In my previous photoessay about the largest city in the country, I nostalgically reminisced about spending many hours meandering through Istanbul’s cobblestone streets with my camera and imagination in tow. Everywhere I walked, there were cats. After spending weeks in Istanbul, I became curious about why there are so many cats there. Since I knew I couldn’t be the only one, I decided to write a post.
Initially, I thought it might be just me because I always seem to have cats following me around. But as I quickly found out, there were, to be fair, a lot of cats in Istanbul, so it would be hard for anyone to avoid them. That said, my cat-magnetism (catnetism?) reached even higher levels. Every time I left my guesthouse, two cats would always sneak up on me, following me down the street and flanking me on either side. This didn’t seem to happen to other guests, either. The staff at my guesthouse started joking that I must bathe in fish oil.
Their suspicions were validated when, after a long day of exploring Istanbul, I returned to my room and found a cat curled up in my shower.
(Since I doubted they would accept my story, I went and asked a guesthouse employee to come take a look. The cat was really confused by the two humans because they were laughing so hard that tears were streaming down their faces. ).
But it wasn’t just my cat-magnetism; Istanbul is a veritable cat factory. The next day, I looked out my window, and spotted a green tarp was covered in felines. They were there almost every day until I left. I checked the tarp several times, but I could never get another group of cats to look back at me. It seemed as though they were asking, “What did you think we were going to do, hang out until you go so we can take another shower?” ” ”.
It’s not just Istanbul. There are many cats throughout Turkey. In Istanbul’s main tourist areas they were mostly well-fed and clean, and almost all were affectionate. When I walked further out, they slimmed down and got more skittish.
Turkey, a land steeped in history and culture, is also renowned for its abundance of stray cats. These furry felines roam freely, adding a unique charm to the bustling streets and ancient ruins. But for travelers, a question often arises: is it safe to pet these stray cats?
This guide delves deep into the world of Turkish cats exploring their history, care and potential health risks. We’ll provide you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and ensure a safe and enjoyable interaction with these adorable creatures.
A Glimpse into the History of Turkish Cats
Cats have long been a part of Turkey’s rich cultural heritage, having been there for centuries. Cats were highly esteemed in the Ottoman Empire, and they were frequently seen in sultan’s palaces. Their ability to deter rodents as a natural form of pest control further solidified their significance to society.
Islam, the predominant religion in Turkey, also contributes to the respect accorded to cats. Considered ritually clean, cats are often viewed as quintessential pets, embodying kindness and compassion. The Prophet Muhammad himself is said to have shown great affection towards cats, even going to the extent of cutting off his robe to avoid disturbing a cat sleeping on it.
Who Cares for the Cats of Istanbul?
With an estimated population of 125,000 stray cats in Istanbul alone, ensuring their well-being is a collective effort. While the government plays a role the responsibility largely falls on the shoulders of compassionate locals and dedicated volunteer organizations.
Historically, the “mancaci” were in charge of providing food for stray animals, collecting money from food sales on the streets, and caring for the animals. While this practice has faded, the spirit of caring continues. Food and water are frequently left out by the locals, and dry cat food bowls are frequently seen strewn throughout neighborhoods.
The government has increased its efforts in recent years, introducing food-dispensing vending machines for stray animals and putting sterilization programs into place to manage the population. Devoted people also make a substantial contribution by giving veterinary care, raising money for shelters, and rescuing cats in need.
Potential Health Risks: A Note of Caution
While interacting with these adorable creatures can be tempting, it’s crucial to be aware of potential health risks. Stray cats, despite being well-fed, may carry diseases like tapeworm, feline immunodeficiency, and feline leukemia.
Veterinarians frequently advise against feeding stray animals because it may draw in groups of cats and increase the spread of disease. The ideal approach, they argue, is to prioritize sterilization, ensuring responsible population control.
Responsible Interaction: A Guide for Travelers
If you encounter a stray cat in Turkey and wish to interact here are some essential guidelines to ensure a safe and positive experience:
- Observe from a distance: Watch the cat’s behavior. If it appears friendly and approachable, you can proceed cautiously.
- Extend your hand slowly: Let the cat sniff your hand before attempting to pet it. Avoid sudden movements that could startle the animal.
- Be gentle and respectful: Pet the cat gently, avoiding sensitive areas like the belly or tail. If the cat shows signs of discomfort, stop immediately.
- Wash your hands thoroughly: After interacting with any animal, wash your hands with soap and water to minimize the risk of infection.
