Life a cat

Moscow Region. Recently, the lens of my camera has been focused on the extraordinary inhabitants of shelters across the Moscow region. My subjects are not just ordinary cats—they are animals with disabilities, bearing the scars of various injuries. These are not widely known centers but rather rare, quiet shelters.

Conversations with the staff of these shelters leave a bitter aftertaste. They unanimously testify: the vast majority of injuries these cats arrive with are the result of human actions. This harsh reality became the foundation of my new photography project.

The project’s goal is to examine the complex, often tragic relationship between humans and animals, focusing on one of the most popular pets—the cat. I aim to shed light on the issue of animal cruelty, emphasizing the particular vulnerability of felines.

Unlike dogs, which are often seen as more «protected» companions, cats find themselves in a far more defenseless position. They desperately need human care, yet reality, sadly, demonstrates shocking cases where this care turns into unimaginable cruelty. The work in these Moscow region shelters serves as undeniable proof.

Injuries caused by human actions are not uncommon. This project documents the stories of animals that have suffered trauma and mutilation. The consequences of human cruelty demand long, exhausting, and costly care. Rehabilitation for these cats takes months, sometimes years of meticulous work by veterinarians and volunteers—efforts to restore trust in humans and provide at least a minimal quality of life.

This project is not just a collection of images. It is a call to awareness and responsibility. It is an attempt, through the lens of a camera, to reveal the price of indifference and cruelty, forcing the viewer to confront the question: What do *we*, as humans, leave behind in the lives of the most defenseless creatures who have placed their trust in us?