During the First World War some soldiers in the front lines sought out the assistance and comfort of four-legged friends. Cats, dogs, foxes, goats, lion cubs, and even raccoons also served soldiers as pets and mascots throughout the war. Some animals, such as dogs (read about those that provided humanitarian care in Medical Dogs) and carrier pigeons, carried out official duties. With cats, only those in the Royal Navy (such as Simon the Sea Cat), provided official services – as ship rat catchers. On land companionship was their main task, but those aggressive and large enough worked nights to fend off the ever-present rats. A few cats also helped by using their heightened sense of atmospheric pressure to detect artillery shells in advance of landing, allowing soldiers to seek shelter before the explosion.
