The Netherlands:
Did you know that there is a museum that houses about 50 cats? Each cat has its own passport and a uniform in the form of a yellow collar. They are registered as qualified specialists in getting rid of mice. But do you know where the first cat came from?
Amazing, right?
It is indeed the Hermitage in St Petersburg.
The beginning of this tradition starts with Peter the Great. According to the legend, while on one of his numerous trips to Holland, he bought a cat named Basil, who became the first Palace pet.
This tradition was later passed on to Elizaveta Petrovna, who ordered that the best mousers from Kazan be brought to St Petersburg. It was Catherine II, the founder of the Hermitage as a museum, who made the cats the official guards of the art galleries, a position the furry employees still hold to this day.
Every year, the Winter Palace organises a well-deserved celebration for them. It now has the status of annual and international celebration. In the Great Winter Court, a solemn opening ceremony is usually held, accompanied by a military band.
All Hermitage cats are up for adoption, but you have to show you are worthy of taking care of the cat.
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