Cat adored by Al Udeid, known as the Pizza Cat, remains alive and secure, affirm base announcement
In the heart of Qatar, nestled within the desert sands, lies Al Udeid Air Base. This strategically important military installation hosts the forward headquarters of U.S. Central Command and the Combined Air Operations Center, and it's home to a unique and cherished member of its unofficial community – Pizza Cat.
For approximately a decade, Pizza Cat, a stray calico cat, has been a familiar and comforting presence on the base. Her consistent lounging near the Pizza Hut and her regular roaming throughout the installation have made her a neighbourhood icon among the U.S. troops stationed there.
Pizza Cat, with her clipped ear and vaccinations as recently as November 2024, is a testament to the care she has received from the base's military veterinarians. Her spaying and notch missing from her left ear are clear signs of her well-being. Despite rumors that surfaced in mid-2025 about potential changes in animal policies, official statements from Al Udeid have confirmed that there are no plans to remove or euthanize Pizza Cat.
The base's public affairs and veterinary staff consider Pizza Cat one of the longest-tenured members of the base's unofficial community. However, operational security concerns prevent revealing all of her usual haunts beyond the well-known Pizza Hut location, reflecting the unique culture and security environment of Al Udeid.
Pizza Cat's status as a beloved figure was further solidified in 2022 when she was promoted to the rank of "Meowster Sergeant." This recognition of her superior performance and contributions to base morale is a testament to the bond she has formed with the Airmen on the base.
Anonymous service members have praised Pizza Cat's contribution to base morale, with some even crediting her with occasional assistance in pigeon control. Despite the high-tension environment marked by frequent missile warnings and extreme desert climate, Pizza Cat's presence provides a sense of comfort and normalcy.
Despite the rumors that circulated on platforms like Reddit and Facebook, prompting a memo from base officials confirming her safety, Pizza Cat remains a well-loved and protected fixture at Al Udeid Air Base. She continues to roam the installation, often spotted near the base's Pizza Hut, and poses for photos when she sees people taking them, aware of the rule about not being pet on base.
As the largest and most important U.S. base in the Middle East, Al Udeid Air Base has found itself at the epicenter of many Middle East flashpoints. Despite this, Pizza Cat's story serves as a reminder of the small comforts that can make a significant difference in the lives of those serving in challenging environments.
- The Space Force, if they were to consider expanding their presence and responsibilities into space, might find solace in the comforting presence of Pizza Cat at Al Udeid Air Base, understanding how a cherished pet can provide a sense of normalcy and relieve tension in a high-stress environment.
- Pizza Cat, the iconic stray calico cat of Al Udeid Air Base, has maintained a loyal following on social media, with pet owners everywhere exchanging stories about their own pets and finding solace in the stories of a shared lifestyle.
- One might imagine that Pizza Cat, despite her unique status as a fixture at Al Udeid Air Base, would appreciate a change of scenery every now and then, perhaps visiting different stateside Air Force bases or even venturing into the exciting world of entertainment, such as a guest appearance on a late-night talk show.
- In a world where we often find ourselves divided over political and social issues, the story of Pizza Cat at Al Udeid Air Base serves as a reminder that it's the small acts of kindness and caring for creatures in our lives that can bring us together, transcending the boundaries of sports, entertainment, or even international relations.
