allowed Félicette to experience a few minutes of weightlessness before returning to Earth safely.

Félicette's mission provided valuable data on space travel's physiological and neurological effects on living organisms. Sadly, her achievements were not widely recognized or celebrated at the time. After the mission, Félicette was euthanized for further study, as was the common practice with animals involved in space research during that era.

Cats Used for Espionage by US Government

The US invested in army cat training during the 1960s. Acoustic Kitty was a covert CIA project that aimed to use cats as living surveillance tools. The project sought to train cats to eavesdrop on conversations by implanting them with listening devices and transmitting equipment.

The project's initial phase involved surgically implanting a cat's ear canal microphone and a radio transmitter in its skull. The cat was then trained to move toward specific targets while recording conversations.

Unfortunately, the project faced numerous challenges. Cats are independent and unpredictable creatures, making it difficult to control their behavior during missions. The equipment proved unreliable, as the cats often wandered off or were easily distracted.

After several unsuccessful attempts, the Acoustic Kitty project was ultimately deemed impractical and was discontinued in the late 1960s. The exact number of cats involved in the project and the extent of its operational use remain classified.

Military Cat Mascots and Insignias

Throughout history, cats have played a significant role as military insignia and mascots, symbolizing agility, strength, and resilience. These feline figures serve as powerful symbols of identity, pride, and unity within military units, fostering camaraderie among soldiers.

One notable example is the British Army's adoption of the "Black Cat" symbol for their armored division during World War II. Representing agility, adaptability, and lethal efficiency, the black cat's image adorned unit patches and vehicles, visually representing the division's identity and prowess on the battlefield.

Similarly, army cats have been embraced as mascots in the United States military, representing values and characteristics associated with military service. The renowned 1st Infantry Division, known as the "Big Red One," adopted the image of a black panther as their mascot, symbolizing strength and resilience. The black panther serves as an embodiment of the division's unwavering commitment to duty and excellence.

The tradition of utilizing cats as military mascots also extends to naval forces. Many ships in different navies worldwide incorporate feline figures into their official emblems and names. These cats symbolize agility and navigation skills, representing the connection between sailors and their vessels and instilling a sense of pride and unity within the crew.

Army cats have played fascinating roles in the military throughout history, from serving as mascots and companions to providing practical benefits in controlling pests. Whether it's their keen senses, agility, or simply their comforting presence, cats have proven valuable assets to military units worldwide. So let us salute these feline heroes who have made their mark in the military and continue bringing warmth and charm to those who serve.