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Curious History:  “Operation Acoustic Kitty”, 1961-1967 In the early 1960’s the National Science and Technology directorate, a super secret department within the CIA, came up with a brilliant plan to get back at those darned commies. Their plan was to use unassuming animals to spy on Soviet officials, most notably; cats. Called “Operation Acoustic Kitty” (I kid you not) several cats were implanted with what was then the latest in recording and radio technology. Former CIA officer Victor Marchetti gives this account of the project: “They slit the cat open, put batteries in him, wired him up. The tail was used as an antenna. They made a monstrosity. They tested him and tested him. They found he would walk off the job when he got hungry, so they put another wire in to override that. Finally, they’re ready. They took it out to a park bench and said, “’Listen to those two guys. Don’t listen to anything else – not the birds, no cat or dog – just those two guys!’” The theoretical advantages of super cyber cats are simple; they could amble up on anyone and eavesdrop. Who would ever suspect that an innocuous alley cat could be a top secret government spy project? Plus, if captured, the kitty aint’ talkin’. By 1966, after five years of effort and $20 million dollars spent, “Operation Acoustic Kitty” was ready for action. A cyber cat was released across the street from the Soviet Embassy in Washington D.C. With instructions to go and spy, the cat walked across the street and was immediately hit by a taxi. Agents later returned to the scene to collect the roadkill, ensuring that the Russians did not get their hands, or should I say “paws”, on the top secret technology. The program was terminated in 1967.

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Curious History:  “Operation Acoustic Kitty”, 1961-1967

In the early 1960’s the National Science and Technology directorate, a super secret department within the CIA, came up with a brilliant plan to get back at those darned commies. Their plan was to use unassuming animals to spy on Soviet officials, most notably; cats. Called “Operation Acoustic Kitty” (I kid you not) several cats were implanted with what was then the latest in recording and radio technology. Former CIA officer Victor Marchetti gives this account of the project:

“They slit the cat open, put batteries in him, wired him up. The tail was used as an antenna. They made a monstrosity. They tested him and tested him. They found he would walk off the job when he got hungry, so they put another wire in to override that. Finally, they’re ready. They took it out to a park bench and said, “’Listen to those two guys. Don’t listen to anything else – not the birds, no cat or dog – just those two guys!’”

The theoretical advantages of super cyber cats are simple; they could amble up on anyone and eavesdrop. Who would ever suspect that an innocuous alley cat could be a top secret government spy project? Plus, if captured, the kitty aint’ talkin’.

By 1966, after five years of effort and $20 million dollars spent, “Operation Acoustic Kitty” was ready for action. A cyber cat was released across the street from the Soviet Embassy in Washington D.C. With instructions to go and spy, the cat walked across the street and was immediately hit by a taxi. Agents later returned to the scene to collect the roadkill, ensuring that the Russians did not get their hands, or should I say “paws”, on the top secret technology. The program was terminated in 1967.

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    “Operation Acoustic Kitty”, 1961-1967 In the early 1960’s the National Science and Technology directorate, a super...
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