French philanthropist bequeaths inheritance to over 50 Russian cats

Inheritance to a Cat at the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia
Museum States "Will Use for Renovation of Basement Where the Cat Lives"

▲A cat guarding the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] A French philanthropist has attracted attention by bequeathing an inheritance to about 50 cats.

According to the US CNN broadcast on the 8th (local time), a French philanthropist who wished to remain anonymous inherited part of their estate earlier this month through a lawyer to about 50 cats at the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The museum stated that the inherited amount is not large and will be used to renovate the museum's basement where the cats live.

Mikhail Piotrovsky, the museum's director, said, "Our French friend left a small inheritance for the cats living far away," adding, "It is interesting that such a wonderful act came from France."

Known as the Winter Palace of Saint Petersburg, this museum is the hometown of 3 million Russian artists and has been known since its founding for the special affection shown to its many cats.

The museum's founder granted the cats, who chased away mice that gnawed on artworks, the status of "museum guardians," and accordingly, the cats have their own washing machine, veterinarians, and even staff dedicated to taking care of them.

Piotrovsky said, "There have been people who donated money for the cats in the past," and added, "Vladimir Fortov, the former president of the Russian Academy of Sciences who passed away last month, frequently visited the museum and left money for the cats."

He said, "The cats will be very grateful for the kindness of the French philanthropist."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.