Russian President Vladimir Putin took time out from his busy schedule diving to the bottom of the sea andmeeting Steven Seagal to pet a cat while in the Siberian region of Khakasia on Friday.
RIA Novosti / Reuters
Kremlinologists noted the appearance with the cat — who did not respond to BuzzFeed News’ request for comment — was a marked shift in pet policy for Putin, who has previously only appeared with larger felines like tigers and this leopard.
AFP / Getty Images
In fact, Putin owns several dogs, and enjoys frolicking with them in the snow.
AFP / Getty Images
Koni, his beloved black labrador, is even allowed to wander in on official meetings — once famously earning the ire of Angela Merkel, who is scared of dogs.
Reuters
So what could this shift mean? Why now? What could be behind Putin’s sudden embrace of cats? …But wait. What’s this?
Mandel Ngan / AFP / Getty Images
Could it be that Putin’s feline fete was inspired by U.S. President Barack Obama, recently returned from his own Putin-esque wilderness adventure in Alaska, petting these Iditarod puppies only a day earlier?
Jonathan Ernst / Reuters
We wholeheartedly believe that to be the case. This is what the new Cold War will be, people. Look upon it and despair.
Mandel Ngan / AFP / Getty Images
Ria Novosti / Reuters