If you responded to this article as warmly as I did, read Jack Laurence's magnificent memoir of Vietnam and the kitten who claimed him there, THE CAT FROM HUE.
3
R.I.P. Yodarella Slackman. You were a Sweet and fragilePea of an Egyptian Street cat.
3
A most enjoyable and refreshing reprieve! Thank you!
3
Have you read retired NYT foreign correspondent Christopher S. Wren's book, "The Cat Who Covered the World", about his cat, Henrietta? I guess she wasn't a bureau cat, exactly, but she was certainly acquired "in-house." She was an extraordinarily poised and capable diplomat. I knew her well in Egypt, as Mr. Wren's daughter was a close friend of mine. He describes the arduous nature of traveling the world with pets (something my family was also used to) before there was Trip Advisor, Travelocity, or indeed any help or info at all except what you -- or your charming kids -- could gather from word of mouth and petty power wielders along the way.
It was also illuminating and occasionally sobering to read what his work life was like, when all I knew was his innocent family life. That was an eye-opener.
It was also illuminating and occasionally sobering to read what his work life was like, when all I knew was his innocent family life. That was an eye-opener.
7
Been doing cat and dog rescue for 11 yrs, mostly cats. Wherever I go, I'm on the lookout for homeless cats. I wonder whether there are any or enough spay/neuter services for strays in these various countries to help control cat populations. Always worry the cats are not being cared for at all or enough.
Have two cats I adore, one adopted from a shelter, Hallie, and the other was a stray, Minx. Have held onto strays for too long before painfully and tearfully giving them up for adoption. I understand the need to bring them home once they've gotten under your skin and into your heart. You'll never be the same. Thanks for a heart warming story I easily relate to.
Have two cats I adore, one adopted from a shelter, Hallie, and the other was a stray, Minx. Have held onto strays for too long before painfully and tearfully giving them up for adoption. I understand the need to bring them home once they've gotten under your skin and into your heart. You'll never be the same. Thanks for a heart warming story I easily relate to.
6
And let us not forget that honorary NYT cat, Charlie, who roamed the bar at Gough's across the street from The Times in the '70s. I used to catch glimpses of him when visiting with my father, Frank Camp, who worked on the Foreign Desk.
4
First, unfortunately I have not the talent of the writers in this post, but admire the work you all do. This article is going to make my day. Some time ago I read a terrific book about North Korea, Nothing To Lose, by the then NYT bureau chief. She had so much humanity and I like to think of her (name not remembered) as a cat person. Our animals make us more tolerant and humane and give us a chance to learn forgiveness which they practice regularly.
3
cats... despite our personal apprehensions when it comes to these feline creatures, this story made us smile...
I work as an editor from a home office with two rescue kitties.They are my colleagues, my friends and my furry freeloading roommates. They comment on copy (usually by strolling across the keyboard and deleting several sentences), remind me to take breaks, and are always willing to listen to me rant about having to work with people who only think they can write. Pets should be mandatory in every workplace. We'd probably all be happier.
11
My Zimbabwean feral cat, Tutu, was an illegal immigrant. It wasn't his fault. Our Moroccan cat, the original Tutu, abandoned us in Harare, probably over a broken heart - his soul mate, Jake, had become ill and died ...
So, anyway, although the other Moroccan cats, joined by Julia, the Sri Lankan princess, all had their papers in order, and had voyaged to the States with me, we didn't have the original Tutu.
But we still had his papers.
Then, through an honest mistake, the Zimbabwean Tutu, the domestic breed of the South African wildcat (identified by both body size and fangs) took his place.
And he was not either 'fat' as some unkind people claimed and he only showed his fangs when he yawned.
I don't understand people who can live abroad without animals.
So, anyway, although the other Moroccan cats, joined by Julia, the Sri Lankan princess, all had their papers in order, and had voyaged to the States with me, we didn't have the original Tutu.
But we still had his papers.
Then, through an honest mistake, the Zimbabwean Tutu, the domestic breed of the South African wildcat (identified by both body size and fangs) took his place.
And he was not either 'fat' as some unkind people claimed and he only showed his fangs when he yawned.
I don't understand people who can live abroad without animals.
11
Loved the article but was surprised not to see mention of The Cat Who Covered the World: The Adventures of Henrietta, written in 2000 by Christopher S. Wren, an NY Times reporter who worked for seventeen years as bureau chief in Moscow, Cairo, Beijing, Ottawa, and Johannesburg. A fun book in the same vein.
5
Thank you for this heart warming article and for highlighting the cat rescue work these people have undertaken.
5
I had to move one of my seven cats off the keyboard to read this wonderful story. Makes me feel vindicated that other people feel the same way about these incredible creatures. I spend my free time working on their rescue and advocacy. Oh, and the one I am still moving from my work space is from Egypt--a rescue! Thanks for a fab read. And meow for now.
5
Clever lead and great story!
