"Driven by necessity." How the main cat of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin lives and works.

      The main cat of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin shared about her work

      Arsenia — the symbol of the "Arsenal" museum, a news star, and a favorite of the public. NewsNN correspondent conducted an interview with the main cat of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin. Details about the life and daily routines of this whiskered beauty are in our material.

      — Arsenia, you are now the unofficial mistress of the "Arsenal" museum and an honored guest of the Legislative Assembly. But your path was difficult. Tell us how you managed to reach such heights.

      — I was indeed led to the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin out of necessity. I lived on the street, was a stray, and was preparing to have kittens. During the festival in September 2018, I wandered into the "Arsenal" museum. I was taken in there, and it was also where five of my wonderful descendants were born. None of them followed my fate; now they are all domestic favorites — visitors took them. As for me, kind staff of the "Arsenal" accepted me into their large family and found me a worthy job.

      — What are your job responsibilities?

      — I work not only at the "Arsenal." My duties have now expanded. Every morning, I patrol the territory of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin and greet visitors. Closer to noon, I allocate time for sleeping and treats. After that, I go to meet guests at exhibitions and lectures. I also regularly visit the Legislative Assembly to lift the deputies’ spirits and check how things are going. You can also find me at the city duma and the philharmonic.

      Arsenia during her work duties. Photo: newsnn.ru

      — People say that you’ve become a bit “starstruck” and behave unfriendly. Is that true?

      — No. I am very friendly with everyone. But I don’t let people pick me up. I’ve lived on the street for a long time, seen and endured a lot. I love humans very much. But when they trespass on my personal boundaries, lose respect for me, and try to pick me up, I can’t tolerate it. It’s important to remember that I work in the kremlin. Therefore, I immediately oppose any familiarity.

      — Are you capable of biting?

      — Any cat can do a “bite.” But I always try to keep myself in check. I don’t want to earn a bad reputation.

      — Do you hunt?

      — Of course. As proper cats do. I catch mice and bring them to the doors of the "Arsenal." However, museum staff always refuse my gifts, probably out of politeness.

      Arsenia doesn’t like being picked up. Photo: newsnn.ru

      — Rumor has it that you have several names. Why is that?

      — That’s correct. I have a triple name. I don’t know why this happened. At the museum, they call me Arsenia; in my passport, I am “The Queen of Sheba,” and in the Legislative Assembly, everyone calls me Masha. But honestly, I love being called “Eat” the most.

      — Do you have a passport?

      — I have a full set of documents and a collar. My main document is an international veterinary passport. Every year, I receive all the necessary vaccinations for cats, including rabies. I pay very close attention to my health.

      — Do you visit the vet yourself?

      — No. I have a personal veterinarian. He specially visits me to perform all scheduled procedures.

      — And who pays for your treatment?

      — This year, I got a benefactor. I’ll keep his identity secret. But thanks to him, I can get treatment, buy toys, and eat well. I am very grateful to him.

      Arsenia has all her vaccinations and a personal veterinarian. Photo: newsnn.ru

      — What treats do you prefer?

      — I always have several types of food — soft and crunchy. I usually alternate between them. Also, I often visit the Nizhny Novgorod deputies for lunch. They indulge me with various delicacies.

      Arsenia, you work very hard. Do you have free time? How do you spend it?

      — My work involves communicating with people. It’s important to rest from it. When I am very tired, I go to the "Arsenal" to sleep and drink water. I have a sleeping spot with a blanket there. One of the library staff at the museum voluntarily lent me her chair. I should note — she gave it to me willingly. There are rumors that I took her chair by force; I didn’t chase anyone away, and she moved to that chair herself.

      The main cat of the kremlin eats, sleeps, and plays in her free time. Photo: newsnn.ru

      — All cats love to play. Do you have favorite toys?

      — Of course. They are stored in the museum’s library. If I want to have a bit of fun, I ask the staff to play with me.

      — Are you flattered by such popularity?

      — I realize I have become famous. Many journalists have written about me. My portrait was created by artist Vatsa. I am constantly photographed. The "Arsenal" museum released stickers with me. I am acquainted with all the main people of Nizhny Novgorod.

      But sometimes, this fame exhausts me greatly. In such moments, I allow myself to be weak and just hide in the "Arsenal" in my favorite chair — wrapped in a blanket, asking staff who have become my close friends to pet me, and I sleep well to rest and return to my important role as the chief curator of the Nizhny Novgorod kremlin. Because behind great fame lies great responsibility.