If you live in a rural area, you know that rodents love living with people during the winter season. Food in nature is scarce and mice probably like human warmth too. And so they move in with you into your cabins and barns. This is a problem in various villages and towns, but it is also a problem for the defenders of Ukraine in the battlefield.
Domestic cats are great hunters and their presence can drive some rodents away. Image credit: Андрей Романенко via Wikimedia (CC-BY SA 4.0)
This might seem like not a big deal, having in mind that Ukrainian soldiers are facing death every day. But rodents in trenches and dugouts are causing havoc. Various mice and rats from the fields are rushing into Ukrainian trenches, eating through the precious supplies, destroying uniforms, blankets and food packages. It is a huge concern for the defenders of Ukraine. So new soldiers are heading to the frontlines – cats.
Cats are going to help the defenders of Ukraine deal with mice, rats and snakes. Domestic cats might be fluffy and nice, but they are also notorious hunters. On top of that, mice sense the presence of a cat and may stay away from the area. Even open trenches can be quite well protected from the mice invasion if there are enough cats around.
According to the Ukrainian military, mice and rats do not allow Ukrainian soldiers to sleep. Rodents bite people, eat food and anything that gets in their way. Even weapons get damaged by the sharp teeth of the little mammals. And Ukrainian soldiers have very close encounters with these wild savage rodents.
One soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said: “When you wake up, you always catch two or three mice that have crawled into your sleeping bag. It’s not particularly pleasant when your finger gets bitten.” It’s not only uncomfortable, but also raises concerns about the possibility of infections.
Cats have been used to control mice for hundreds if not thousands of years. Ocean-going ships used to have at least one or two cats to get rid of rodents. Cats also participated in various wars, usually in pest control duties.
However, fluffy pets are also important in maintaining the mental health of people in these high-stress situations. Hopefully, cats in Ukraine can provide some comfort and security to the defenders of the country.
Written by Povilas M.
Source: 24tv.ua