4
The tradition goes back longer. I worked on the picture desk in New York during the Vietnam war. One night, I got a call from the service @ JFK that picked up the packets of film sent from Saigon saying they also had a cat in the shipment.
So I had custody of Sid, a Japanese Bobtail from the streets of Saigon, until his human staff returned. Very sweet kitty
So I had custody of Sid, a Japanese Bobtail from the streets of Saigon, until his human staff returned. Very sweet kitty
11
Cats are cosmic you know. At least that what all my cats who have lived with me down through the decades have told me. My present cat says the same.
4
Thanks for this article. Love my cats, and they love me.
3
One more good reason to subscribe to the NYT: help adopt stray cats! Best 15 bucks Imspend a month!
18
Beautiful creatures. Lovely stories.
5
Message to Adam Nossite: Would Louis tolerate a cat harness? That way you could take him out for a walk or maybe to a park to get some outside time.
8
Along with bureau cats are diplodogs. After a local fortuneteller told me that "a man, like a penguin --with dark sides and a white belly" would appear at my front door in Cyprus, my beloved dog Sam appeared on my front porch several months later. He traveled with me on assignment to Costa Rica and Washington, DC., where we now happily reside.
11
This is probably the best thing that I'm going to read all day, maybe all year. I love cats so much. Cats brought me my wife, and thus my current life. We became friends because I had just adopted a cat who turned out to be pregnant. Her cat had just died. Eventually we all moved in together and the two of us (humans) have been together for nearly 20 years now. The original pregnant cat lived until she was 15, surviving her own kittens.
Adopting cats overseas to as balm against loneliness or war....I completely understand. They have definitely transformed my life. I found love and spirituality because of my cats.
Adopting cats overseas to as balm against loneliness or war....I completely understand. They have definitely transformed my life. I found love and spirituality because of my cats.
16
They are gorgeous but don't let that to mislead you, felines have infiltrated the 4th Estate :)
22
Thanks to NYT for this wonderful article. Peaceful way to end my day after a lot of stressful news. Great pictures too. I have always had cats. Currently have Minnie who is approaching 19 and Dusty who is 15 I think. They help me garden and patrol the area for mice . One of them left her pawprint in my newly poured sidewalk much to the dismay of the crew who had just smoothed the concrete. Can't imagine not having a cat living with me.
22
This is a great way to help students in my media classes understand what a news bureau is and remind them that original reporting and news gathering is done by people who often work under difficult circumstances, not by some impersonal machine-like news factory.
24
Wonderful pictures. Felicidae rule! That's a fact....
8
Lovely article and delightful photos. Our family too keeps a tomcat, still lively at his 17 years. One aspect no one seems to have mentioned here, though: what kind of countries - and what kind of people - are they if foreigners have to rescue local cats from starvation to better lives abroad? I got used to assess the level of a nation also by the way it treats its cats (and other animals). Greece and Italy earned especially low grades; even more so some countries in the Middle East and further down that road...
6
A purr-fect antidote to all the stressful news. Thanks so much! I felt the weight of the day lift from my shoulders as I read this. There is nothing quite like a cat!
17
You may think you're taking in a stray abroad or rescuing a pet Stateside. Hah. My brother and sister cats seeing I was cat-less at the time in their vast charity took it upon themselves to civilize my household. All mice decamped immediately. Order was restored according to the cat book of hours: feeding, play time, meditation, review world events from the window & Internet, work. Playtime, meditation, feeding. Then I broke my ankle. The two cared for me tenderly through a long convalescence. Me: leg stretched out on the divan, cat alongside the cast, arm draped over the cast precisely at the break.
27
YOU HAVE GREAT ARTICLES AND GREAT COMMENTS FROM A VERY LITERATE READERSHIP. SOMETIMES THOSE COMMENTS ARE BETTER THAN A BOOK ON THE SUBJECT...BUT, AT LEAST ON MY MODERN COMPUTER THERE IS NO WAY TO "SELECT" AND PRINT THOSE ("NYT PICKS") COMMENTS. DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS -- OR CAN YOU REMEDY THIS BOTTLENECK? THANK YOU.
EUGENE HAWKINS
EUGENE HAWKINS
8
I can copy and then paste into a text document. (I have an iMac.)
2
The copy/paste idea works on my PC too. Comments are worth reading at leisure away from the computer sometimes!
3
Awesome.
I've always loved John Burns. Love him even more now for all the dogs and cats he and his wife have rescued and rehomed!
I've always loved John Burns. Love him even more now for all the dogs and cats he and his wife have rescued and rehomed!
18
I've been living in Oaxaca for six months and have recently become the circumstantial owner of an orange kitten. He was so tiny and emaciated, all pointy bones when we found him yowling in a puddle in a thunderstorm. We fattened him up and named him Sunny. I can't imagine not taking him home with me now.
34
It is seldom, if ever, I read the entire list of comments. But, these comments are so endearing I kept reading to the end. I recently read a scientific report stating that a cat's purr is the same frequency as an idling motorcycle. When my cat sits on my chest his purr relaxes me and makes me smile. Just wondering if guys (and gals) respond to their idling motorcycles the same way.
