Nesconset's Paws Of War Aims To Help Soldiers Bring Home Cats

NESCONSET, NY — A group of American servicemen and servicewomen are asking for help in getting a small family of kittens they rescued while stationed in Eastern Europe back home to the safety of the United States, according to a news release from Nesconset-based organization Paws of War.

The soldiers hope the kittens would then be able to have a life without the constant threats of living on the streets in a harsh environment.

"The stress and challenges on our troops right now can be overwhelming, this simple act of kindness can give them hope and happiness," said Dereck Cartright, a disabled veteran who is the stateside logistics coordinator at Paws of War, via news release. "We will do all we can to help our soldiers bring their family of cats to safety, but we need the help of the public to make it happen."

Anyone looking to make a donation to Paws of War can do so here.

While Major Anne was in a rush, she took the time to stop and check on a cat she saw that was panting as it lie on the ground. Another male cat was standing over her, and within minutes she realized that the panting cat was about to give birth. She quickly went on a mission to help, padding her suitcase with towels and placing the cat inside.

The mother, who they named Sweet Pea, gave birth to four kittens, as the nervous father they named James hung around the area. Three of the kittens survived, and the soldiers began taking care of them. They provided them with food, water, shelter, and love. The soldiers played with them daily. The three kittens included one female they named Scout and two males, who they named Houdini and Squirt.

With the soldiers facing uncertain orders, they can’t bear to leave the family of cats behind, according to Paws of War. Doing so would be a death sentence for the kittens, the soldiers believe. The area where the kittens were found is not a friendly environment for stray animals, the weather is brutal, and being able to find food, water, and shelter would be near impossible.

The soldiers reached out to Paws of War to get help relocating the kittens back to America, where they will live out their lives with the soldiers who rescued them.

"There is a lot of chaos going on," Cartright said. "We want to help bring some peace. Bringing these kittens back to the U.S. is a great way to help make something go right in all the turmoil."

The kittens are now old enough to make the flight to the U.S., joining their parents who already made the flight when there was an opening.

"The family of cats has brought so much joy to the soldiers that it would be a therapeutic act to bring them back to safety," Paws of War wrote. "The process of getting animals from overseas is complex and fraught with logistic challenges and expenses that one can only imagine."

Paws of War helps soldiers bring their rescued dogs and cats to America after serving their country overseas through its War Torn Pups and Cats program.