{"id":56969,"date":"2025-10-02T16:03:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-02T13:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/cities-famous-for-their-cats-2\/"},"modified":"2025-12-15T15:06:57","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T12:06:57","slug":"cities-famous-for-their-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/cities-famous-for-their-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Cities famous for their cats"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The human\u2013cat relationship: How did cats become domesticated?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To celebrate World Cat Day, observed at the beginning of August, we take a closer look at the long-standing bond between humans and cats, companions that have become an integral part of our lives as civilization has advanced. In this piece, you\u2019ll explore how cities famous for their cats have woven these felines into the fabric of daily life, uncover the stories of the world\u2019s most famous breeds, and embark on a deeper journey into the enchanting world of these extraordinary creatures.

Contrary to popular belief, the bond between cats and humans goes back much further than Ancient Egypt.

Scientific evidence shows that cats were first domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Near East, specifically in Mesopotamia and the Levant. When humans settled and started farming, grain stores attracted mice. Cats naturally hunted these pests, providing a valuable service and quickly becoming part of human communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ancient Egyptians regarded cats as divine beings and revered them because they were skilled at catching rats, safeguarding grain supplies, and warding off snakes. As a result, cats became associated with gods like Bastet, the feline-headed goddess. Harm to a cat was met with strict penalties. During this era, cats spread to various civilizations through maritime exploration. The Roman Empire took cats aboard ships and to military bases to control rats, helping their spread across European territories. Despite the darker times in medieval Europe, when cats were often linked to witchcraft, they never lost their importance to humans. Today, modern urban societies still cherish cats as some of their most popular and beloved pets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cities famous for their cats<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cats have lived alongside humans for centuries. They helped control rats and pests in cities, and over time, they became a cultural icon, especially in some cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Istanbul, T\u00fcrkiye<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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A cat walking on the Golden Horn Shore.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Known as the \u201ccity of cats,\u201d Istanbul has gained international fame, often called Catstanbul because of its street cats. Here, they are not homeless; instead, neighborhoods care for them, treat them with respect, and protect them. Their special status goes back to a deep-rooted culture from the Ottoman era. Cats were valued for protecting grain stores from mice and helping keep mosques clean. In fact, dedicated animal foundations were created to ensure their feeding and care. One of the most famous examples is Sultan Bayezid II\u2019s foundation, which established feeding stations for strays and even built shelters for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This legacy of compassion and faith continues in the streets of modern Istanbul. While the entire city is known as a natural habitat for cats, neighborhoods like Cihangir, Moda, Galata, and Balat are especially noted for their strong sense of guardianship. In winter, it\u2019s common to see small shelters built for them, along with food bowls and water dishes tucked into nearly every corner. Residents see caring for these animals, meeting both their physical and emotional needs, as a responsibility. The 2016 documentary \u201cKedi\u201d captured this remarkable bond for the world, sharing the story of Istanbul\u2019s cats with warmth and once again illustrating how deeply they are woven into the city\u2019s spirit. Click here<\/a> to read our blog post, which offers a more detailed look at Istanbul and its cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kotor, Montenegro<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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A cat guarding its street.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Kotor, which looks as if it’s straight out of a medieval fairy tale, is home to thousands of cats roaming its winding, narrow streets. The cats have become a symbol of the city, and some believe they even protect it. As a historic port city, Kotor’s past largely explains the cats’ abundance; over the centuries, cats arriving on trade ships became a vital part of the city, helping to control the rat population. Here, you can find not only streets filled with cats but also cat-themed statues, souvenirs, and even a cat museum. You can also spend time with cats in the main squares, considered the heart of the city. Click here now to explore Montenegro flight options that suit your travel plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rome, Italy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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A cat enjoying the streets of Rome.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cats living among the ruins of Ancient Rome give the city an almost mystical feel. One of the most notable examples is Largo di Torre Argentina, an ancient square that now serves as a cat sanctuary. It is also famously known as the site where Julius Caesar was assassinated. When excavations in 1929 uncovered this historic area, cats quickly moved in, and over time, a volunteer-run foundation began caring for them. Most of the cats are now neutered and vaccinated by the foundation and local residents, protecting the wellbeing of both the animals and the community. Click here<\/a> to explore flight options to Rome that fit your travel plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zelenogradsk Town, Russia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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A cat house in Zelenogradsk.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Zelenogradsk, a town on the Baltic Sea, proudly calls itself Russia\u2019s \u201ccat capital.\u201d The city government takes its responsibility to care for and protect its feline residents seriously: special bowls for food and water are placed around town, benches are designed for cats to nap comfortably, and even dedicated passages are built for them. Zelenogradsk also has an official \u201ccat manager\u201d responsible for their well-being. Cats have become the town\u2019s symbol, inspiring many statues and murals. Adding to this charm is the Murarium, a cat museum located in a former water tower, featuring over 4,500 cat-themed works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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