‘One Cat Just Leads to Another:’ Russia Celebrates Cat Day

Russia, a nation with a deep affection for its whiskered chums, proudly ranks third in the world for its cat population, home to approximately 23 million beloved cats. But in Russia, cats are more than just pets—they are cherished members of society, playing unique and sometimes unexpected roles.
Sputnik
On Saturday, which marked the first day of spring, Russia celebrated Cat Day. In Russia, March is often regarded as the "cat month."
This delightful holiday was established over 20 years ago, in 2004, by the Moscow Cat Museum in collaboration with the editorial team of the magazine and newspaper Cat and Dog.
From keeping a watchful eye on elections to offering comfort to soldiers and refugees, Russian cats find themselves at the heart of daily life. They observe politics, supervise asphalt concrete plants, and, most importantly, bring warmth and joy to their human companions.
In return, Russians shower their feline companions with love and care. They ensure their well-being with thorough check-ups, treat them to crepes, and even dedicate murals to honor them. And when disaster strikes, as seen during last year’s floods in Orsk, people go the extra mile—providing cats with their own beds and safe havens.
Check out the Sputnik Africa gallery to appreciate the furry friends of Russians in all their capacities!
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A cat on the territory of the asphalt concrete plant of the State Budgetary Institution "Automobile Roads."

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A woman votes at a mobile poll in Chita.

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Baking pancakes on the eve of Maslenitsa week.

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Scottish Fold cat at the KoShariki Show in Moscow.
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Air defense serviceman of the Central Military District of the Russian Armed Forces in the Pokrovsky direction in the DPR.
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Broadcast of the program "Results of the year 2024 with Vladimir Putin" on the laptop screen of a resident of Novosibirsk.

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A serviceman of the Russian Armed Forces in the zone of the special military operation.
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Ultrasound diagnostics of a cat at the veterinary diagnostic center "Veta" in Tambov.
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Mural "4 paws" by artists Ivan and Aigul from Novosibirsk on the facade of one of the apartment buildings, painted as part of the international art festival "Omsk, you are simply space!" in Omsk.
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A resident of the border district of Kursk Region, damaged by the Ukrainian Armed Forces attack, takes her pet to the veterinarians for vaccination at a temporary accommodation point in Kursk.

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Cats rest at a temporary accommodation center at School No. 11 in Orsk.

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A cat in the Nikitsky Botanical Garden in Yalta, during the 17th Tulip Parade.