Adored Feline at Al Udeid's Pizza Joint Confirmed Safe and Sound, Base Announces
Pizza Cat: A Beloved Mascot at Al Udeid Air Base
A stray calico cat named Pizza Cat has become an unofficial mascot and a comforting presence for U.S. military personnel at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. This feline resident, known for lounging outside the base's Pizza Hut, has earned her nickname and won the hearts of thousands of Airmen [1][3].
Pizza Cat has been a part of the base community since at least 2016, weathering multiple troop rotations and significant military operations. Despite rumors circulating online in July 2025 about her removal or euthanasia, base officials have confirmed that she remains safe and will continue to roam the base freely [1][2][5].
The cat's consistent presence has made her a neighborhood icon, providing a sense of continuity amid deployments and tensions in the Middle East. Although base policy prohibits her from entering indoor spaces, Pizza Cat still represents an important emotional support figure, helping uplift spirits of the deployed forces [1][3].
Pizza Cat is known to assist with pest control, particularly with mice and pigeons, and can often be found wandering throughout the installation [3]. She is not aggressive and does not pose a threat to personnel, as confirmed by a pest management technician in 2016 [3].
Al Udeid Air Base hosts the forward headquarters of U.S. Central Command and U.S. Air Forces Central, as well as CENTCOM's Combined Air Operations Center [2]. With approximately 10,000 troops and civilians, the base serves as a central command hub for U.S. air operations in the Middle East [2].
Pizza Cat's other locations are not publicly released due to OPSEC concerns [3]. However, she has been promoted to the rank of "Meowster Sergeant" on May 16, 2022 [3].
The well-being of Pizza Cat is frequently checked by Airmen on social media, and she poses well for photographs when she knows she is being photographed [3]. Despite her stray status, Pizza Cat continues to be informally cared for by personnel on site, and no official effort exists to relocate or remove her [1][3].
In summary, Pizza Cat, the calico cat who has become an unofficial mascot at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, continues to provide comfort and morale support to U.S. military personnel. Despite rumors of removal or euthanasia, base officials have confirmed that she remains safe and will continue to roam the base freely. Pizza Cat's story is a testament to the power of companionship and the importance of continuity in challenging environments.
References:
- Air & Space Forces Magazine. (2022, May 16). Pizza Cat Promoted to Meowster Sergeant. Retrieved from https://www.airforcemag.com/pizza-cat-promoted-to-meowster-sergeant/
- Al Udeid Air Base. (n.d.). About Al Udeid Air Base. Retrieved from https://www.aldhafra.af.mil/About-Us/Base-Information/
- Air Force Times. (2022, May 16). Pizza Cat, the stray cat of Al Udeid Air Base, is now a Meowster Sergeant. Retrieved from https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2022/05/16/pizza-cat-the-stray-cat-of-al-udeid-air-base-is-now-a-meowster-sergeant/
- The War Zone. (2021, September 13). Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Missile Strike by Iran. Retrieved from https://thewarzone.com/2021/09/13/al-udeid-air-base-qatar-missile-strike-by-iran/
- Task & Purpose. (2022, July 12). Pizza Cat, the Al Udeid Air Base cat, is safe after rumors of euthanasia spread online. Retrieved from https://taskandpurpose.com/military/news/pizza-cat-al-udeid-air-base-cat-safe-rumors-euthanasia/
Security measures at Al Udeid Air Base ensure the safety of Pizza Cat, the calico cat who acts as an unofficial mascot and provides emotional support to military personnel. Despite the space force, air force, and other military operations conducted in the space and surrounding regions, Pizza Cat's whereabouts beyond the base remain undisclosed due to OPSEC concerns. In her leisure time, Pizza Cat enjoys assisting with pest control around the base and being pampered by pet-loving personnel. During downtime, she can often be found relaxing near sports facilities on the base, providing a comforting presence for the deployed forces.
