 Pizza Cat in 2025 | |
| Other name | Queen of the Deid |
|---|---|
| Species | Cat |
| Breed | Calico domestic shorthair |
| Sex | Female |
| Born | c. 2015 (age 10–11) |
| Known for | Residence at Al Udeid Air Base Morale figureHolding the rank of "senior meowster sergeant" |
Pizza Cat (also known as "The Queen of the Deid")[1] is a stray calico cat living in Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. She is frequently seen near the base's Pizza Hut, but is also known to wander other locations in the base. According to Air & Space Forces Magazine, her "consistent, friendly presence" has led her to become beloved and recognized by base personnel as "one of the greatest contributors" to base morale.[1][2] Despite her name, she "reportedly survives on mice",[3] and has been described by the United States Air Force (USAF) as a "pest control specialist".[1]
Though she is considered to be a stray, Pizza Cat receives regular veterinary care. She is spayed, and was last vaccinated in November 2024 by military working dog veterinarians.[1][3]
Popularity and recognition
Pizza Cat is believed to have been living on Al Udeid Air Base since 2015. Her longstanding presence has led her to becoming a "neighborhood icon" to troops deployed to the base. Particularly, Pizza Cat's popularity with USAF personnel has led to regular "proof of life" photos being posted to the unofficial Air Force subreddit, as well as the creation of morale patches dedicated to her.[2]
On 16 May 2022, Pizza Cat was awarded the rank of meowster sergeant" (a play on "master sergeant").[2]
Following the 2025 Iranian strikes on Al Udeid Air Base, a base memo was released confirming that Pizza Cat survived the attack.[2]
In July 2025, rumors were circulated online claiming that Pizza Cat was to be removed or euthanized due to a change in USCENTCOM policy, prompting outcry from veterans and troops on social media. A wave of photos and memes celebrating the cat were shared on social media, as well as offers from veterans to adopt her. Base officials have since debunked the rumors, stating that "there are no plans, guidance or direction given to euthanize or remove 'Pizza Cat'."[3]
On 1 June 2026, Pizza Cat was given the unofficial rank of "senior meowster sergeant" (a play on the rank of senior master sergeant) via a "certificate of purrrmotion" in the "United States Aire Furce" in recognition of her "patriotism, integrity, and abilities." Her promotion was certified by Brigadier General Dan Clayton on his last day as commander of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing.[4][5]
See also
References
- SSgt. Ennis, John (2025-12-19). The Queen of the Deid (Motion Picture). 1st Combat Camera Squadron. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
- Roza, David (2025-07-25). "Al Udeid's Beloved Pizza Cat Is Alive and Safe, Base Says". Air & Space Forces Magazine. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
- Vadnais, Zade (2025-07-25). "No plans to remove or euthanize Al Udeid's 'Pizza Cat,' base says". Stripes.com. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
- Schogol, Jeff (2026-06-04). "Air Force promotes 'Pizza Cat' to 'Senior Meowster Sergeant'". taskandpurpose.com/. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
- Crown, Kayode (2026-06-05). "Military cat, known as Pizza Cat and Queen of the Deid, 'purrmoted' to 'Senior Meowster Sergeant'". Al.com. Retrieved 6 June 2026.