Ukranians are some of the toughest, but also most polite and considerate people I've ever met. They love their cats. Many had to be left behind when their owners fled and there are countless rescue groups that try to reunite them, find them new homes or even adopt them out to Europe.
There are too many kittens and strays and the soldiers, who were civilians in their previous lives adopt them to be front line cats.
Ukranians are creative and great at boosting morale, so they named them "battle cats" after the he man cartoon, where He man finds a scared kitten that becomes a scared adult cat until magic turns it into a fierce warrior named Battle cat.
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The soldiers train them to climb and ride their shoulders. Cats and soldiers are nothing new in the trenches, primarily for pest control. But Ukranians consider them part of the unit, do not leave them behind and keep them as their personal pet. Sad and horrific situation, but sweet to see this documentary on the cats and dogs of Ukraine who get a second chance:
Viewing time 12 minutes:
https://www.reddit.com/r/catsofukraine/comments/1dvyb7a/frontline_battle_cats_meet_ukraines_surprising/
This is Alexander and his tactical battle cat Puck
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=929391978575500&vanity=weareseenstories
They're very well cared for and better than the alternative of letting cats fend for themselves or freeze to death.
There are many videos of them online. I'll add some more later.
They help each other, giving comfort amid war.
ReplyDeletere the salsa, brand name Deseret Farms chunky salsa, mild.
Codex: Yes, but it's incredible to watch these men care for them. Many were drafted. People forget how ugly war is.
DeleteCodex: got interrupted just before I could thank you for remembering. Will see if I can find it anywhere.
DeleteI'm sure it's as good for Soldier Morale as it is for Feline Survival during their difficult situations they've all been forced into. Cats are very skilled Hunters so tend to do better when turning Feral than Dogs do, but abandoned Pets do have a tough row to Hoe and War or Natural Disaster does displace a lot of Domestic, as well as Wild Animals. We sometimes forget the Casualty Count of Nature's Creatures during Wartime... Bombs and Bullets don't discriminate.
ReplyDeleteCodex: Absolutely, but keep in mind that even double coated cats can't survive the what I can only describe as effing freezing. wild or domestic they suffer more than we can imagine. Ukranians have a slogan in this war: Every life matters. Don't know many military organizations that would stop to rescue wildlife out of drone nets. Ukrainians do.
DeleteWhen several Ukrainians moved into my community in 2022, I was part of the team who helped them get settled, adjust, learn English, etc. They honestly did more for me than I did for them.
ReplyDeleteSame. Although later than you. I'd love to read about that experience. In what way? Their immense appreciation?
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