The book gives a wide-ranging and detailed presentation of the "feline" exhibits in the Hermitage: Ancient Egyptian bronze, mediaeval European painting, Chinese and Japanese graphic art, Russian lubok prints of the 18th to 20th centuries, cats in the form of fans, toys and much more.

The book also contains a unique account of the history of the real-life Hermitage cats that have been employed in the service of the museum for over 260 years.