Cats and War in Ukraine

Hey friends! It’s Poly, your favourite garage cat, currently reporting from Ukraine, where I’m hoping to learn from some brave cats here.

Today I want to share a story that I think deserves more attention. The role of cats in war, especially when it comes to fostering hope and countering PTSD.

The Ukrainian conflict with Russia has been raging for years, with no end in sight. Amidst the chaos and destruction, however, there is a glimmer of hope: the cats of war.

According to a recent article by Politico, cats have become the latest battlefront in Ukraine. These feline warriors are helping soldiers in a variety of ways, from providing emotional support to fighting off mice that infest the trenches. They even have their own social media accounts, where they attract donations to the military with their fluffy cuteness.

But it’s not just the Ukrainian army that has enlisted cats in the fight against Russia. Russia is fighting back with its own cute feline videos. By humanizing its invading soldiers and showing them with their own cats, Russia is attempting to win the propaganda war.

The role of cats in the Ukrainian conflict is a fascinating topic, and one that deserves more attention. While they may seem like an unlikely weapon in the fight against Russia, these feline warriors are making a real difference on the front lines.

According to a systematic review of the empirical literature on animal-assisted intervention (AAI) for trauma, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), animals have a long history of inclusion in psychiatric treatment. The human-animal bond has proven to be an effective, complementary treatment for PTSD, with positive impacts for veterans.

It’s inspiring to see these brave cats play a role in the real-time treatment of PTSD among soldiers by providing comfort, and reducing anxiety.