October 20, 2021

Akhmatova's Cat Goes Missing


Akhmatova's Cat Goes Missing
A picture of Osya, clearly hard at work.  Photo via the Facebook page of the Anna Akhmatova Museum

If you have been to the Museum of Anna Akhmatova in St. Petersburg within the past thirteen years, then it is possible that you might recognize Osya, the featured kitty of today's story. Osya is the oldest museum cat at the Akhmatova Museum (St. Petersburg is a city rather known for its museum cats, after all). 

On the evening of October 8, Osya mysteriously disappeared. While it is normal for cats to wander off, the problem is that due to Osya's advancing age, he is required to take medication every day, and without it, the cat can die. 

The museum called the police, put up posters, and even offered a cash reward and a lifetime of free admission to the museum for the cat's safe return, and luckily, the cat-burglar (pun-intended) answered the call in time. Apparently, the illegitimate owner had taken poor Osya off the street, believing him to have been a stray, but realized the error in their ways once they noticed an advertisement for the animal online. 

So fear not, Osya is now back on his medications, and Akhmatova's old residence is once again in good hands. 

You Might Also Like

Akhmatova: The Poet Who Buried Stalin
  • May 01, 2004

Akhmatova: The Poet Who Buried Stalin

Anna Akhmatova was one of the most important Russian poets of the 20th century. On the anniversary of her birth, we look back on her life and work, both vivid reflections of twentieth century Russia.
Hermitage Cats
  • March 09, 2006

Hermitage Cats

A look at the cats that guard one of the world's great museums.
The Sweetest Stowaway
  • October 15, 2021

The Sweetest Stowaway

In which a lucky kitten gets to see a good portion of Russia from the cabin of a very kind truck driver. 
Cat's Got Your Train
  • January 19, 2021

Cat's Got Your Train

Felix the cat is on the right track: instead of catching mice, he catches trains to get his daily supper. 
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

Steppe
July 15, 2022

Steppe

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

The Latchkey Murders
July 01, 2015

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...

Little Golden Calf
February 01, 2010

Little Golden Calf

Our edition of The Little Golden Calf, one of the greatest Russian satires ever, is the first new translation of this classic novel in nearly fifty years. It is also the first unabridged, uncensored English translation ever, and is 100% true to the original 1931 serial publication in the Russian journal 30 Dnei. Anne O. Fisher’s translation is copiously annotated, and includes an introduction by Alexandra Ilf, the daughter of one of the book’s two co-authors.

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955