Street Cats of Turkey

Travels in Turkey, Part 5 of 12

Our first day in Turkey, we noticed them everywhere. On chairs, on walls, on benches, in parks. The stray, street cats of Turkey. Everywhere you looked there was a cat. Sit down for a meal at a cafe, and there was a cat, asking for his share of your food.

Cat in Selcuk

The cats were sometimes skittish, but many were quite friendly, happy for a scratch behind the ear and a little cooing. Many wore battle scars — ripped ears and the rest.

Cats at Topkapi Palace

Shopkeepers spread cat food on ledges outside shops; bowls of clean water were spotted. Camille was in tears by the end of the trip, sad for all the strays everywhere. She wanted to start a neuter and release program immediately.

Cats on Istiklal Caddesi

Apparently, there is a Muslim history behind not euthanizing cats to reduce the stray cat population. The government has tried to neuter and release, but there isn’t enough money to be effective. I have to wonder if maybe the cats provide a service to the community by keeping the rodent population in check…

We spotted a momma cat and her kittens in one spot. Everyone stopped to admire all the cute little babies running around. So much joy they brought to the crowd!

Kitten Cuteness

More Kitten Cuteness

Kittens in Turkey