Both

This page is reference information compiled from the cited sources. It is not medical advice. For any decision about health, diagnosis or care, consult a qualified professional.

What it is

The Turkish city of Istanbul hosts a sizeable feral cat population, known as sokak kedisi or "street cat". Estimates of the stray cat population range from a hundred thousand to over a million. Many Turkish citizens view street animals as communally owned pets rather than traditional strays. The cats are a kind of hybrid between strays and pets. The city has been nicknamed "Catstanbul" by cat lovers around the world.

Key facts

Historically, many cats arrived in Istanbul on trading ships in Phoenician times to control rodents, with more arriving during the Roman and Ottoman spice and silk trades. During Ottoman times, cats were a necessity due to wooden houses sheltering rodents, leading to the profession of the mancacı, or cat sitter. There is a positive attitude towards cats in Islam, the prevalent faith in the country. The population is estimated at approximately 125,000 stray cats, or 200,000 including house cats. Stray cats can be seen in university classrooms, on ferries, buses, or subway trains without being bothered. The Municipality of Istanbul has placed vending machines for cats and dogs in many parts of the city, which citizens feed by putting in coins. Tiny "cat houses" have been prepared for stray cats, and residents place food and water containers in front of their houses.

When to seek professional help

Each local council has a veterinary department to serve the cats in their area. This veterinary department offers a free neutering service. Private clinics offer treatment for street cats at reduced fees. Residents often share the cost of the bills for such treatment.

Source: Feral cats in Istanbul (CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikipedia)), retrieved 2026-10-09.