8 main CATS in Russian Culture… Meow!

‘Bayun’ the Cat

This is a sorcerer cat from Russian folklore. His voice possesses magical power: it carries over great distances and can cast a sleep indistinguishable from death upon travelers. Those who fall asleep are then killed by his iron claws. However, his power also has a healing side. Anyone who manages to capture ‘Bayun’ is saved from all illnesses, as his tales have healing properties.

The Learned Cat

This is a character from the prologue to Alexander Pushkin's poem ‘Ruslan and Lyudmila’. He walks along a chain hanging from a mighty old oak tree, telling stories and singing songs. His prototype was the folkloric ‘Bayun’, but this cat is not a malicious monster; he’s a charming guide into the world of Russian fairy tales.

‘Behemoth’ the Cat

Koroviev and Behemoth, characters from the novel "The Master and Margarita." Sculptor Lyubov Mirosenko

A minor, but crucial were-cat character from Mikhail Bulgakov's novel ‘The Master and Margarita’. A huge, black, fluffy cat, witty and outrageous, who serves Satan. He speaks human language and does it so memorably that all his lines have since become memes.

‘Matroskin’ the Cat

One of the main characters, first in Eduard Uspensky's novella ‘Uncle Fyodor, His Dog and His Cat’ and, later, in the cult animated film ‘Three from Prostokvashino [Buttermilk Village]’. ‘Matroskin’ is a sensible, practical and incredibly charming cat with a clear-headed sensibility, whose lines, voiced by actor Oleg Tabakov, have entered the golden collection of cinematic quotes ("Shared labor unites for my benefit!", "To sell something unnecessary, you must first buy something unnecessary, and we have no money!").

‘Leopold’ the Cat

The animated film "The Adventures of Leopold the Cat" by Soyuzmultfilm. Directed by A. Reznikov

This is one of the main protagonists of a series of Soviet cartoons. An intelligent, good-natured and incredibly patient cat who wears a bow tie and is constantly pestered by two mice: ‘Bely’ [‘Whitey’] and ‘Sery’ [‘Grey’]. He invariably responds to all their pranks with: "Guys, let's live in peace!"

A kitten named ‘Gav’ ('Woof')

This is the main hero of a series of Soviet cartoons based on scripts by children's writer Grigory Oster. He’s a small, curious Siamese kitten, who was given the unusual name ‘Gav’. His main trait is his ability to ask simple, yet awkward questions and find creative solutions.

The Hermitage Cats

These are real, living cats, who officially hold positions as “staff members” of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg — they protect valuable exhibits from mice and rats. Their history began with a decree from Peter the Great and, today, they are a living symbol of the museum, characters in books and inspiration for souvenirs. Their numbers range from 50 to 60 animals; each has a name, documents and a personal sleeping basket. The cats work in the museum's basements and courtyards. They are, however, forbidden from entering the exhibition halls.

Pallas's Cat ‘Timofey’

The star and symbol of the Moscow Zoo. Millions of fans follow this wild cat's life on social media. Like any representative of his species, ‘Timofey’ has a sturdy build, massive paws, a fluffy tail and incredibly thick fur. In winter, the cat becomes especially imposing after undergoing a period of "fattening up" — doubling his weight in anticipation of the winter cold!