Turkey has made remarkable strides in caring for stray cats by establishing dedicated sanctuaries that offer safe, enriching environments. Istanbul, the vibrant Turkish metropolis, is renowned for its significant population of feral cats, locally known as sokak kedisi or “street cat”.
According to the World Population Report of 2025, Turkey is home to an estimated 4.7 million domestic cats, a figure that notably excludes the vast numbers of stray cats that roam the streets and neighborhoods of its cities.
The Kocasinan Municipality in the central province of Kayseri has established a safe haven for the homeless cats of the city. Kedi Kasabası, literally “Cat Town” in Turkish, is among Turkey’s rarest, most spacious and most exclusive shelters for cats. Opened in 2015, the shelter is home to wooden houses where stray or abandoned cats can live alone or together, surrounded by a forest. The shelter is staffed by vets who tend to every need of the felines throughout the day, while a special corner is allocated to cats who are sick or crippled.
Turkey’s love for cats
Many residents of Istanbul perceive street cats not as mere strays but as community pets deserving care and respect. But how did this strong bond start?
Cats have historically served as guardians of sailors‘ provisions by keeping pests at bay on seafaring vessels since ancient times. Upon reaching port, some cats chose to remain in the city, establishing a mutually beneficial relationship with residents who valued their ability to protect food and books from similar threats.
This deep-rooted connection led to a unique bond between Istanbulites and cats, positioning them as both communal companions and emblematic figures of the city, belonging to no one yet cherished by all.
