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Cats of Iraq Bring Solace in War

Stray felines find place in the heart (and home) of Times bureau chief

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 14, 2007 1:10 PM CDT

(Newser) – As bombs rocked the outside world, New York Times correspondent John Burns found one hopeful symbol within the newspaper’s Baghdad compound—the growing cat population. Keen survival instincts brought the cats over the blast walls to adoring humans who fed and counted the feline population. It was “one small thing we could do to favor life over death,” he writes.

Burns says the cats had lessons to impart about the war. Upon hearing a bomb blast the first time, cats react with fear. "On the next occasion, come the blast, they barely stir." Burns himself adopted a cat heard whining in the winter night. That cat’s fate—a safe return to an England home—is one many Iraqis would envy, he realizes.

Upon hearing a bomb blast for a second time, a cat will barely react. (KRT Photos)

Upon hearing a bomb blast for a second time, a cat will barely react. (Associated Press)

(Associated Press)

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Cats of Iraq Bring Solace in War

Stray felines find place in the heart (and home) of Times bureau chief

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Stray felines find place in the heart (and home) of Times bureau chief

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iraq • pets • cat • Iraq war

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Puppy Rescued From Baghdad Had Rabies

National alert follows dog's death; other pets on flight seized

No Jail Time for Marine in Iraqi Civilian Killings

Judge recommends Frank Wuterich rank be reduced to private

Iraq Seeks Return of Saddam's Bronze Butt

British soldier's cheeky keepsake is 'cultural property,' Iraq says

US Hangs Iraqi Translators Out to Dry

With visa process slowed, many now fear for their lives

63 Dead as Explosions Rip Baghdad

First major violence after US troop pullout rattles Iraq

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Newser By Users

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