21
Ain't this ever the cat's meow. What a spirit-lifting, heart-warming article. And the large-format pictures! You have totally made my day...thanks.
26
Purr-fect for ComeyDay + 1.
8
I shared Mr. Healey's experience with an angry cat being removed from a carrier and the resulting lacerated skin while in transit when I relocated from Ukraine to San Francisco years ago. My Russian Blue was so quiet and agreeable (and without any kitty sedatives) until the flight transfer at Zurich airport where security officials insisted on the removal of the relaxed feline from his lair. I argued against the idea but they insisted. Big mistake. The resulting feral yelps and yowls--along with razor sharp claws and fangs piercing the upper arms and shoulders--suddenly silenced the large chatty crowd at the departure gates and we put on quite a performance stuffing him back into the carrier. All's well that ends well as we both healed from our trauma and the once ferocious beast spooked by cavernous terminal spaces and booming multi-lingual public announcements mellowed into a golden California retirement.
51
Great tails. Now who'll write about the Foreign Service Cats, none of whom leaked a story to a New York Times bureau cat. See Snagglepuss: Madagascar, Paris 16th, full body search on arrival in USA despite traveling w a diplomatic passport, on way to retirement in Florida.
16
Terrific piece.
12
Going back to 1993. We had a cat named 'Furry' orange as orange can be. This was when computers were starting to come into people's homes.
He would jump on the keyboard with a look of 'Hey, I am here.'
I would be saying to myself, which key did you hit, which keys did you hit:)
He would jump on the keyboard with a look of 'Hey, I am here.'
I would be saying to myself, which key did you hit, which keys did you hit:)
9
God bless these people! This is so heartwarming. As an American who lived in the U.A.E. for about 20 years, between my daughter and myself, we brought 17 cats and one desert dog back to the States with us. We acquired the cats over a period of time because we worked with an organization called Feline Friends and were not able to home all of our foster cats. We rescued our dog in the desert.
Previous to that, I lived in Pakistan where I had cats living in my garden. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), I wasn't able to bring any of them home.
Many people from many countries living and working in the U.A.E. were generous enough to take their rescue cats and dogs home with them at great expense and trouble when they left the country. I salute them all.
Previous to that, I lived in Pakistan where I had cats living in my garden. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), I wasn't able to bring any of them home.
Many people from many countries living and working in the U.A.E. were generous enough to take their rescue cats and dogs home with them at great expense and trouble when they left the country. I salute them all.
32
My daughter brought back to wonderful kitties from a stay in Bulgaria last year.
Bonnie (who lost her front right leg shortly after she was born) and Lizzie are white with beautiful blotches of different colors. They are both warm and affectionate friends and I love them dearly. Life would not be the same without them running around my home playing or cuddling up with me night. I will have to give them back to my daughter at some point and I will miss them.
Bonnie (who lost her front right leg shortly after she was born) and Lizzie are white with beautiful blotches of different colors. They are both warm and affectionate friends and I love them dearly. Life would not be the same without them running around my home playing or cuddling up with me night. I will have to give them back to my daughter at some point and I will miss them.
21
In the age of fake-news, I welcome the furry-news. NYTimes does things well, keep it up! Thank you.
30
Kudos to NYT foreign correspondents for their work and their humanity. A purrfect little story in a gloomy period of the world.
24
Off she went to take up an assignment as representative to an international children's agency in Japan. Her four rescue dogs followed shortly, but there was a delay with her Egyptian orphan. He needed his rabies shot and no one would give Vampire shelter.
It was a case of Mr. Fangs versus Mrs. Pangs, 'The Summer of Cairo', as I call it. Stultifying but he liked the heat. Breakfast was the highlight of the day for my hostage. Arms were considered as weapons of mass destruction, and fingers often mistaken for chicken nuggets. Peace reigned supreme early morning, while I tackled some correspondence at the computer until my guest crept up and shanghaied my ankles.
He did like a professor of Egyptology. After a long return journey from Asia, Vampire curled up in the arm of his host in New York and slept on some Paris taxing matters, but what they discussed about the mysteries, the woof and meows of our Existence remains a secret to this day.
A true Mau, Vampire has now taken shelter under the shadow of The Great Sphinx where he was first found, and now it is Ironsides in his sleek tuxedo who is sitting at the Bird Reception Tree in the garden waiting patiently for Avian tourists to give them a warm welcome and sign in. 'Curious', he relays, 'but business is slow at the friendly desk'.
Vampire and Ironsides will always heed The Call of the Wild because the former was a white tiger, the other a noble panther and I would not have it otherwise.
It was a case of Mr. Fangs versus Mrs. Pangs, 'The Summer of Cairo', as I call it. Stultifying but he liked the heat. Breakfast was the highlight of the day for my hostage. Arms were considered as weapons of mass destruction, and fingers often mistaken for chicken nuggets. Peace reigned supreme early morning, while I tackled some correspondence at the computer until my guest crept up and shanghaied my ankles.
