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Istanbul: A City Where Stray Cats Thrive

11/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Istanbul, Turkey, has over 15 million residents and about a quarter of a million stray cats.
Photographer Marcel Heijnen describes the cats as a blend of pets and strays affecting city life.
Fatih Dagli, co-founder of the Cat Museum Istanbul, notes municipal support for street animals, including free neutering.
This relationship reflects local reverence for cats and makes Istanbul a vibrant and compassionate urban environment.

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Story summary

Istanbul, Turkey, has over 15 million residents and about a quarter of a million stray cats.
Photographer Marcel Heijnen describes the cats as a blend of pets and strays affecting city life.
Fatih Dagli, co-founder of the Cat Museum Istanbul, notes municipal support for street animals, including free neutering.
This relationship reflects local reverence for cats and makes Istanbul a vibrant and compassionate urban environment.