This cat “worked” for the Swiss Military – Brigadier Broccoli 🐈🥦

Brigardier Broccoli had a playground the size of three Walmart Supercenters, twenty buildings for hiding, and the undivided attention of 400 recruits: what else can a common cat ask for?

Update Aug 18, 2021: I am saddened to announce that Brigardier Broccoli has passed away today. She was 18 years of age.

This tabby cat had it all: Broccoli was officially added to the inventory of the Swiss Army, calling the 60'000 sq m campus at Lyss her home.

"Brigadier Broccoli" was one of only three officially registered cats by the neutral Swiss military. Meanwhile, the inventory contains 300 dogs and no less than 350 horses. Chapeau for this special feline.

Why was the Swiss Army cat called Broccoli?

The reason for this funny name is simple: mushy green broccoli was the first thing on Brigadier Broccoli's plate when she appeared in 2005.

Ever since, the military recruits would pay for her food and feline treats out of their own pockets. After a while, the cat was declared as an official Swiss Army inventory.

This distinction meant that the provisions for Brigadier Broccoli were paid from the military's food budget.

The Swiss Army cat even had her own service book and AHV number - the Swiss social security number: 1291.007.3250. The number "1291" stands for the Federal Charter of 1291. "007" is a hint at the fact that this cat is also a spy. And "3250" happens to be the postal code of Lyss where Brigadier Broccoli used to live.

Naturally, any media inquiries or questions about the Swiss Army cat are being answered by the VBS PR department.

Apart from the swag that comes with a military distinction, Broccoli's duties were simple: to spread her love among recruits and keep the morale high.

I met him during my service, but he has a limit on getting petted, a colleague got almost clawed by him. And our company commander even said: "Broccoli isn't the brightest. He is the only cat that gets surprised by rain."

(reddit user Panzerfan93)

When was the Swiss Army cat Broccoli born?

According to a Facebook post, Brigadier Broccoli was born on April 7, 2003.

What's happened to the Swiss cat Broccoli?

Brigadier Broccoli has her own Facebook page with several thousand followers. Here is one of the latest updates from November 2020:

Evidently, Broccoli was aging and needed ever more tender love and care. She has passed away on August 18, 2021, at the age of 18 years.

Send any cat treats to the following address:
Br Broccoli K.
Ih RS 50/Kp |||
Kaserne
3250 Lyss, Switzerland