Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

This video shows another side to the war in Ukraine: All the cats

These cats are working alongside their humans in service to their country

By

Pets might not be our first thought when we think about armed conflict, but they’re a surprising part of it. In the current war in Ukraine, many refugees fleeing the country are bringing beloved pets with them and, luckily, neighboring countries have been able to take some of them in. Despite nearly impossible circumstances, animals are being saved and even brought to the US and going to loving families. Some, however, are living directly on the front lines with soldiers, including the adorable cats featured in this video.

@tvorcha.marena

Наші котики?

♬ original sound – творча Марена?

In it, you see cats of all shapes and sizes hanging out with their buddies dressed in fatigues and often ready for action. The kitties climb up their people or ride along in satchels or assist the war effort by becoming lookouts (or at least pretending to). While they may not be a lot of help in that arena, they can provide friendship and become true assets to their units (some trained military dogs deploy with troops around the world to help with things like finding land mines and search and rescue). Interestingly, animals have always been essential to war, not just as the cavalry but in a companionship role as well.

Recommended Videos

Comments on the post and on Reddit showed support for the humans and the cats in the video. Top commenter Glenda praised the soldiers “Love seeing the way y’all take care of these innocent creatures,” while user1834208669133 sent more general support “Stay safe brave warriors and your fur warriors. Glory to you all ????.” Others pointed out the greatness of having a pet around: “Combat Kitties!” said ujustgotpwnd.

Kitten peeks out of a military helmet
Image used with permission by copyright holder

While having animals in a war zone might seem like a distraction, u/sali_nyoro-n agreed that “Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of cats to a modern army, and no soldier should be without one on the modern battlefield. Love and affection towards kitties is the ultimate morale boost.”

u/HLCMDH added “Also great pest control for whatever little hole there holds up in during these war times.”

It’s true: part of the role of felines has always been to eat rats and mice, whether on British navy ships or in the trenches of WWI. In fact “An estimated 500,000 cats served in World War I” and many Ukrainian cats are continuing the tradition.

Ukrainian kittens are staying strong and cute! entitles the repost of this video. We’re glad the animals here are both helping their humans and all of us who get to watch them in action and continue to support their efforts. If it inspired you to donate, you can find a list of vetted charities and other relief efforts or look into the adoptable dogs and cats who have escaped this or other areas of conflict around the world.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Rebekkah Adams
Rebekkah Adams
Contributor
Rebekkah’s been a writer and editor for more than 10 years, both in print and digital. In addition to writing about pets…
Why do cats cover their face when they sleep? This adorable behavior, explained
Keep an eye out for these symptoms of feline sleepiness and discomfort
A white cat sleeps with a paw in front of their face

If you ever notice your cat sleeping in an especially cute or odd-looking position, you're not the only one. Most cats get comfy in unique ways -- whether curled up on top of a laptop or stretched out on their back like a dog -- but some feline sleeping positions are more difficult to understand than others.
For example, why do cats cover their face when they sleep? There are several noteworthy reasons, though it's up to you to decipher which reason applies to your kitty. The good news is that none of these reasons are cause for worry unless, of course, there are other unusual behaviors or symptoms present. If this is the case, please consult your cat's veterinarian instead!
If sleeping with their paws covering their face is all your feline friend is doing, all you need to do is keep an eye on them. If there is a minor problem going on, like seasonal allergies, you'll be able to notice and help your cat sooner rather than later.

Sense of security and comfort

Read more
Why do cats eat plastic (and when you should be concerned)?
The reasons for this behavior might be surprising
Cat in a basket with plastic bag

Cats are quirky — sometimes puzzling — creatures. Part of the fun of kitty parenthood is laughing off these funny, curious traits and perhaps looking into what each might mean. Is your cat staring at you because they're plotting against you? Why does your cat want to sleep on your chest? Does your kitty wish you would get back to the office already after several years of this work-from-home thing?

Often, these questions — and our search for answers — are all in good fun. Cats are cats, and that's why we love them. Yet, if your cat eats plastic, you might wonder, "Why does my cat eat plastic?" You'll want to get a formal answer to this question from a vet.

Read more
Why do cats lick themselves? It goes beyond just cat grooming
This totally normal behavior could mean a few different things
A cat licking his paw while lying in front of a blue background

Cats spend the majority of their time doing one of a few things: eating, resting, grooming, using the litter box, or causing havoc. Their routines can become predictable at times, so it's not even worth a second glance when you catch your cat licking themselves as obviously -- and loudly -- as possible. Cats groom themselves all the time, after all, but when does licking become a bit too much?
Even though cat grooming is completely normal, if it becomes noticeably excessive, your kitty may be licking themselves -- or even licking you -- for another reason. Luckily, we can help you understand why cats lick themselves and how you can tell what may be going on. Here's what you'll want to know and what to look out for.

Is my cat grooming? When licking is normal

Read more