Istanbul is almost a kind of crossroads. It sits between Europe and Asia, and you can feel that mix of influences everywhere—in the food, the buildings, and the rhythm of daily life. The city was once called Byzantium, then Constantinople, and it served as the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. You can still see that layered history in places like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.
One of the things that really stood out to me in Istanbul was the street cats—not just how many there are (a lot), but how they’re treated. I’ve seen plenty of cats in other places, like Cairo and Morocco—especially in Chefchaouen and Essaouira, where they seem looked after—but Istanbul is something else. The relationship here feels deeper, more naturally part of everyday life. And the number of cats?
Honestly, it’s wild. When I say “a lot,” I mean it—some estimates say there are over a million street cats in the city. I saw them everywhere: sunning themselves on sidewalks, curled up in bookstores, perched on rooftops, strolling through markets. They’re not just tolerated; they’re welcomed. Cared for. Respected.
With that many cats roaming freely, it’s no wonder people say cats rule Istanbul.
The whole city seems to look out for them, treating them more like neighbors than strays. Everyone seems to have a soft spot for these fur balls—from shopkeepers to bakery owners. I saw bowls of water and food placed along sidewalks and tucked into alleyways all over the city. Even at the modern Şakirin Mosque, I passed what looked like a built-in feeding station, complete with little dishes for food and water carved right into the structure.
Some areas even have street signs that read, “Cat Crossing.” You’ll find the cats lounging on shop awnings or settling beside you in a restaurant. If a cat falls ill, someone in the community will take them to the vet for care. A lot of people have pet cats that live indoors, but they still look after the street cats too—the “outside cats.” It’s not one or the other. Among the many cats I saw, only one looked like it might be sick. Most others appeared healthy and well-cared for. Many are even vaccinated.
I loved seeing cats sprawled across the bookshelves of a little outdoor bookstand, their eyes half-closed in that calm, squinty way. One was tucked behind a row of paperbacks, totally at ease. Another was stretched out on the sidewalk in a patch of sun, looking almost like he was smiling. But the one that made me smile most was stretched out on the roof of a parked car, fast asleep in the afternoon sun.
The cats reflect Istanbul’s unique mix of old and new, East and West. For centuries, they’ve been revered in Turkish culture—often seen as symbols of good fortune and protection. That cultural appreciation carries into daily life here. As a historic trade hub, Istanbul brought in not just goods and people, but animals too—including cats. Over time, they became part of the city’s identity—quietly folded into everyday life.
I don’t think there’s any official program—just a shared way of life. It says something about Istanbul’s warmth and quiet empathy. In a chaotic world, this simple, unspoken care really stands out. No one’s trying to remove them or keep them out of sight. These cats aren’t just part of the scenery—they’re part of the city.
Many cafés and shops in the city are filled with cat-themed decor—stickers, magnets, jewelry, and even stuffed cat pillows like the ones in the photo below. I couldn’t resist—I ended up buying two to bring home for one of my cat-loving friends.
These cats have even inspired books and films. The 2016 documentary Kedi follows the lives of several street cats and the people who care for them, offering a quiet, thoughtful look at the city through their eyes. There are also photo books and short stories centered around them—proof of just how much they’re woven into daily life. You’ll see their faces in shop windows, on postcards, and all over social media. In a city this cat-friendly, it’s no surprise they’ve become such a beloved presence.
Exploring Istanbul, you’re bound to encounter these charming cats, each with its own personality. Whether you’re having tea at a café or walking the historic streets, their presence adds to the city’s unique experience, reflecting its spirit of compassion and coexistence.
Time spent with cats is never wasted. —
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