Beyond Istanbul: Stray Cats Across Turkey
Although Istanbul might be the most well-known example, stray cats can be seen all over Turkey. These furry friends are likely to be encountered whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Ankara or the ancient ruins of Ephesus.
Remember, the same principles of responsible interaction apply wherever you go. Consider their welfare, pay attention to how they behave, and treat them with decency and caution when you approach.
Interacting with stray cats in Turkey can be a heartwarming experience, offering a glimpse into the country’s unique culture and love for these animals. However, it’s crucial to prioritize their health and safety. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can ensure a positive and responsible interaction, leaving a lasting impression on both you and the cat.
Remember, your actions can make a difference. By choosing to be a responsible traveler, you contribute to the well-being of these beloved creatures, ensuring their continued presence in the tapestry of Turkish life.
Kedi and More Kedi: Cats in Today’s Istanbul
In fact, there’s a proverb that goes, “If you kill a cat, you have to build a mosque to be forgiven by God.” “As you walk the streets of Istanbul, you’ll notice that the city’s residents are secretly distributing food rations and placing a lot of small containers against the sides of buildings.”
While the cats are not adopted formally, they are taken care of by no one and everyone, a giant community network of cat caring. Even the World Basketball championships boasted a feline mascot, a blue-and-green eyed “Bascat” after the long-haired Turkish Van. And the popularity of the cats in Istanbul has not gone unnoticed by those on social media. Someone started a Hagia Sofia Cat account on Instagram, among many others. It now has 119,000 followers.
Unlike elsewhere in my travels, no one glared at me if I tried to feed then. I was given a hard time by a Moroccan restaurant owner who claimed that by feeding the stray animals, I would only encourage their repeated visits. But after realizing I couldn’t finish my plate of chicken wings, I tried to feed the cat a piece of food by hiding it under my chair in a surreptitious manner. The owner noticed my stealth and, grinning, lowered the cat beneath a full drumstick for me to enjoy.
As of October 2023, there is now even a Cat Museum in Istanbul, dedicated to the “Turkish ancient city’s feline companions”. Per a writeup by Andalou Agency, the cat museum was founded by Sunay Akin, a Turkish poet and author. During his speech in at the opening festivities, he said that creating generations that “pass on the concept of conservation, love of nature, animals and humans” to future generations. But why cats? “Because in the history of civilization, the closest animal to humans has always been the cat,” he said. He spent 15 years collecting materials for the museum.
For those visiting the city: the cat museum is located in Besiktas Municipality at the Ciragan Service Building, on the city’s European side. It brings together cats from the history of fairy tales, toys, games, and comics.
No, Seriously: Why Are There So Many Cats in Istanbul?
In 2019, The New York Times estimated that in Istanbul alone, a megacity of 15 million people, there are thought to be 130,000 dogs and 125,000 cats roaming free.
Why so many cats? Per a 2017 article in The Economist:
Although the accounts of the prophet’s love of cats vary, the general affection for cats has not changed, according to numerous Islamic history books.
At the beginning of the introduction to Lorraine Chittock’s photography book Cats of Cairo, Annemarie Schimmel notes:
Why Turks Love Animals
FAQ
Can I pet stray cats in Turkey?
How common is rabies in cats in Turkey?
Are stray cats in Turkey vaccinated?
Is Turkey cat friendly?
How many stray cats are there in Turkey?
The Turkish city of Istanbul hosts a sizeable feral cat ( Turkish: sokak kedisi, “street cat”) population, with estimates ranging from a hundred thousand to over a million stray cats. Many Turkish citizens view street animals as communally owned pets rather than traditional strays, and the country has a blanket no-kill, no-capture policy.
Are Turkish cats strays?
Cats are the Turkish royalty. These cats aren’t strays. Stray animals are thin, short-lived, filmed with a dark layer of dust, growling and baring their teeth at humans. The cats of Istanbul have shelters.
Are stray animals protected in Turkey?
Stray animals are actually protected by Turkish law. The city of Istanbul has a program designated for the protection and overseeing of the vast number of stray dogs and cats that roam the city. Food and water stations are provided.
Does Turkish law protect Stray Cats?
A law passed in 2021 has helped to protect the thousands of stray and domestic cats in Turkey. Previously, cats were defined by Turkish law as being a commodity, something that was strongly criticized by many animal rights activists who argued that it allowed for those who have brought harm to cats to be given lenient punishments.