The Cats of Istanbul: the discreet and beloved city owners

by letygoeson28, Aug, 2025Turkey

The cats of Istanbul are not just random strays: they’re an essential part of the city’s soul. You’ll find them everywhere – in alleys, around mosques, in cafés – silent observers of life passing by.
This travel diary is the story of a never-ending encounter, made of purrs, glances, and a sweet feline anarchy. And I’ll try to answer the question everyone asks: why is Istanbul full of cats?

Some cities have one soul, but Istanbul has a thousand – one for every cat walking freely through its streets. Their enigmatic eyes watch the world with the patience of sages and the elegance of creatures who know they’re welcome everywhere.

The cats of Istanbul aren’t just guests – they’re the true guardians of the city, silent spirits living inside mosques, markets, and dreams. Welcome to Istanbul, the city of cats.

In this diary, I’ll share everything I discovered – between a gentle stroke, a quick photo, and a few background meows – about the true rulers of the Bosphorus: the cats in Istanbul.

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Cats, cats everywhere!

Within my first ten minutes in Istanbul, I had already counted at least six cats. One was napping on the warm hood of a car, another curled up in front of a pastry shop window, three lined up like little statues on a school wall, and the last one snoozing inside a cardboard box turned into a bed.

There isn’t a single neighborhood without them. Whether you’re in Galata, wandering the cobbled streets up to the Tower, or in Kadıköy on the Asian Side, among colorful murals and hipster cafés, there will always be a cat – watching you, ignoring you, or even following you for a while.

(And yes, you’ll even find them in Cappadocia!)

Why Istanbul is full of cats?

The question comes naturally: why are there so many cats on the streets of Istanbul? The answer is a fascinating mix of culture, religion, tradition, and urban necessity.

In Islam, cats are considered pure animals. The Prophet Muhammad loved them deeply: one of the most famous stories says that he cut off the sleeve of his robe rather than disturb his cat sleeping on it. This tale, passed down for centuries, nourished in Turkish culture a profound respect for felines, seen as blessed, independent, and worthy of care.

But there’s also a practical reason, linked to Istanbul’s urban history. For centuries, the city – perched on the Bosphorus and thriving on trade – was constantly threatened by rats and pests. Cats, being natural hunters, became precious allies in keeping those invaders away. Communities learned to live alongside them, encouraging their presence, and over time the cats made homes in courtyards, gardens, and alleys.

On top of that, both Ottoman and Byzantine traditions carried a strong sense of community and shared responsibility, even toward animals. This is why the cats in Istanbul could thrive – free but protected, almost with a kind of “honorary citizenship” that still exists today.

Cats on the streets of Istanbul

What really stands out is the bond between locals and the cats on the streets of Istanbul. They’re not strays in the usual sense. They don’t belong to anyone – yet they belong to everyone.

Outside shops you’ll see bowls of water and kibble, improvised beds made from blankets and boxes, even proper wooden cat houses painted in bright colors – little feline condominiums. Some cats wear collars, others are looked after by local vets.

One day, while I was walking to the Karaköy fish market, I saw a woman open a can of tuna for a huge tabby cat perched on a scooter. She smiled at me and said, “That’s Baris – we meet here every day.”

Cats of Istanbul: full of personality

Every cat in Istanbul has its own turf, its own style, its own attitude. There’s the shy one, the cheeky one, the chronic napper, and the curious one who dives into tourists’ bags. Just like house cats, each has its own daily routine: morning on a balcony, lunchtime at the bakery, afternoon in a museum…

If you’re a cat lover like me, you’ll be tempted to pet them all. But remember: they’re free and must be respected. Some will happily accept cuddles, others won’t. If they approach you, great. If not, just admire them from a distance.

It’s also important not to feed them the wrong food (no sweets or spicy leftovers), not to pick them up without their feline consent, and not to scare them with camera flashes or loud noises.

Cats of Istanbul: Instagram stars and documentaries

By now, they’re not only loved locally – the cats of Istanbul have become a global phenomenon. They have Instagram accounts, fans from all over the world, and even their own documentary: “Kedi” (2016), a poetic film following seven cats through the streets of the city. A little masterpiece that captures the true soul of Istanbul better than a thousand guidebooks.

During my trip, I couldn’t resist photographing them too. In the end, I had more pictures of cats than of mosques.

My favorites were two lookalike cats – one big, one tiny. They snuggled under our restaurant table, begging with their huge eyes for a piece of meat. The little one was sly and fast, always managing to snatch the food before the big one. I ended up giving him most of my bread – a sweet little sacrifice!

When cats step into shops (and hearts)

One of the sweetest images I carry is of a cat stretched out on the counter of a clothing shop, surrounded by colorful fabrics. The shopkeeper was stroking him between sales. I asked, “Does he live here?” He answered naturally: “He’s our boss!”

It’s not unusual to find cats “working” in bookstores, ceramic workshops, or cafés. Nobody kicks them out – on the contrary, they’re welcome. They’re seen as lucky charms and create a warm, familiar vibe.

In a bar in Balat, a chubby black-and-white cat climbed onto my lap while I was drinking coffee. The waiter smiled and said: “He chose you – that’s a big honor!” And honestly… it really felt like one.

Cats and the seasons

One of the things that struck me most is the care people give the cats even during winter. They’re so loved that when it gets cold, you’ll see blankets carefully laid out under porches, lined boxes, bowls with warm water. In some neighborhoods, shops leave their doors slightly open so the cats can step inside to warm up.

And in summer? They look for shade, fountains, and mosque courtyards. Sometimes they’re as still as statues, sitting for hours. Other times they’re little acrobats climbing walls and trees. And of course, many of them hang out under restaurant tables, hunting for scraps of kebab.

Istanbul: the city of cats and cat lovers

Behind every street cat, there’s often a human who looks after them. The “cat lovers” of Istanbul are almost legendary: retirees, shopkeepers, students, women carrying bags full of kibble. Some care for dozens of cats every day, know them by name, take them to the vet, and even build shelters.

This is why Istanbul, the city of cats, feels so unique – it’s a love story between a city and its animals.

The memory that stays

At the end of my stay, one of the most vivid images I carried home – besides the red tram on Istiklal Street and the silhouette of the Blue Mosque – was of a tiny kitten asleep under a bench on a hot August afternoon.

The cats of Istanbul are silent yet powerful creatures. They watch you, judge you (just a little), and make you fall in love. They’re part of the city’s DNA, like the Bosphorus, apple tea, and pink sunsets.

Maybe that’s exactly what makes Istanbul so special: it lives, it meows, and it steals your heart a little more – thanks to them.

If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, or simply fascinated by this land suspended between East and West, I invite you to explore my other articles for a deeper journey.

Start with Useful tips for your trip to Turkey: what to know before you go – perfect if it’s your first time here. If you want to dive into the city, check out My 3-Day Istanbul Itinerary and my guide to the Turkish Hammam experience in Istanbul.

For a mystical touch, read about The Whirling Dervishes: the mystical heart of Turkey. And don’t miss How to book a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia: the complete guide, maybe after reading What to see in Cappadocia: the Turkey of your dreams!