Most high school and college history classes won’t go into detail about the importance of cats in World War I. These feline friends helped Allied soldiers cope with the hardships of war and were assigned specific duties to keep the troops better protected from enemy forces. Here are four important roles that cats played during World War I.
Cats and War: The Little-Known Military Use of Felines in WWI
Rodent Hunters
Mice and rats were often found in trenches and ships during the war. To protect the troops from contracting rat-bite fever, the plague and other illnesses, cats were used to hunt rodents. Rodents were also known to chew through ropes and leave droppings that caused further health concerns. Using cats to eliminate rodent problems also helped keep food supplies from diminishing.
Gas Detectors
Cats even played an important role in detecting gas that could have potentially sparked fires and explosions and caused other problems for soldiers. Felines are known for their keen senses of smell, and this was useful in detecting gas that was not always easily noticeable by humans. In fact, cats have millions more smell receptors in their noses than humans, which allows felines to distinguish harmful smells more easily and alert their human companions.
Enemy Distractors
Cats also helped keep some soldiers hidden from enemy troops by causing distractions. Anyone who’s studying to earn a master of history degree online may have come across the story of Lieutenant Lekeux. While serving in the Belgian army, the lieutenant had a cat named Pitouchi living in the trenches with him. When German enemy soldiers approached a hole that Lieutenant Lekeux was hiding in one day to investigate noises that they were hearing, Pitouchi jumped out and surprised them. The Germans then believed that the noises were just coming from the cat and left the area without noticing the lieutenant in the hole.
Morale Boosters
Many troops turned to cats for companionship, and this helped boost morale among the soldiers. Some cats were even used as mascots for ships and airplanes. A feline named Ching became a mascot for the HMAS Swan battleship. Other notable cat mascots were named Martinpuich, Tabby and Pincher. There were also soldiers who believed that cats were good luck charms.
It wouldn’t be a stretch of the imagination to believe that cats helped lead Allied forces to victory at the end of World War I. These feline companions performed many essential duties that saved soldiers’ lives and gave them an advantage over enemy forces.
I didn’t know this. Very interesting.
I had no idea. What a blessing cats are, and have been.
I love to hear histories on all animals, so this is so welcome to my eyes! Thanks for sharing a great and interesting story.
I never knew that cats were used in WW1. They are very smart animals!
This is very interesting. I wonder how the cats alerted the humans to the gas odors.
What a great story, I never knew cats were this important during wartime, cats are very special anyway so it doesn’t surprise me
Just another handful of reasons to love cats:
I love cats and have had them my whole life. It’s not surprising that they were invaluable in WW1. They are a necessary part of life to everyone for the ages.
Wow. I really had no idea. Animals are awesome. We owe them a lot of gratitude.
This is very interesting. I had no idea they used cats. I know that dogs were used but never cats.
This is such fascinating and new information to me. I especially like the story of Pitouchi jumping out and surprising the Germans.
I had no idea there were cat war heroes. I salute them!
Oh my goodness!! I knew our furry friends were great companions, but I never knew that they helped our boys in wartime! Not just helped, but saved their lives!! This review was definitely pin worthy!!
My cat saved our lives!! She brought our attention to a small fire that was burning under my computer desk by knocking over my flashlight that was sitting on top of the desk!! The fire starter because of my surge protector that was old and plastic! Well we changed every surge protector with a new metal one! Without her, it could have been a lot worse!!
Wow such an interesting read! I never even thought of animals being involved in the war, nonetheless HELPING the troops! Just another reason to add to my love for cats! Thanks!:)
This is awesome. I have never read an article regarding cats and people in war. I really learned something from this article. Thank you so much for sharing. God Bless