Why Are There So Many Cats in Istanbul? The Story Behind the City’s Famous Street Cats
Mar 10, 2026
Istanbul is widely known as one of the world’s most famous “cat cities.” Visitors to the city are often surprised to see cats everywhere — walking through historic streets, sleeping in cafés, resting in shop windows, and even wandering around famous landmarks. In Istanbul, cats are not simply stray animals; they are considered a natural and beloved part of the city’s daily life.