He did like a professor of Egyptology. After a long return journey from Asia, Vampire curled up in the arm of his host in New York and slept on some Paris taxing matters, but what they discussed about the mysteries, the woof and meows of our Existence remains a secret to this day.
A true Mau, Vampire has now taken shelter under the shadow of The Great Sphinx where he was first found, and now it is Ironsides in his sleek tuxedo who is sitting at the Bird Reception Tree in the garden waiting patiently for Avian tourists to give them a warm welcome and sign in. 'Curious', he relays, 'but business is slow at the friendly desk'.
Vampire and Ironsides will always heed The Call of the Wild because the former was a white tiger, the other a noble panther and I would not have it otherwise.
12
Wonderful. One must read the other reader's posts! Look at Ruth from Portland, for example. Thanks for this.
6
Cats are such special things. You never really own them but they do have a way of burrowing their way into your heart. Dogs seem to need people, but cats mostly tolerate humans if we behave.
I can remember a few illicitly adopted during my days in the Army (very much a no-no) in the Barracks where the Single Enlisted Soldiers lived. Pets of any kind were strictly forbidden, but cats seem to be able to hide and adapt better than just about any other form of pet. The cats did not belong to any one person although they usually had one person they belonged "more" to.
Reading this I wondered if troops in Afghanistan and Iraq similarly adopted strays on the sly during our long involvement there.
I can remember a few illicitly adopted during my days in the Army (very much a no-no) in the Barracks where the Single Enlisted Soldiers lived. Pets of any kind were strictly forbidden, but cats seem to be able to hide and adapt better than just about any other form of pet. The cats did not belong to any one person although they usually had one person they belonged "more" to.
Reading this I wondered if troops in Afghanistan and Iraq similarly adopted strays on the sly during our long involvement there.
20
they have, actually. one worthy organization, puppy rescue mission, handles repatriation of both dogs and the occasional cat.
3
One of the most hopeful developments of recent years has been that the UK government allows people from the USA to bring in cats and dogs through their passport scheme by getting them chipped and vaccinated and then waiting a period of time. This period can be at home rather than in a kennel. Bridget Kendall got a cat when she worked in Russia and brought it into the USA without problems, but when she was reassigned to the UK he had to spend several months in quarantine in the UK. This is a lot shorter now.
Cats are wonderful creatures and patient when it comes to training humans to behave properly in a home. But remember that cats do need regular medical attention and some vaccinations and a proper diet, just like humans. Aside from that they have individual personalities so you should let their individuality come out as much as you can.
Also remember that some humans, especially children with emotional problems or psychiatric problems, may need to be supervised around animals. This includes Donald Trump, and I'm not sure he could be trusted to have an animal living with him since the responsible humans would be under his control. In any case with humans it's necessary to be open to minds that are different from human minds. If your mind is open, they are wonderful companions in so many ways!
Cats are wonderful creatures and patient when it comes to training humans to behave properly in a home. But remember that cats do need regular medical attention and some vaccinations and a proper diet, just like humans. Aside from that they have individual personalities so you should let their individuality come out as much as you can.
Also remember that some humans, especially children with emotional problems or psychiatric problems, may need to be supervised around animals. This includes Donald Trump, and I'm not sure he could be trusted to have an animal living with him since the responsible humans would be under his control. In any case with humans it's necessary to be open to minds that are different from human minds. If your mind is open, they are wonderful companions in so many ways!
22
The artist Richard Prince recently mentioned in his twitter that back in the 1990s, Donald Trump settled a lawsuit after kicking someone's Irish Setter.
9
My cat is a Cairo stray and when asked her breed, I always reply "Cairo Street". Beida is Arabic for "white"; although she is actually tri-color, white is her predominant color. A great traveler, she has lived in Cairo, Kyiv, Budapest and Moscow, and, as a result, speaks several languages. She's made friends around the world and regularly shares her latest photos with friends on Facebook. Now 19, she - and I - are both enjoying retirement.
33
I'm a lifelong cat owner, but the 1st thing that strikes me here is the matter of tribal identification, and how much this photoessay says about this.
I'll bet a week's pay that no Republican group could post a cat-loving photoessay like this one. And if you take out the non-populist "elite" Repubs -- the David Brookses and Bill Buckleys -- leaving the populist Trump followers – this will be more true, by a lot. You may find groups of pitbull lovers, but not cat lovers.
I'll bet a week's pay that no Republican group could post a cat-loving photoessay like this one. And if you take out the non-populist "elite" Repubs -- the David Brookses and Bill Buckleys -- leaving the populist Trump followers – this will be more true, by a lot. You may find groups of pitbull lovers, but not cat lovers.
2
My father, Emerson Chapin, was the Japan bureau chief from 1963-1966. We adopted a stray kitten, Baby, and when she had kittens, we kept one, Little Baby. When we left Japan, we gave them to Japanese friends. Long after we left, Baby received an award from the Japanese government for living to be 20 years old!
