Koshka
Screenshot from CNN
Who knew that a kitty could be a hero to a hero? “He was my saving grace, he kept me alive during that tour,” says Staff Sargent Jesse Knott. The “he” being referred to is a beautiful kitty named Koshka (Russian for “cat”).
Knott met Koshka in June of 2012 while stationed in Afghanistan. Koshka was a stray that was not well treated by the local people; Knott noted that at one point Koshka had had paint spilled on him and another time had parts of his fur shaved off. Knott decided to take Koshka under his wing after finding him with injuries to one of his paws and hips.
Staff Sgt Jesse Knott and Koshka
Screenshot from CNN
Little did Knott know that the cat he intended to save would save him. In December 2011, a suicide bomber struck a military convoy killing 2 of Knott’s friends. Knott was all but inconsolable when Koshka touched him gently with his paw and curled up in his lap. Koshka’s love and affection made if possible for Knott to finish the tour.
Knott knew he couldn’t leave Afghanistan without Kashka even though military flights wouldn’t allow the cat on board. It took $3000, a very brave Afghan local (who could have been killed by the Taliban for helping an American, and 3 months to get Kashka safely home to Oregon. The Knotts family has no regrets about all they went through to get their kitty hero home.
Interview with Staff Sgt. Jesse Knott from CNN
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What a beautiful story.
I thought so too. I was really moved when I came across that interview. The human-animal bond is such a powerful thing 🙂
I love hearing these stories! When Kevin was overseas part of his daily routine was to give the stray kitties little tidbits of food, even though it technically wasn’t allowed. He also sent me pictures of the kitties. Some of the markings on them were simply gorgeous!
Aww! That is so sweet of Kevin! It does seem like they have a lot of really beautiful cats over in the middle east. I was amazed at how much Koshka’s face looks like my Cinco’s face (same markings and features with different colors).
Wow, what a beautiful story! Thank you so much for sharing this.
You’re welcome 🙂 I had to share it once I found it. Kitty love is pawsome!
That is SO beautiful!!!!
Thanks for sharing!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
You are very welcome 🙂 I was really moved when I heard about the story. Kitties make great heros if you ask me!
What a touching story! A true kitty hero indeed! 🙂 Thanks for sharing this wonderful story with us! 😀 Have a PURRFECT weekend! xoxo Roxy & Tigerlino
You are very welcome! I love stories about kitties helping humans. My kitties have helped me through hard times too. 🙂 xoxo
Such a heartwarming story. Thank you for sharing it.
You are welcome 🙂 I was really touched when I found the story so I had to share it.
Lovely story! So cool that he was open to sharing it! Real men love cats! Thank you for sharing on the Pet Parade ~Rascal and Rocco
I agree with you. Real men do love cats 🙂 I certainly hope that the poor guy that helped him get the cat out of Afghanistan doesn’t get in trouble because of this story!
What a great story! Thanks for sharing! Ellie
You are welcome. I just had to post about it after I came across it. Even big tough guys need a kitty hero sometimes. 🙂
Wonderful story. 🙂
I loved it when found it. It was one of those ones that I knew I had to share right away.