The State Hermitage Museum has used cats to protect artwork
since it was founded in 1764, the Voice of Russia reports. The
cats aren't seen by guests because they dwell in attics and
basements, the source of most rodents. The museum has observed
some lessons in cat culture: The team of tailed guards consists
mainly of alley cats, and like in the imperial times, the cat
community hinges on strict hierarchy. The cats fall into
aristocrats, the middle caste, and the low caste. Each group
operates within a certain designated part of the building. The
cat staff cannot exceed 50-60 cats, not because they’ll be
difficult to look after in terms of cat food. If the number of
cats exceeds 60, they start cat fights and neglect their duties.
For this reason, from time to time, the museum has to look for
people who would adopt extra cats. The felines are carefully
named by museum employees based on their personalities. They
even have their own holiday on March 28, where they receive
special treats.