During the tumult of the Great War, many soldiers found companionship and support in an unlikely group of helpers: animals. Among them, cats offered morale-boosting companionship, helped ward off rats, and even demonstrated a keen sense of danger by detecting potential bombs before they exploded. Other animals also served valiantly in various roles, from dogs and homing pigeons to foxes, goats, and even lion cubs and raccoons, acting as mascots and performing official duties for their nations.

Some feline warriors earned recognition for their bravery. While most cats provided comfort and discreet aid, a few contributed in more extraordinary ways. One notable example is a cat named Simon, who served aboard the HMS Amethyst from 1948 to 1949. Simon was awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal for disposing of numerous rats and for displaying exemplary conduct under perilous circumstances when a shell blast tore through a steel plate nearby. His courageous actions were highlighted in a newsreel that celebrated him as a hero in his own right.