Stray, Stay, Belong: The Cats of Istanbul

Istanbul is often lovingly called “Catstanbul,” and it’s easy to see why. These feline residents aren’t mere strays—they’re cherished companions woven into the very fabric of the city. Here’s a cozy tour through their world:

🐾 A Storied Legacy

Cats have existed in Istanbul for centuries—initially aboard Ottoman trading ships to chase away vermin, they settled here, drawn by the city’s warm, winding streets and welcoming spirit. Islamic traditions cherish cats as clean and spiritual beings—stories about Prophet Muhammad’s kindness to cats have left a lasting cultural imprint.

💕 Everyone’s Cat, Everyone’s Care

In Istanbul, cats belong to no one and yet everyone. Sidewalks and doorsteps often sport bowls of food and water, provided by neighbors and shopkeepers. The city reportedly hosts around 125,000 feral cats, with estimates reaching up to 200,000 when including pets.

Community-run shelters, vending machines, and micro “cat houses” are everywhere—evidence of a collective, caring approach.

🎬 Stars of Kedi

The documentary Kedi (2016) profiles seven charismatic street cats—Sarı, Bengü, Aslan Parçası, Psikopat, Deniz, Gamsız, and Duman—each with unique backstories and devoted humans.Shot largely in neighborhoods like Cihangir, the film captures how these cats form spontaneous, loving bonds with locals and tourists alike.

😺 Celebrities & Community Icons

• Gli, the graceful cat of Hagia Sophia, charmed presidents and tourists until her passing in 2020. She remains a beloved symbol of the city. See her profile.

• Tombili, the reclining tabby of Kadıköy, earned a bronze statue after his iconic photo swept through social media. See the statue on national news.

🌆 Everyday Companions

Whether they’re lounging on ferry seats, sauntering into bookstores, or curling up in café windows, Istanbul’s cats are natural conversationalists and mood-lifters. Travelers often visit neighborhoods such as Galata, Cihangir, and Sultanahmet not just for architecture—but to meet these furry locals.

⚠️ Balancing Love & Responsibility

As their numbers have grown, so have challenges. Economic strain has made it harder to maintain feeding and veterinary support, prompting calls for widespread neutering. Even so, Istanbul has strong no-kill, no-capture laws and new penalties for animal cruelty—signs that the city continues to tip toward compassion.

🧭 Guide to Meeting Cats in Istanbul

• Check out Kedi for a moving introduction to their world.

• Visit Cihangir or Galata—cats are practically on every café table and corner.

• Visit Big Parks of the district you're visiting, like Maçka Parkı, Özgürlük Parkı, Sanatçılar Parkı... They all welcome you with huge cat families.

• Carry some cat food or treats, but approach slowly—many are used to human kindness.

• Snap a photo, but respect their space and routine; they’re free spirits, after all.