Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul Cats
A city where street cats are part of daily life — often nicknamed “Catstanbul.”
Before you go
- Early morning and late afternoon are often calmer for both sightseeing and cat watching.
- Cats may not always be present in the same spot — keep expectations flexible.
- Please do not feed cats inside mosques, and respect prayer times and local daily life.
About Istanbul Cats
Istanbul is famous for its street cats. Locals feed and look after them across the city, and visitors often meet friendly cats around historic sites, parks, ferries, and neighborhood cafes. The city is also affectionately nicknamed “Catstanbul.” A good starting point is Sultanahmet — around Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the square between them — where cats are a familiar sight for travelers. Neighborhoods such as Cihangir and Kadıköy are also well known for their feline residents, including the Tombili statue that remembers a beloved local cat.
Hagia Sophia was once home to a famous cat named Gli, who passed away in 2020. You can still meet cats around Hagia Sophia today.
Istanbul Walking Map
Open in Google MapsThis map highlights cat-friendly areas such as Sultanahmet (around Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque), Gülhane Park, Cihangir, and the Tombili statue in Kadıköy. Sultanahmet is walkable as a cluster; reach Cihangir and Kadıköy by tram or ferry. Please do not feed cats inside mosques, and respect prayer and daily life. Locations are approximate.
Istanbul Spot Guide
How to get to Istanbul Cats
Fly into Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), then continue by metro, bus, Havaist/Havas airport transfer, or taxi into the city. For a first cat walk, start in Sultanahmet: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the square between them are all within a short stroll.
Cats are part of neighborhood life across Istanbul, so you will also meet them in Cihangir, Kadıköy, and many other districts. Observe quietly, and avoid feeding inside mosques or disrupting prayer and daily life.
- Fly into Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW).
- Continue into the city by metro, airport transfer bus, or taxi. Allow extra time for traffic, especially from SAW.
- Start in Sultanahmet and walk between Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the square in between — cats are often resting in shade nearby.
- If you have more time, continue to neighborhoods such as Cihangir (European side) or take a ferry to Kadıköy (Asian side) for more street-cat encounters.
More Colony spots
Cape Town Cats
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De Poezenboot (The Catboat)
Amsterdam, Netherlands
A floating cat sanctuary on a canal boat in Amsterdam, Netherlands — rescued cats live aboard De Poezenboot (The Catboat).
Dubrovnik Cats
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A UNESCO-walled Adriatic city where community cats — locals’ “oldest citizens” — nap on warm stone, ATM ledges, and harbour edges throughout the Old Town.
Gotanjoji Cat Temple
Echizen, Japan
A Soto Zen training temple in Echizen, Fukui, where rescued cats live alongside monks — known as “Neko-dera.”
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