Siberian Cat Square in the city of Tyumen

In Tyumen there is an unusual Cat Square, in which twelve different sculptures of these animals are installed. They are cast from cast iron and covered with special golden paint. At first, it may seem that this architectural monument has only artistic significance, but in fact it is dedicated to real historical events. The monument to Tyumen cats was erected for the military merits of these animals to the besieged Leningraders. During the Great Patriotic War, not a single cat remained in Leningrad – they were eaten. When the cats were gone, rats flooded the city.

Eyewitnesses recall how they moved in huge flocks through the streets, posing a considerable threat even to adults. The worst was at night, when huge rodents gnawed at the faces of the sleeping. Therefore, in the first days after the breakthrough of the siege of Leningrad, not only food cargoes, but also special trains with cats were organized from a large land. The first to Leningrad were sent four cars of smoky Leningrad cats from the Yaroslavl region, which were considered the best rat-catchers in the country. Eyewitnesses say that they were disassembled instantly, lined up crowded lines. In January 1944, a kitten in Leningrad cost 500 rubles, while a kilogram of bread then sold for 50 rubles, and the average salary was 180-200 rubles.

The second cat cargo arrived from Siberia. Tyumen cats were recruited specifically to protect the Hermitage and other Leningrad palaces and museums. In Tyumen alone there were 238 cats and cats aged from six months to 5 years. Moreover, the very first volunteer from Tyumen was a black and white cat Amur, whom the hostess personally handed over with wishes “to contribute to the fight against the hated enemy.”