Cats figure prominently in Russian lore: cats are the first to cross the threshold of a new house. Cats tell the best stories. Cats can bargain with witches and fight off evil spirits. Cats also eat people. We are going to explore and explain each of these ideas. Full transcript for the episode available here: http://blisaletter.ru/2023/04/30/01-a-cat/ * * * This episode was researched, written, and translated by doc & Stacy, with proofreading and advice kindly provided by Craux and Saika. Our guest star for this story is David Ault himself, do please check his website and other works (which you probably know already, but still). Musical score for the podcast was composed and performed by Andrei Popov, with recording, mixing, and additional sound design by doc. The double bass tune for the Behemoth scene was written, performed, and recorded by Ksenia Savchenko.