The Courageous Cats of Ukraine, and Their Brave “Cat-Moms”

A Photo Tribute on International Women’s Day, 2022

“I am a brave cat. Glory to Ukraine,” thinks Catra, after crossing the border into Romania with her “cat-mom.”Author’s photo.

Meet Catra, the Cat. Like every four-legged critter fleeing Ukraine these days, Catra is exhausted and confused. But she’s also proud of herself — and even prouder of her “cat-mom.”

It’s International Women’s Day, 2022. This year, as war rages in Ukraine, this special tribute goes out to all affected cats and critters — and especially to their courageous “moms” — for their bravery.

Of the two million Ukrainians who have fled to date, most are women and children. Women like my sister-in-law, my nieces, and their brave cat, Catra (pictured above), shown arriving in Romania. (I wrote about their plight here.)

Millions more Ukrainian women remain in harm’s way. They’re either joining the resistance themselves, or sheltering their children and critters while men age 18 to 60 join the fight.

Here are just a few of the brave cats and “cat-moms” — displaced, sheltering in place, or, sadly, deceased — on this International Women’s Day, 2022.
(Photo credits shown if known; many via LorenzoTheCat on Twitter, shared with permission.)