If there’s anything you know about Istanbul, it’s probably that there are a whole lot of cats living there. From time to time, you may see a video pop up on the internet of a cat in Istanbul generally showing its full cat-ness by entering a business.
Unlike most places, though, these cats aren’t usually chased out of businesses. Why are cats so popular in Istanbul and just how many cats are there in Istanbul? There have been many cats in Istanbul for centuries due to a combination of factors. Istanbul is considered one of the most cat-friendly cities in the world!
Why Are There So Many Cats in Istanbul?
There are actually a few reasons that Istanbul is home to so many cats. According to some sources, a large number of cats in Istanbul trace all the way back to the Ottoman Empire. At the time, most of the buildings were made of wood, which provided a haven for a large number of rats and mice. With so many pests running around, cats became a welcome sight as they helped to keep the population of these vermin under control.
Another reason is that Istanbul is located in Turkey, which is a predominantly Muslim country. In Islam, cats are viewed with respect and are considered to be clean animals due to their tendency to routinely groom themselves and help eliminate pest species. This may have allowed the number of cats to increase.
As time has gone on, though, the people of Istanbul have continued to happily welcome these feline friends in their city. Residents often put out food, water, and forms of shelter for stray cats in the city, and it’s not uncommon for people to take stray cats to the vet for care.
There are strict rules in the city about the care and management of stray cats, and as a whole, the city has a no-kill policy when it comes to cats. In fact, animal abuse and neglect are punishable with jail time in Istanbul.
How Many Stray Cats Are There in Istanbul?
Nobody knows exactly how many cats are located in Istanbul because the vast majority of the cats are strays, so they are not necessarily accounted for in surveys of pet owners in the city.
Since the city is so welcoming to cats, stray cats aren’t viewed in the same way that they often are in places like the US, where they are sometimes viewed as dirty and dangerous. In Istanbul, cats aren’t viewed as strays so much as they’re viewed as belonging to everyone in the city.
Some estimates approximate that there are over 150,000 stray cats in Istanbul. However, some people have estimated that there are as many as a million living there. Again, it’s hard to determine an exact estimate!
Are Istanbul Cats Well Cared For?
While Istanbul cats are cherished and often well-fed by locals, their lives are not without hardships. The absence of routine vaccinations and internal and external parasite control makes them susceptible to various infectious diseases. Additionally, these cats are exposed to risks from traffic, harsh weather conditions, and territorial fights. To address some of these challenges, Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs have been implemented in parts of Istanbul. These programs involve humanely trapping stray cats, sterilizing and vaccinating them, and then returning them to their neighborhoods. TNR not only helps control the cat population but also improves their overall health and wellbeing and reduces the spread of diseases.
Conclusion
Istanbul is a uniquely cat-friendly city, where stray and community cats are generally respected and cared for by both locals and tourists. While many of these cats have access to food, shelter, and affection, life on the streets still carries risks, including exposure to disease, injury, and harsh weather. That’s why population control and preventive care are essential to their long-term well-being.
If you enjoy the presence of these cats during your visit, consider supporting one of the local organizations working to protect them. Many provide vital services such as food, shelter, veterinary care, and TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs. Even a small contribution can help improve the lives of Istanbul’s feline residents.
Featured Image Credit: Jumpstory