41
Thank you. Anything about cats. Just make the whole newspaper all about cats. It's about all my mental health can take anymore anyway.
133
Re: whole newspaper about cats: Google has an app called "Make America Kittens Again" which replaces any photograph of Donald Trump with a photo of kittens! No kidding! I open the NYT and see photo accompanying headlines like "Trump chooses new FBI Chief" and the photo will be of 3 kittens curled up sleeping together. This eliminates a lot of stress...
38
Seriously? I have GOT to check this out!!! Thanks! My mental health is as iffy as DW's these days.
4
I installed this app. I love it.
2
Suspicions confirmed - the Times keeps its journalism balanced, low key, and informative with the benevolent influence of felines :)
Shouldn't someone tell djt that having a cat as a pet might have a good effect on him ?
Shouldn't someone tell djt that having a cat as a pet might have a good effect on him ?
24
A cat for Donald Trump? NO! Give Mr. Trump an 800-pound gorilla named Russia-Hacked-The-Vote.
13
"Hi there Little Donny. Have I told you about my huuuuuuge election victory? Wanna hear how my inauguration crowd was the biggest ever?" Little Donny yawns, turns away, and goes to sleep. Little Donny is immediately terminated as FCOTUS.
8
Try to keep up, Russia had nothing to do with it. Donald Trump is the best thing to happen to this country in eight years. Something to think about: Why is that has been Obama running around to all the countries who are hosting Trump? Does he think he's still important?
Now I'm worried about Prince Harry posing for a picture with him. Obama was all smiles and Harry looked like "what's happening?"
Now I'm worried about Prince Harry posing for a picture with him. Obama was all smiles and Harry looked like "what's happening?"
Loving cats, I love this story, and the accounts of the rescues by fellow commenters. My foreign rescue was four strays from the mean streets of Jerusalem, brought home from an extended employment stay. They lived out their lives in Washington, with a warm home and big back yard.
25
Happy to see Edward Wong took the picture of the Baghdad bureau cat. I still miss him and John Burns on the NewsHour.
11
It makes my heart ache to know that Mr. Trump has never, ever owned a pet. There's something wrong with folks like that.
33
His recent comment about pets: "Animals are to be eaten or worn". I doubt you'll ever see a pet in the Trump White House!
15
Lucky animals.
14
As Anatole France wrote, "Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
In the case of the Electoral College president, neither his soul, mind nor heart have awakened.
In the case of the Electoral College president, neither his soul, mind nor heart have awakened.
7
I can confidently say that this is the best thing I have ever seen.
38
Thank you, thank you, thank you. A much needed respite from all of the negative news around our current regime. Its never-ending mission to bring America and Americans to our knees with ill-considered and unfounded statements and comparable actions is extremely wearing on the psyche. An article like this allows us to virtually pet these beloved fellows and gals which induces an immediate calming affect. Please make this a topic you continue to return to.
I have always liked John Burns, now I know why. His humanity always came through in his reporting. Accolades to both John and his wife for what they have done over the years.
I have always liked John Burns, now I know why. His humanity always came through in his reporting. Accolades to both John and his wife for what they have done over the years.
55
Thanks for brightening my day. But do any end up New York Bodega Cats?
13
A wonderful story. Our family carried two stray black cats across thousands of miles. The first from Lanikai, Hawaii in 1966. Snoopy lived out his 21 happy years in Pittsburgh. I recently went on a sentimental journey to Oahu and saw many black feral cats in the hills above one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
The second, Wajir was found by me in his namesake town in Northeastern Kenya. My job took me to the Red Cross training center outside of town, and during a tedious powerpoint session, I heard a persistent meow coming from the courtyard. During the tea break, there was a scrawny little black cat under a tree. The askari said he had been left by his mother a few days ago. He came back to Nairobi with me a few days later on the seat of a Cessna. He finished his 18 years of life in Ocean City on the Jersey shore.
Cats travel well.
The second, Wajir was found by me in his namesake town in Northeastern Kenya. My job took me to the Red Cross training center outside of town, and during a tedious powerpoint session, I heard a persistent meow coming from the courtyard. During the tea break, there was a scrawny little black cat under a tree. The askari said he had been left by his mother a few days ago. He came back to Nairobi with me a few days later on the seat of a Cessna. He finished his 18 years of life in Ocean City on the Jersey shore.
Cats travel well.
61
One of the best attributes of these lovely felines is their ability to keep a secret. Whatever they hear, read or told will remain in their strictest confidence until they end up on the other side of the grass. Their loyalty, devotion and sense of honor could prove to be a wonderful role model for many a two-legged individual. I can almost read Spotty/Dotty's mind - as if she's thinking "don't even ask or go there - I'll never spill the beans no matter how many mice you give me for entertain purposes." Beautiful article and fantastic tradition of the NYT! Well done.
41
Thank you ...this was just what I needed this Monday, good story, great people.
