Cat In The Crossfire: International Feline Federation Bans Russian-bred Cats And Russian Cat Owners From Events

The Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFé) ("International Feline Federation"), a cat fancier society that comprises of 42 member organizations across 40 countries, has announced a ban on Russian-bred cats from its shows, and cat owners who live in Russia.

The NGO, FIFe Executive Board, in a statement, said that it is "shocked and horrified" that the army of the "Russian Federation invaded the Republic of Ukraine and started a war."

"Many innocent people died, many more are wounded and hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians are forced to flee their homes to save their lives. We can all witness the destruction and chaos caused by this unprecedented act of aggression," the FIFe said in a statement.

"No cat belonging to exhibitors living in Russia may be entered at any FIFe show outside Russia, regardless of, which organization these exhibitors hold their membership in," the statement added.

The Board of FIFe also said hat it will dedicate a part of its budget to support cat breeders and fanciers in Ukraine who are suffering because of the current situation.

"We will consult our Ukrainian FIFe Member Ukrainian Felinology Union (UFU), as well as our Members in countries neighbouring Ukraine, as to how this can best be done." the statement said.

"Our Ukrainian fellow feline fanciers are desperately trying to take care of their cats and other animals in these trying circumstances. We are extremely happy that many members of FIFe clubs bordering Ukraine, such as Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova, are lending a helping hand to their Ukrainian breeder friends." the statement added.