We here at Noodle's Blog are suffering from post election madness and so we thought we'd take this opportunity to share a bit of intriguing cat trivia with you;
In 1968 the Army began experimenting with the use of "night eyes" or "seeing eye cats". The Army had for a long time been quietly impressed with the night vision of cats. The mission of the project was to employ this special ability; harnessed cats were to lead foot-soldiers through the thick jungle during the dead of night.
Certain people in high command had such enthusiasm for the idea that an order was given that "night eyes" be field tested, so the operation was put into use in Viet Nam on an experimental basis.
After a month of night maneuvering with the seeing-eye cats, a report was filed with the section on Unconventional Warfare which in part stated; "...A squad, upon being ordered to move out, was lead off in all different directions by the cats.
"...On many occasions the animals lead the troops racing through thick brush in pursuit of field mice and birds.
"...Troops had to force the cats to follow the direction of the patrol; the practice often led to the animals stalking and attacking the dangling pack straps of the American soldiers marching directly in front of them.
"...If the weather was inclement or even threatening inclemency, the cats were never anywhere to be found.
"...Often when the troops were forced to take cover, the animals took this opportunity to sharpen their claws on the boots of the troops, regardless of the seriousness of the situation.
"...A number of the troops traded their animals to Vietnamese women for their favors. When questioned about this, the troops claimed the animals ran away.
The project was suspended.
*originally written by Brian McConnachie and found in Cat Catalog printed in 1976
Have a great weekend!
Noodle and crew
OMD that has to be one of the silliest things. Reminded me of the film the men that starred at goats. Have a super Saturday.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
Well I sure never heard about that one, not that I would have though. Have a great weekend Noodle!
ReplyDeleteHAH! That’s funny and so like us. Sounds like something Nixon would do. Oh wait, Johnson was still POTUS.
ReplyDeleteThat is funny. Please visit us for a giveaway-catnip turkey drumsticks.
ReplyDeleteOh my Bast. If this doesn't exemplify the idiocy of some humans, I don't know does!
ReplyDeleteI came by as I was invited, thank you! That is a very funny piece and also reminded me somewhat of 'Men Who Stare at Goats'.
ReplyDeleteOMC! Hilarious! Thanks for sharing that, Noodle.
ReplyDeleteVewy innewestin' indeed. MOL
ReplyDeleteLuv ya'
Dezi and Lexi
Noodle, this was so incredibly interesting. Mom says she had never heard about this "experiment" before now. It does sound as if the cats were being cats instead of troops. Sounds like what those of us who know anything about cats would expect. Thank you so much for joining our blog hop. Have a great Easy Sunday. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
ReplyDeleteWe hope the cat story is a joke and not true. It sounds like a joke. :)
ReplyDeleteHahaha how stupid is that ! A cat can't see in the night, she uses her whiskers and of course leather boots are more interesting then unknown people except friendly ladies ! Besides that, poor cats, that humans kill each other is one thing, but cats are certainly more interested in killing birds and mice !
ReplyDeletenoodle....ewe nailed that on de head with out a hammer...de electshunz bee mad nezz all rite..az mad purrhaps az an a tempt ta use catz az seein eyes cats !!!!!!! ♥♥
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness!! This is pretty funny. Is it true? I kind of hope it's true, except the part of trading the cats for favors. That's creepy. - Crepes.
ReplyDeleteWow! We'd never heard of such a thing before. Silly troops... cats will be cats. ; )
ReplyDeleteThis is great for Veteran's Day. Cats have served in the military is many ways but I've never heard of this.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely LOVED this. Of course, cats are too smart to make war :)
ReplyDelete