Pizza Feline Loyal to Al Udeid Confirmed Safe and Well, Base Announces
In the heart of Qatar, at the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, Al Udeid Air Base, a stray calico cat named Pizza Cat has become an unofficial mascot and a source of comfort for thousands of Airmen and personnel.
Pizza Cat has been a part of the Al Udeid community for approximately ten years, making her home on the base since at least 2016. Her nickname is a nod to her fondness for lounging near the base’s Pizza Hut[1][2].
Despite the harsh desert conditions, high-stress military operations, missile warnings, and long deployments, Pizza Cat's consistent, friendly presence provides a sense of normalcy and comfort to the troops. She is a neighborhood icon, a reassuring symbol of companionship for the deployed troops, many of whom share photos and affection for her on social media and base forums[1][2].
Recent rumors about plans to remove or euthanize Pizza Cat were confirmed to be false by the base public affairs office. The base spokesman explicitly stated that there are no plans, guidance, or direction to harm or remove her, assuring that she remains free to wander the base as she has for years. She is believed to be over 10 years old and one of the longest-tenured unofficial “members” of Al Udeid[1][2][3].
Pizza Cat's role in morale is significant. Amidst tense regional dynamics, her presence contributes to the overall well-being of the base. She is known for her contributions to pigeon control on the base and can often be found throughout the Al Udeid Air Base installation, frequently visiting the Pizza Hut on the base[1][2].
Al Udeid Air Base is home to CENTCOM's Combined Air Operations Center, the forward headquarters of U.S. Central Command and U.S. Air Forces Central. Despite the base's strategic importance, Pizza Cat's influence extends beyond military operations, touching the lives of countless individuals stationed there[1][2].
In recognition of her contributions, Pizza Cat was promoted to the rank of "Meowster Sergeant" on May 16, 2022[1][2]. As she continues to roam freely around the base, Pizza Cat remains a unique, morale-boosting fixture at Al Udeid Air Base, cherished by the military community stationed there[1][2][3].
| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | History | At Al Udeid since at least 2016; over 10 years old; unofficial mascot linked to Pizza Hut | | Role in Morale | Comforts and entertains deployed personnel; symbol of stability during tense regional dynamics | | Current Status | Safe and well; no euthanasia or removal planned; continues to roam freely around the base |
- Without Pizza Cat's friendly presence at Al Udeid Air Base, the space force and air force personnel might miss a crucial element of their lifestyle, as she provides a sense of normalcy and comfort amidst tense regional dynamics and demanding military operations.
- Pizza Cat's influential role extends beyond the confines of military operations, touching the lives of numerous individuals stationed at the base, and her image is often shared on social media, blurring the line between entertainment and social-media trends.
- The space force and air force personnel's connection to Pizza Cat goes beyond the typical base dynamics, as they share their affection for her and photos of her on base forums, creating a unique bond with their pets and community figures.
- With her recent promotion to "Meowster Sergeant," Pizza Cat's status further solidifies her position as a cherished, morale-boosting fixture at Al Udeid Air Base, symbolizing the unbreakable spirit and camaraderie that exists among the military community.