28
I can't really be friends with someone who doesn't like cats (or dogs for that matter).
37
Thank you so much for this sweet article. Any chance we will get occasional follow-ups on these and other bureau-cats who "adopt" Times correspondents?
39
How about a blog? Spotty/Dotty looks like she'd be a damned good writer. (And of course thanks for this wonderful, wonderful piece. I've wondered how correspondents in war zones can face all the chaos and tragedy, especially from such a strange position within it all. Now I know. Bless them all, cats and humans!
17
My Islamabad bureau calico, Purdah, is around 17 years old, toothless, and enjoying semi retirement with her remaining kitten, Gus, who was born shortly after she arrived in the United States. At this moment, Purdah is lounging on our New York Times Crossword bedspread, utterly unimpressed with her notoriety – or much of anything else.
103
Yes, please! I think it would be wonderful to read about the pets - especially the cats.
4
Some of the greatest thinkers and writers were cat lovers, so it is no surprise to me that news bureaus around the world would have cats. They're clever, funny, smell good and have a very calming influence.
41
And here I thought my husband and I cornered the market with taking in strays that have been dumped throughout the various alleyways in our neighborhood over the past 30+ years. There is something about taking in a stray, especially one that has been abandoned (vs. getting out accidently), starving to death and is suffering from infections due to wounds and/or weather related upper resp. issues. EVERY stray cat we have ever taken in realizes it won the "Keller Kitty Lottery" the moment they enter our home. I was so touched when I read so many correspondents took in strays as well, regardless of where they are stationed. Saving a life, albeit a four-legged one, is its own reward, but knowing that a warm, sweet, grateful feline will be at your side the moment you enter your home after a dangerous and treacherous job reporting puts things into a completely different level of appreciation. I always thought the hardest part was getting "Fluffy" out of it's own country and into the next country - between the shots, quarantine, and various other delays and distractions, was something of a miracle. The fact that any of them make it out okay at all is remarkable.
Another beautiful and uplifting piece NYT! I loved the "Empathic Dog" story which ran a few days ago. This is a wonderful counterpoint about cats and how they help for many for so little in return. Great photos of the cats too!
35
The story about Sherman the Rescue donkey is also awesome.
4
Feeding and petting the stray cats at the various ISAF/US bases around Kabul, Afgh. where I served 27 months helped me keep my sanity and allowed me to concentrate on the missions. I was not alone in doing so, in spite of the official prohibition. Giving and receiving affection helps one immeasurably to deal with loneliness and danger.
151
I would like to recommend a fun book on the same topic: "The cat who covered the world : the adventures of Henrietta and her foreign correspondent" written by Christopher Wren. This is a tale of a Siamese cat who traveled the world with this NY Times correspondent and his family. Charming tale (tail?)
44
Another very worthwhile book involving a cat and war is The Cat From Hue: A Vietnam War Story by John Laurence.
7
I was going to recommend that book as well. I suspect the writer here didn't know it existed, but it's worth finding. I cherish my copy.
2
Lovely article. Another reason I don't mind paying for my digital NYTimes each month!
32
Thanks! I needed this.
29
Thank you for this pause to consider how humanity can act in all its glory to be compassionate and generous despite adversity around it. Will Washington take notice? Has Donald Trump ever used those two words?
30
How are you doing over in Paris these days, Seth?
3
Hi, Marty
What a pleasure! France is back to its glory days with leadership that will make a difference worldwide. On Linked iN? Let me know!
What a pleasure! France is back to its glory days with leadership that will make a difference worldwide. On Linked iN? Let me know!
8
A lovely article and close to the heart. So glad to see this human side of the correspondents.
It reminds me of an amusing story regarding my wife who worked from home, and her assistant "Missy". Many times it was necessary to put a client on pause for a few minutes to research a topic or retrieve a document. However, Missy had a different understanding of this, and would often put the client on "paws" by carefully stepping on the "End this call" button when my wife's back was turned. Of course, my wife became very adept at explaining why the line went dead and there were no hard feelings, only amusement at her workmate.
Thanks so much for the hard work you do in unpleasant, adverse and challenging conditions.
It reminds me of an amusing story regarding my wife who worked from home, and her assistant "Missy". Many times it was necessary to put a client on pause for a few minutes to research a topic or retrieve a document. However, Missy had a different understanding of this, and would often put the client on "paws" by carefully stepping on the "End this call" button when my wife's back was turned. Of course, my wife became very adept at explaining why the line went dead and there were no hard feelings, only amusement at her workmate.
Thanks so much for the hard work you do in unpleasant, adverse and challenging conditions.
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This comment made me laugh out loud; I wish I could "Recommend" it twice! Thanks to the writer for this comment, and thanks so much to the Times for the original story.
9
As someone who can't imagine life without a cat, I loved reading about how much having a cat can enhance the life of someone in a situation described here. I've never lived abroad, but I know what the benefits are to living with a creature that is unapologetically what it is. A good thought to reflect on now and then. For those, like me, who struggle with stress reduction, just contemplating a sleeping cat is beneficial--not a tense atom in its body!
