Russian nature photographer Igor Shpilenok spent his winter in Kronotsky Nature Reserve two years ago. This Reserve is neighboring many wild animals. Igor’s cat Ryska was with him guarding the house from mice and foxes. These pictures were taken for the family album. But Igor’s wife decided to send one of the photos to London to enter a prestigious contest Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

This story has won the first place in the "Urban and Garden Wildlife" category of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

Read more: Cat vs. Fox