Istanbul Cats: The Adored Princesses Of The City
Istanbul has its princesses and they are the Istanbul cats. They are part of the city’s life and culture. Istanbul is the city of happy cats.
This page may contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I will never recommend products and services I don’t trust or haven’t used. For more information, please read my disclosure.
I love helping you plan your dream trips. If you need any of these services, please consider booking them through my affiliate links. It won’t cost you anything extra but will help me keep the website running.
🏠 Find the perfect place to stay with Booking.com or Hotels.com
✈️ Get the cheapest flights with Skyscanner
🚣 Book your favorite activities with Viator or Get Your Guide
📱Stay connected with an eSIM from Airalo
Thank you very much for your support!
Why Istanbul Loves Cats
Why there are so many cats in Istanbul? Cats have been treated with respect by the residents of Istanbul since the time of the Byzantine Empire when Istanbul was called Constantinople.
In the busy harbor sailors and merchants from near and far brought many diseases along with their cargo. Rodents, especially rats and mice, spread diseases quickly in the densely populated city, and diseases could quickly turn into epidemics.
What was the natural enemy of rodents? Cats. Cats killed the rodents in the markets and homes and kept Istanbul safe from deadly outbreaks. Here’s the origin of Istanbul’s love for cats.
There is a popular saying about cats in Turkey: “Kedi nankördür”, which translates to “A cat is ungrateful”. It reflects the common belief that cats are independent and not as loyal or affectionate as dogs.
However, despite this saying, cats are highly respected in Turkish culture and Turkish people are cat lovers.
Islam And Cats
There is a legend that the Prophet Muhammad was saved by a cat. According to the legend, a snake got into the sleeve of the Prophet’s robe while he was sleeping. His kitty saw the snake and killed it, thus saving Muhammad’s life.
In Muslim countries, following the Islamic tradition, cats are revered as clean and loyal animals that protect their owners.
Why Does Turkey Love Cats
Turkish people are famous for their love of animals. They believe that pet cats are guardians of their homes.
Cats are seen as a symbol of independence and good luck. Cats are considered almost sacred animals.
Turks like cats and their love for the felines is shown not only towards cats in Istanbul. Cats throughout Turkey are treated with love and respect. You can see little cat houses on the streets everywhere in the Turkish countryside.
In the picture below you can see a cat at the Ephesus Archaeological site.
Are you enjoying this article so far? If you’d like to show your appreciation, feel free to book your accommodation, tickets, tours, and more through my affiliate links. You can find them at the top of the page or in my Travel Resources section. It won’t cost you anything extra but will greatly help me keep the website running. Thank you for your support!
How Many Cats Are There In Istanbul
No one knows the exact number of cats on the street in the metropolis. According to some local animal welfare organizations, there are between 100,000 and 150,000 stray cats in Istanbul.
However, it is important to note that Istanbul residents are involved in feeding and caring for stray cats. The people of Istanbul feed them, give them water, and shelter them when it is too hot or too cold outside. Restaurant owners leave small containers with food and water for the city feline residents.
Almost every neighborhood has its well-known local homeless cats, i.e. its local cat celebrities.
Istanbul Is The City Of Cats
In Istanbul, cats are everywhere. The felines are roaming the streets of Istanbul, sleeping in train stations, crossing the Bosphorus on ferries, taking the tram, or guarding metro stations. You may see many cats decorating shop windows or sleeping among the goods on the shelves.
Cats of Istanbul walk among the city’s landmarks like Hagia Sophia and The Blue Mosque. They even enter mosques.
No one will ever chase a cat away in Istanbul.
Istanbul Cats Law
In 2004, an Animal Protection Law was passed in Turkey. The new law promotes the welfare of pets and the care of stray animals and criminalizes cruelty and animal abuse. Penalties range from fines to imprisonment for extreme cruelty to animals, including stray cats.
Municipalities are required to take care of street animals and cat populations. Istanbul municipalities set up feeding stations with cat food, provide medical care, and build shelters for street cats and dogs.
You can feed Istanbul’s cats by inserting a coin at the feeding station at Sultanahmet Square. It is near the fountain if you’re heading towards the tram stop.
Throughout the city, cats are treated well. Turkish cats are loved, taken care of, and healthy cats
Istanbul Cat Cafe
Of course, there are cat cafes in Istanbul where you can have your drink while enjoying the company of cats. Here are the most famous Istanbul cat cafes:
My favorite one is Cafe Naftalin K. It is located in the colorful Balat district, near the Bulgarian Iron church. The exact address is Balat, Yıldırım Cd. No:27/A.
To wrap it up: Istanbul cats are loved, cherished, and well cared for. They have become an attraction themselves, adding to the city’s irresistible charm.
Was this article helpful? If you’d like to say “thanks”, please consider using my affiliate links to book your accommodation, tickets, tours, and more. It won’t cost you anything extra but helps me keep the website running. Thank you so much!
You May Also Be Interested In:
Tips For Visiting Istanbul: The Ultimate Guide For First-timers
How To Get Around Istanbul By Public Transportation
1 Day In Istanbul: How To See The Top Attractions
Istanbul Airport To The City: Cost-effective Ways To Travel
Best Cappadocia Cave Hotels With View For Amazing Stay