Thanks for a respite from the Trump/Russia soap opera.
Thanks for a respite from the Trump/Russia soap opera.
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It's a medical fact that petting your cat will lower one's blood pressure...and they make one laugh at their antics, relieving more stress. Yes, cats are little freedoms from stress and anxiety.
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All the news that's fit to sit (on): if it's fit; they sits.
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I left Saudi Arabia at the end of 1990 with 15 cats I had taken in over the years. They have all gone to cat heaven by now (where I hope I will end up some day). They too, had interesting names like Mama Fatouma, Abdullah, Princess Lulu, Billy Babalu, Pepe etc. (These felt right at home in Miami, of course.)
My husband brought Musa from Cairo 13 years ago. He got loose on the Lufthansa flight from Cairo to Frankfurt and the stewardesses woke my husband up saying, "You must catch your cat! He is loose and running up and down the aisle." He saw the horrified looks on their faces as Musa bolted for the closed cockpit door. My husband was still traveling on his Lebanese passport then.Hmm...mmm...red flag alert! When they got to Frankfurt, airport security was waiting for he and Musa! They were taken to a room where Musa was examined for explosives. Then they departed for Miami where my husband was questioned but Musa sailed through. We like to say that Musa is the only cat in the world that has ever been profiled! He is unique amongst cats, of course!
Thank you so much for all these wonderful traveling cat stories! You made my day!
My husband brought Musa from Cairo 13 years ago. He got loose on the Lufthansa flight from Cairo to Frankfurt and the stewardesses woke my husband up saying, "You must catch your cat! He is loose and running up and down the aisle." He saw the horrified looks on their faces as Musa bolted for the closed cockpit door. My husband was still traveling on his Lebanese passport then.Hmm...mmm...red flag alert! When they got to Frankfurt, airport security was waiting for he and Musa! They were taken to a room where Musa was examined for explosives. Then they departed for Miami where my husband was questioned but Musa sailed through. We like to say that Musa is the only cat in the world that has ever been profiled! He is unique amongst cats, of course!
Thank you so much for all these wonderful traveling cat stories! You made my day!
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That is a great story, thank you!!
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Hi Susan,
Your wonderful story reminded me of a similar event in Cairo that my daughter and I experienced. I forgot to mention it in the comment I just posted.
My daughter and I were living in the UAE and went to Cairo for a short holiday. On our first day, we encountered a tiny kitten in the Khan El Khali bazaar. We looked around in the hopes of finding his mother but to no avail. So, we smuggled him into our hotel room and amazingly found some kitten formula (I can't remember where or how). During our remaining days in Cairo, we kept asking ourselves what in the world we were going to do with Moses - yes, we named him Moses, or Moosa, like your kitten.
We finally decided that we would have to smuggle him on board the flight home. The airlines which we were flying did not allow animals at that time, and at any rate, there was no time to secure all the paperwork which would have been necessary. We decided that my daughter would wear hijab - in the hopes that she wouldn't be searched as thoroughly - and she would put tiny Moses in her bra. She is quite buxom, so that was helpful. :)
Well, we went to the airport and a female security officer was patting everyone down and we panicked. We were wondering what we would do if Moses was discovered. Would we have to just leave him outside the airport?? Well, the security officer patted down my daughter but didn't detect him! It was a miracle. Moses arrived home safely with us in the UAE. Amazing but true.
Your wonderful story reminded me of a similar event in Cairo that my daughter and I experienced. I forgot to mention it in the comment I just posted.
My daughter and I were living in the UAE and went to Cairo for a short holiday. On our first day, we encountered a tiny kitten in the Khan El Khali bazaar. We looked around in the hopes of finding his mother but to no avail. So, we smuggled him into our hotel room and amazingly found some kitten formula (I can't remember where or how). During our remaining days in Cairo, we kept asking ourselves what in the world we were going to do with Moses - yes, we named him Moses, or Moosa, like your kitten.
We finally decided that we would have to smuggle him on board the flight home. The airlines which we were flying did not allow animals at that time, and at any rate, there was no time to secure all the paperwork which would have been necessary. We decided that my daughter would wear hijab - in the hopes that she wouldn't be searched as thoroughly - and she would put tiny Moses in her bra. She is quite buxom, so that was helpful. :)
Well, we went to the airport and a female security officer was patting everyone down and we panicked. We were wondering what we would do if Moses was discovered. Would we have to just leave him outside the airport?? Well, the security officer patted down my daughter but didn't detect him! It was a miracle. Moses arrived home safely with us in the UAE. Amazing but true.
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My day has gotten much better having read this. Thanks for sharing.
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I'll mostly leave aside the bad jokes about paws-ports and the such, but this article is full of joy and a delight to read.
We've done the opposite, taking our cats out of America to Japan and now Hong Kong. They were so beloved in Japan, where cat ownership is much less common than in the USA. Countless children pet a cat for the first time in our home. They also sat at a street level window, where passersby tapped and said hello twenty or so times a day (Japanese people DO love cats—hello, kitty!).
