If your travel plans for Russia include touring the Hermitage Museum, former Winter Palace of Empress Catharine The Great, you’ll see one of the world’s largest and most treasured art collections.

Then, when strolling the magnificent gardens surrounding the museum, you’ll also observe an army of feline guards who have been keeping the museum free of rodents since 1745. When you encounter any of the hero cats, they may give you friendly myau (Russian for meow) greetings.

After several years on the job, the furry palace guards are put up for adoption. They’re rewarded for loyal service by spending their retirement years with loving Russian families.