Rescuing Burmese Cats

Wartime Operations in Ukraine

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“Does anyone know how we can help breeders in Ukraine?”

A question by a friend and fellow breeder became the trigger for an undertaking that I had never imagined overseeing. The Russian invasion of Ukraine sparked a major humanitarian crisis in Europe. Yet while many relief groups formed quickly to handle the needs of people, there was really not much in the way of organized relief for pets. Ukraine is home to many wonderful breeders of Burmese cats. Many of us were concerned about what was happening to them and to their cats. I am one to think that anything is possible with the right people working on it. So, my answer in this case was “Yes, I believe we can help them.”

The immediate need was food and supplies, which fortunately was quickly organized by incredible volunteers in Poland. The longer term issue was what to do about all the Burmese cats still in Ukraine? Breeders could not leave the country easily as they could not take their animals with them. And they were unable to sell them since there was no simple way to get them out of the country. The airport was destroyed, roadways were dangerous and under attack, and there were no buyers in Europe due to the instability of the wartime situation.