The cats of Istanbul or Istanbul of the cats.

Walking through the streets of Istanbul, I couldn’t get around noticing the numerous amount of stray cats strolling through the streets. They occupy every corner, steps and benches you’ll find them squatting empty chairs and tables.

They are everywhere!

But hold on if you are imagining starved, sad animals abandoned in the streets, you aren’t getting the right picture!

Most of those animals are very well fed, and looked after, by essentially everyone.

Maybe by countless tourists passing by each day. Or maybe by shop owners and grandma’s in the quarters.

People are even building them little huts and feeding “stations”.

Mostly the kittens will get a lot of love and attention from people passing by.

Be careful where you sit down, there might be a cat jumping up on to your lap, asking for some cuddles!

Did you know cats are bookworms?

At first you might be surprised or you might find all of that just cute. Until you ask yourself wheather it is the humans tolerating the cats or the cats tolerating humans.

Surely you are expected to leave them sleeping on their books, doesn’t matter what. If you want to read the books, come back later when the siesta is over!

And if you want to feed some of those strollers, don’t you dare offering anything else than the best!
Anything but meat or fish is not going to be accepted.

"Just bread? Pfff..."

You want to sit down at a terrace? Sorry we are full!

How on earth could you chase them away? One glance and you are bewitched!

Suddenly they all jump up, quickly running in the same direction. What is going on?
Looking down the narrow cobblestone street you’ll understand the turn of events. An old lady is walking down the street, her head covered with a colourful headscarf showing little flowers. In her hands she’s holding a bag full of cat food. They are all following her, sweeping around her legs, while she is telling them to be patient for just one more moment.

Is it cats that are secretly running this town?

_{I was wondering, if there is a specific reason, why stray cats are that accepted and looked after in most parts I crossed here in Turkey. It is surely a pleasure to see well feed and happy animals strolling the streets, than skinny and sick ones, breaking your heart each time you see one and know you can't really help them. @corvidae Suggested the movie Kedi Where they say: "Cats are said to see or be aware of the presence of "God"". That could be an answer...? If you know better let me know!:)}

Thank you all for passing by, have a wonderful week!

All photos and words are my own, taken and written by me.