5 Cats Who Served in the Military

Salute, feline enthusiasts and history buffs! In the spirit of recently celebrating Veterans Day, we often reflect on the brave men, women, and even the four-legged heroes who have served our country. While we’re accustomed to tales of courageous military dogs, today, let’s embark on a unique journey that might just surprise you. Get ready to be intrigued and amazed as we explore the lesser-known but extraordinary stories of cats who served in the Military. That’s right – these whiskered wonders prowled the frontlines alongside their human counterparts, proving that when it comes to wartime valor, our feline friends can be as courageous as any canine comrade. Strap in for tales of purr-triotic bravery that go beyond the expected, showcasing the extraordinary contributions of these unexpected military mousers!

While not as common as their canine counterparts, cats have bravely served our US Armed Forces and other militaries around the world for generations. Here are 5 cats who served in the military:

“Pfc. Hammer” decided to move in with the troops of a U.S. Army unit in Iraq in 2004, killing and chasing away mice that would have devoured or contaminated the soldiers’ food stores. The men were so grateful for Hammer’s hard work and affection toward them that they made him an honorary member of their unit. After their deployment, they got help from Alley Cat Allies and Military Mascots to bring him back to the states. He now lives in Colorado with his old comrade, Staff Sgt. Rick Bousfield.

Able Seacat Simon, of the Royal Navy’s HMS Amethyst, began his career in 1948 as the Amethyst’s ratter. During the time he served, Simon performed his duties so well that he awarded twice. The first after a particularly grueling incident with Chinese forces, Simon was awarded an Amethyst campaign ribbon for his valiant service. The next was the Dickin Medal for animal gallantry. Simon is the only cat to have received the Dickin Medal, and when he died, he was buried with full naval honors.

Peebles was the ship’s cat aboard HMS Western Isles. Another cat who became a favorite of the ship’s crew, he was known to be particularly intelligent and would shake the hands of strangers when they entered the wardroom. Peebles is seen above on top of the deck, participating in a game of jump through the hoop during WWII.

Salty was a US Coast Guard mascot and became the first cat to take part in a rescue mission when she stowed away, with her kitten, on an amphibian reconnaissance plane just before it took off to effect the rescue of a pilot who had come down at sea. She was based at the San Diego Coast Guard Air Station in California.

Mourka was a cat during the German siege of Stalingrad  in 1942-43, who risked all nine of his lives carrying messages about German positions from a group of Russian scouts back to their headquarters. He was probably well rewarded for his efforts and devotion to duty, as there was a kitchen in the HQ building.