How Many Cats Can You Spot in Istanbul? | Cozy Vibes

 

Istanbul has a way of slowing you down. The mosques and narrow streets, the smell of fresh simit from a vendor on the corner, and the steady presence of cats everywhere you look create a kind of gentle chaos that feels like a warm hug. On a short layover from Iceland, we decided to wander the city with one playful intention: count the cats.

Small travel note before you land

The flight into Istanbul can feel fast and easy, but there are a few little rhythms you should expect. As one moment put it,

after about one hour flight or so, there is an area where we can expect maybe some light turbulence for a short while.

It’s not a warning to worry about, just a reminder to keep your seatbelt handy when the seatbelt sign flicks on. Arriving calm makes wandering a lot sweeter.

Where to look for cats — the best cozy corners

Cats in Istanbul are part of the everyday scenery. They nap on ancient walls, weave through market stalls, and curl up in sunlit cafés. If you want to find the most charming feline moments, head to these neighborhoods and spots:

• Sultanahmet — Around Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, you’ll see cats lounging on steps or watching the crowds like tiny philosophers.
• Grand Bazaar and surrounding markets — Alleyways, doorways, and shop thresholds are cat magnets.
• Cafés — Many local cafés welcome neighborhood cats. They’ll often take a nap on a chair or stretch out on a windowsill.
• Galata and Karaköy — More modern neighborhoods with a steady stream of people and cats who know the best sunny spots.
• By the ferry piers — Cats love the edges of the water, watching ferries come and go.

How to spot more cats

1. Look for elevated sun patches — cats seek warmth, so rooftops and sunny steps are prime real estate.
2. Listen for quiet meows in side streets and courtyards.
3. Watch shop thresholds — many businesses keep bowls of water and small treats for passing cats.
4. Follow the locals — a cluster of people chatting in one doorway often means one friendly cat nearby.

Counting cats: a playful practice

Turning a wander into a counting game changes the way you notice place. Instead of rushing from landmark to landmark, you begin to observe cadence and detail: a cat slipping through an open gate, a kitten chasing a stray leaf, an old cat lounging like a tiny monarch on a stone bench.

Counting can be simple: keep a mental tally, snap photos as you go, or make little notes in your phone. The point isn’t accuracy; it’s seeing the city at a different tempo and appreciating small encounters.

How to interact with Istanbul’s cats respectfully

These animals are part of the neighborhood fabric. Approaching them with care makes the experience better for both of you.

• Ask before you touch — If a café owner is nearby, a quick “Is it okay?” will usually get a smile and permission.
• Offer gentle pets — Let the cat choose whether to come closer. A flat hand and slow movement are welcoming.
• Avoid feeding harmful foods — Bread and milk may seem kind, but they are not always healthy. Water is the best on-the-spot gift.
• Keep distance from mothers with kittens — Give them space and quiet so they can care for their young.

Small interactions, big warmth

Some moments are just tiny human connections — a stranger saying thank you after you move aside, a cat that chooses to nap on your lap, or an exchange of a smile across a market stall. As one friendly line goes,

so Thank you. so so It's you really? Oh Thank you. oh Hi. Thank you.

Those short exchanges add up. They’re the human punctuation that makes a city feel lived in and loved.

Ideas for a cozy cat photo journal

If you want to turn this into a project, here are a few prompts to guide your photos or notes:

• Portraits of personality — Capture the face of a cat that looks particularly content or mischievous.
• Architectural companions — Frame cats against arches, domes, or mosaic tiles for a sense of place.
• Morning routines — Document where cats rest in the early light.
• Market life — Show how cats move through daily commerce without being bothered by it.

Final thoughts

Istanbul’s cats teach a kind of slow appreciation. They invite you to pause, to notice light and texture and small social rituals. Whether you count a few or dozens, you’ll leave with a collection of tiny, warm memories — and probably a stack of photos that make you smile whenever you scroll through them.

If you take a walk through the city, try counting for yourself and let the count be an excuse to wander gently. The architecture and the markets are beautiful, but the cats are the quiet, persistent heart of the streets.