Istanbul is a big city in Turkey. More than 15 million people live there. But people are not alone. There are also about 250,000 street cats in the city. Cats walk everywhere – in streets, parks, shops, mosques and even metro stations.
People in Istanbul love cats very much. Many people give food and water to street cats every day. Some shopkeepers give cats small pieces of meat or fish. Many cats can sleep on chairs, boxes or benches outside. Everyone helps them, so the cats feel safe.
A Long History of Caring for Cats
Cats in Istanbul are not “pets” and not “stray”. They are something in the middle. They live outside, but people take care of them. Every district has a free veterinary service for cats, and animal clinics give cheaper prices to help cats stay healthy.
This love for cats is very old. In Ottoman times, people also took care of street cats. There was even a job called “mancacı”, which means “cat sitter”. These people made sure that cats always had food.
Long ago, cats came to Istanbul on ships. Traders brought cats to protect food on the ships from mice. When the ships arrived in Istanbul, many cats stayed.
Cats Make Istanbul Special
Today, many tourists are happy to see cats in the city. Some cats are famous. For example, a cat named Sulo lives near the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia. Tourists love to take pictures with him.
Cats make the city feel calm and friendly. In a big and busy place, they help people relax. Many visitors say that Istanbul feels softer and more beautiful because of its cats.
People say a fun name for the city: “Catstanbul”.
Istanbul is a good example of how people and animals can share the same city and be kind to each other.
Source: bbc.com
Vocabulary for the Article
Street cat – a cat that lives outside
There are many street cats in Istanbul.
Shopkeeper – a person who works in a shop
The shopkeeper gives food to the cats.
Safe – not in danger
Cats feel safe in the city.
District – a part of a city
Each district helps street cats.
Veterinary – about animal doctors
The city has free veterinary service.
Service – help given to people or animals
The service gives care to cats.
Trader – someone who buys and sells goods
Traders brought cats on ships long ago.
Protect – to keep something safe
Cats protect food from mice.
Tourist – a person visiting a place
Tourists love to take photos of cats.
Relax – to rest and feel calm
The cats help people relax.
Busy – full of people and activity
Istanbul is a busy city.
Share – to use something together
People share the city with cats.
Famous – well known
Sulo is a famous cat in Istanbul.
House – a building where people live
Some cats sleep near houses and shops.
Food – something you eat
People give food to street cats.
Water – a drink for all living things
There is water for the cats outside.
Kind – friendly and helpful
People in Istanbul are kind to cats.
Visit – to go to a place for a short time
Many people visit the Blue Mosque.
Ship – a large boat
Cats came to Istanbul on ships.
City – a large town
Istanbul is a very big city.
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