Cat Day in Russia is celebrated annually on March 1. In honor of this special day for felines, we're looking back at stories of Russian cats that have made the news.
Achilles the cat from St. Petersburg was the official oracle of the 2018 World Cup. So keen were the crowds that Achilles had to be put on a diet to manage all the extra treats he was being fed. While the fluffy feline correctly picked Russia to beat Saudi Arabia in the opening match, he stumbled over an Argentina - Nigeria prediction, losing our belief in his psychic abilities (but not in his cuteness.)
See more animal oracles here.
And then there was Begemot, resident of the Mikhail Bulgakov museum in Moscow. Named after the wily, gun-toting, talking cat from Mikhail Bulgakov’s novel “The Master and Margarita," Begemot caused quite a stir last year when he was reportedly kidnapped.
More on the mysterious disappearance and rediscovery of Begemot here.
Why study hard when you can earn your grades in a cuddly cat costume? This enterprising young student went full cat to impress his teacher, earning a lifetime of good grades.
Blessed are the kitties, for they shall bring you peace. A Russian Orthodox Church in Lemeshovo, a small town south of Moscow, performed a prayer service for International Homeless Animals Day in August.
And how could we forget cat chief Svetlana Logunova in Zelenogradsk, Russia? A dream job for many, her daily duties are tending to the town's 70 stray cats.
The cutest third wheel on an awkward first date? This couple in Moscow's "Cats and People" cafe only has eyes for this incredibly insistent cat.
Who needs guards when you've got one of these fluffy groundskeepers? Dutifully guarding the Hermitage is not a task to be taken lightly, as this cat demonstrates.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
