St. Petersburg, Russia: Dozens of cats work as official employees at the famous Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city and former capital.

Behind the museum’s magnificent halls lies a separate world where cats have played a special role for centuries. Dating back to the 18th century, when the palace served as the residence of Russian emperors, these cats have been regarded as protectors of the museum.

The cats were brought to the Hermitage in the 18th century on the orders of Empress Elizabeth. At the time, skilled rat-catching cats were brought from Kazan, a city in Tatarstan, to protect the royal palace and its cultural treasures from mice and rats. The animals soon proved their effectiveness, prompting the empress to officially designate them as guardians.

Today, between 50 and 70 cats live in the basement areas of the Hermitage Museum. They are provided with all the necessary facilities, including fresh food, clean water and comfortable beds. Museum staff and volunteers also take care of them on a regular basis.

The number of cats and members of the feline team changes from time to time. Some cats are sent to volunteers for medical treatment and care, while others are adopted by people who welcome them into their homes and make them part of their families.