Why Are There So Many Cats in Türkiye—and Why Are They So Loved?
One of the first things visitors notice in Türkiye, especially in Istanbul, is the remarkable number of cats. You may see them sleeping on café chairs, sitting in shop windows, wandering through mosque courtyards or casually entering metro stations. Many do not belong to one household, yet they are not always treated as unwanted strays. Instead, they are often considered **shared residents of the neighbourhood**. So why do Turkish people have such a special relationship with cats? The answer lies in religion, history and neighbourhood culture. ## 1. Compassion as a Cultural Value Islamic teachings about kindness toward animals have strongly influenced Turkish culture. Cats are traditionally considered clean animals, so keeping them at home or allowing them into mosque courtyards is generally accepted. A well-known saying attributed to the Prophet Muhammad teaches: > **“Be merciful to those on the earth, and the One above the heavens will have mercy upon you.”** For many Turkish people, giving food or water to a street cat is more than a kind gesture. It can also be seen as a moral and religious responsibility. This idea is reflected in a famous Turkish expression: > **“We love all creation because of the Creator.”** There is also a popular story claiming that the Prophet Muhammad once cut part of his robe rather than wake a sleeping cat. The cat is often said to have been named **Muezza**. Although the story’s historical authenticity is uncertain, it remains a familiar symbol of compassion toward animals. ## 2. A Neighbourhood Resident, Not Just a Stray In Türkiye, a free-roaming cat may not have one official owner, but several people may care for it. * A shopkeeper may provide food. * A resident may leave out fresh water. * Local children may name the cat and play with it. * Volunteers may arrange veterinary treatment. * Residents and municipalities may provide small shelters. Cats are also commonly welcomed—or peacefully tolerated—in cafés, bookstores, markets and mosque courtyards. Local people often know the neighbourhood cats by name and recognise their personalities. Of course, this does not mean every street cat is safe and healthy. They may still face hunger, illness, traffic and harsh weather. However, the culture of community care is highly visible. ## 3. A Historical Legacy Cats also played a practical role in Ottoman cities. They protected wooden homes, shops, food supplies and libraries from rats and mice. Ottoman charitable foundations, known as **vakıfs**, sometimes supported the feeding and care of animals. This tradition helped create a culture in which protecting neighbourhood animals became a respected act of compassion. ## Why Are Turkish Cats So Comfortable Around People? Many cats grow up surrounded by people who feed them, talk to them and provide safe places to sleep. As a result, some are unusually calm and friendly around strangers. You may see a cat sleeping inside a shop, sitting beside customers in a café or resting near worshippers in a mosque. As long as the cat is not causing a problem, people usually allow it to stay. ## How Can Tourists Help? * Approach cats slowly and let them come to you. * Do not disturb sleeping cats or mothers with kittens. * Offer clean water or proper cat food. * Avoid giving them spicy or seasoned human food. * Wash your hands after touching unfamiliar animals. * Contact a veterinarian or municipality if you find an injured cat. * Remember that a street cat may already be cared for by local people. ## In Short Cats in Türkiye are loved not only because they are adorable, but also because they represent compassion, coexistence and shared responsibility. They are part of the living history of Turkish cities and often become shared companions of entire neighbourhoods. Every bowl of water and every small shelter reflects a simple idea: **A city becomes kinder when it makes room for all living beings.**