May 1, 2025
Cats and Istanbul: A City Where Felines Reign Supreme
Cats and Istanbul: A City Where Felines Reign Supreme
Istanbul isn’t just famous for its stunning skyline, historic mosques, and mouthwatering food—it’s also one of the most cat-loving cities in the world. In this intriguing city where East meets West, cats aren’t just pets. They’re cherished neighbours, symbols of freedom, and unofficial rulers of the streets. I had the pleasure of meeting many of the city’s cats when I visited Istanbul to meet the publisher of my book, Kediler ve Zen, and see in person how well the felines of the city are treated.
🐱 A City of Cats
From ancient alleyways in Sultanahmet to trendy cafes in Karaköy, cats are everywhere in Istanbul. You’ll find them lounging on car hoods, napping in bookstore windows, or strutting confidently through open-air markets. They seem to belong everywhere—and in a way, they do.
Locals often describe Istanbul’s cats as communal companions. They are not stray animals in the traditional sense. They’re cared for by everyone and owned by no one. Water bowls, food dishes, and hand-made shelters dot the sidewalks thanks to the kindness of residents and business owners.
📜 A Deep Historical Bond
Cats have held a special place in Turkish culture for centuries. During the Ottoman Empire, they were prized for keeping homes, libraries, and mosques free of mice. Islam also teaches compassion toward animals, and cats are considered ritually clean and highly respected. I learnt more about this historical bond during a visit to the Cat Museum located in Galata.
Here, I learned about a ‘Manacaci’ – a person whose profession it was to feed street animals during the Ottoman Empire Period.
The cultural and spiritual respect lives on in modern Istanbul, where many locals see caring for cats as both a joy and a duty.
🎥 Pop Culture Spotlight: Kedi the Documentary
The 2016 documentary Kedi captured the hearts of millions around the world by telling the stories of seven street cats and their relationships with the people of Istanbul. The film portrays the cats not as strays but as soulful beings with distinct personalities and roles in the city’s rhythm. If you’re planning a visit—or even if you’re just a cat lover—it’s a must-watch.
☕ Cafés and Cats: The Perfect Combo
In Istanbul, don’t be surprised if a cat hops onto your lap while you sip Turkish tea in a sidewalk café. Some restaurants and shops even have feline mascots, complete with their own Instagram accounts.
While not every business is cat-friendly, many are. The general rule? If a cat walks in, it stays. It’s their city, after all.
📸 Feline Photo Ops
If you’re a traveller with a camera, Istanbul is paradise. The cats are photogenic, relaxed, and used to human attention. From the Hagia Sophia to the Galata Tower, you’re almost guaranteed a photobomb from a cat lounging in the perfect spot.
🐱 The Cats of Harbiye Park
I had the pleasure of visiting Harbiye Park during my stay. You’ll often spot cats lounging on the grass or curled up under bushes, while dogs trot alongside their humans on leash. At Harbiye Park, the real locals are furry, independent, and irresistibly photogenic. They nap on benches, greet morning walkers, and silently guard their leafy kingdom like gentle sages. Some have names. Others just have familiar faces. All of them are part of the city’s soul. Charming little shelters have even been thoughtfully built just for the park’s resident cats, offering them cosy spots to nap, hide, and call home.
Stray Animal Vending Machines
In Istanbul, cat vending machines are innovative, eco-friendly devices designed to feed stray cats (and sometimes dogs) while encouraging recycling. These machines, often called Pugedon Smart Recycling Boxes, dispense food and water in exchange for recyclable plastic bottles. Some also take small change.
Final Purr
In Istanbul, the cat is more than a companion—it’s part of the city’s soul. The warmth with which these animals are treated speaks volumes about the city’s culture of kindness and shared community. So whether you’re a cat enthusiast or a curious traveler, Istanbul is the ultimate destination for discovering a world where cats roam free and are loved.
🐾 Travel tip: Don’t forget to carry a few cat treats in your pocket – you might just make a furry friend for life.