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As part of a global pushback for Russia’s attack on Ukraine, Federation Internationale Feline (FIFe) — a group that calls itself “the United Nations of cat federations” — has announced that Russian-bred cats can no longer be imported or registered in any FIFe pedigree book.
A statement on their website also says cats belonging to someone living in Russia are also banned from entering in any FIFe competition outside the nation.
“The FIFe Executive Board is shocked and horrified that the army of the Russian Federation invaded the Republic of Ukraine and started a war,” the organisatoin wrote.
“We can all witness the destruction and chaos caused by this unprecedented act of aggression.”
“On top of that, our Ukrainian fellow feline fanciers are desperately trying to take care of their cats and other animals in these trying circumstances.”
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, over 1.5 million people have fled Ukraine into neighbouring countries.
There are many cat enthusiasts among them, said FIFe, who are desperately trying to take care of their cats and other animals amid the conflict.
That said, the cat organisation also promised to channel part of its budget to support affected cat breeders and fanciers in Ukraine.
“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 restrictions on Russian cats extend through 31 May, after which they will be reviewed.
The federation, which was created over 70 years ago, holds over 700 shows a year, with more than 200,000 cats on exhibit, according to its website.
A slew of high-profile sports organisations such as Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), have also banned Russian football clubs and athletes from competing in international competitions.
In the entertainment industry, a number of film and music festivals, as well as some artists and movie studios, have cancelled plans to hold events in or involving Russia, reported USA Today.
Multiple car companies have also suspended the sales of cars or auto parts in Russia, including Toyota, Honda, and Volkswagen.