Thanks for the article, and the photos. And the reminder of pets and how they help humanize us, and connect us across borders.
We've done the opposite, taking our cats out of America to Japan and now Hong Kong. They were so beloved in Japan, where cat ownership is much less common than in the USA. Countless children pet a cat for the first time in our home. They also sat at a street level window, where passersby tapped and said hello twenty or so times a day (Japanese people DO love cats—hello, kitty!).
Thanks for the article, and the photos. And the reminder of pets and how they help humanize us, and connect us across borders.
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Japan. Home of the cat cafe concept. Just check out Koneko in NYC!
:)
(Because not many people can actually own cats, I have been told)
:)
(Because not many people can actually own cats, I have been told)
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Thank you for this! It's made the day so much better.
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This beautiful and uplifting story has helped me recover my equanimity after reading today's news about yet another miserable thing our lumpish leader has said or done or threatened or mucked up or whatever.
Thank you, Times.
Thank you, Times.
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I know this issue well. I loved John Burns' articles about his cats and even had a correspondence with his wife, Jane, about one of the articles. I brought a cat, Ficho (the diminutive for Phillip in Serbo Croation and the nickname for the cute little Yugoslavian car), back from Macedonia who also shredded my hand as I tried to get him in his carrier at 6 am for our flight to DC. Yes, I, too, ended up in the emergency room with an IV. He lives on eleven years and several trips later (Jordan and now South Africa). We also brought back a cat, Poppie, from Afghanistan who was such a comfort to me there in that strange and volatile place. He flew through Islamabad via a direct flight to JFK, which doesn't exist anymore, with the help of the Afghan Stray Animal League. We also dragged him to Jordan and South Africa but he had too many medical problems and had to be put to sleep in Pretoria.
We have adopted Sisi (sister in Zulu) here in South Africa who drives Ficho crazy as opposed to providing what we thought was missing companionship.
Did their undistinguished origins stop any of them from being picky eaters and generally demanding cats? You know the answer to that! We love them all the same.
We have adopted Sisi (sister in Zulu) here in South Africa who drives Ficho crazy as opposed to providing what we thought was missing companionship.
Did their undistinguished origins stop any of them from being picky eaters and generally demanding cats? You know the answer to that! We love them all the same.
47
All cat lovers should be sure to see the delightful doc "Kedi", about the cats of Istanbul. Beautiful cinematography, score, people, and of course cats. A nice little refuge from the storm, if only for a moment.
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Strong agreement: a wonderful film that deserves broad release. A sympathetic view not only of the cats, but of the citizens of Istanbul. Best of all, each cat in the film receives a name reference as the cast titles roll by.
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And it was a happy story on the whole, which is so rare for animals in media. It seems an animal story in Hollywood isn't complete without the animal dying.
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Absolutely. Kedi is a beautiful film about the cats of Istanbul and the people who help them live. The trailer can be seen here: www.kedifilm.com
1
Many thanks for the lovely photos and the stories. The human--cat bond is different from that formed with dogs (who are so needy and dependent yet can serve their humans in so many ways). Our bond with cats lends itself to stressful times in places where human and cat life is threatened just by the acts of normal living. Yet cats survive and inspire humans to do the same.
It is a tribute to skills of the occupants of the NYT bureaus that some street cats became willing to living indoors with them even to the point of becoming a fully indoor cat in Paris. Allowing a truly feral cat return to the short, often brutal life outdoors as part of a Trap, Neuter, Release program is difficult for anyone who loves cats; releasing a cat to an unknown future in a foreign city would be heartbreaking as well.
I hope someone in the world of the NYT bureaus seizes on the universal love for cats so well captured by millions of internet clicks and turns this article into a glossy coffee table book sold in the NYT store; there seems to be plenty of material.
It is a tribute to skills of the occupants of the NYT bureaus that some street cats became willing to living indoors with them even to the point of becoming a fully indoor cat in Paris. Allowing a truly feral cat return to the short, often brutal life outdoors as part of a Trap, Neuter, Release program is difficult for anyone who loves cats; releasing a cat to an unknown future in a foreign city would be heartbreaking as well.
I hope someone in the world of the NYT bureaus seizes on the universal love for cats so well captured by millions of internet clicks and turns this article into a glossy coffee table book sold in the NYT store; there seems to be plenty of material.
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My two cats at the moment are both indoor cats. They always have been and don't want to go out. They don't even want me to go out. They think it's dangerous out there. Before that all my cats have been outdoor cats that just came in and stayed, but they expected to go out and come in on demand. None of them has ever gone in for killing birds, although several have killed small animals. One of them brought me a chipmunk, and the chipmunk escaped and found its way onto my pillow, where it touched my nose with its nose and stared at me until I helped it escape. My present two don't hunt anything except moths.
Best wishes to John Burns!
Best wishes to John Burns!
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