Walk down any street in Istanbul and you'll meet them: cats dozing on café chairs, strolling through mosques, curled up in shop windows. They are not strays in the usual sense — they are the city's beloved, free-roaming residents. Cared for by everyone and owned by no one, Istanbul's cats have become world-famous through social media and the documentary Kedi. Let's explore why — and learn how to talk to them in Turkish.
Why are there so many cats in Istanbul?
For centuries, Istanbul has been a crossroads of trade. Ships brought cats to control rodents, and the cats stayed. But what turned a practical relationship into a genuine love story is culture. In Islam, cats are seen as ritually clean animals, and there are well-loved stories of the Prophet Muhammad's affection for his cat. That respect is woven into daily life: you'll find water bowls outside shops, cardboard shelters in winter, and neighbours who all quietly look after "their" street cats.
Why do people in Istanbul love cats so much?
Ask anyone in Istanbul and they'll tell you the cats belong to the city. They aren't a problem to be removed — they are part of the neighbourhood. This collective care is what makes Istanbul unique:
- Shared responsibility: a single cat may be fed by an entire street — the grocer, the café owner, the families upstairs.
- Cultural & religious respect: kindness to animals is a deeply held value.
- Companionship: in a huge, fast city, the cats offer a gentle, calming presence loved by locals and visitors alike.
Istanbul's most famous cats
A few Istanbul cats became celebrities in their own right:
| Cat | Why famous |
|---|---|
| Tombili | A cat from Kadıköy known for a relaxed, leaning-on-the-pavement pose that became a global meme. After Tombili died in 2016, locals erected a bronze statue in the same pose. |
| Gli | The beloved resident cat of Hagia Sophia for years, who even met President Obama during his 2009 visit. Gli passed away in 2020 and is fondly remembered. |
| The cats of Kedi | The 2016 documentary by Ceyda Torun followed seven Istanbul street cats and their human caretakers, charming audiences worldwide. |
Where can you see Istanbul's cats?
Honestly — everywhere. But these spots are especially full of friendly felines:
- Cihangir & Galata: bohemian streets and café culture (cat heaven).
- Kadıköy (Asian side): home of Tombili and endless cat lovers.
- Balat & Fener: colourful old streets and photogenic cats.
- Mosque courtyards & the Grand Bazaar: cats resting in the shade for centuries.
Can you pet the street cats in Istanbul?
Talk to Istanbul's cats — in Turkish 🐾
Frequently asked questions
What is the Turkish word for cat?
The Turkish word for cat is "kedi". To call a cat over, Turks say "pisi pisi". A kitten is "kedicik" or "yavru kedi", and "miyav" means meow.
Are Istanbul's cats vaccinated and healthy?
Many community cats are looked after, fed and even taken to vets by locals and municipalities, and you'll see ear-tipped cats that have been neutered and vaccinated. As always with animals you don't know, pet gently and wash your hands afterwards.
Is Istanbul a good place for cat lovers to visit?
Absolutely — it may be the most cat-friendly city in the world. For many visitors, the cats become one of their favourite memories of Istanbul.
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