Forget the postcards—the real soul of Istanbul has whiskers, bright eyes, and a quiet purr echoing through its mosques, alleys, and ferries; welcome to the only tour where the city’s legendary cats lead the way.
Table of Contents
Istanbul and Its Cats!
Istanbul, is not famous just for its stunning architecture and rich history but also for it’s fluffy residents. There are so many cats on the streets of İstanbul that the city is referred to as ‘’The City of Cats’’. Cats roam freely through the streets, mosques, parks, and cafes, embodying the spirit of the city itself: independent, curious, and endlessly captivating.
How about we discover this mesmerizing city and its cats together on the Istanbul Cat Tour?
Cats hold a special place in Turkish culture, deeply rooted in Islamic traditions where cats are respected and cherished. In Turkey, especially Istanbul, cats are allowed almost everywhere, even in mosques, as they are considered clean and peaceful animals.
Citizens often take care of stray cats by feeding them, leaving water and food bowls on sidewalks, and even building small shelters for them during harsh weather.
Municipalities also play an active role in cat welfare. Cats with a small cut on their ear have been vaccinated, neutered, and treated by local veterinary services, ensuring they are healthy and cared for.
Many individuals even cover vet expenses for injured or sick cats, showing the deep compassion and community spirit that defines Turkey‘s relationship with its feline residents. This unique bond has made Istanbul a globally renowned “City of Cats”.
Detailed Itinerary
The Istanbul Cat Tour is designed for cat lovers and curious travelers alike, offering a chance to explore the city through the eyes of its most beloved inhabitants. This tour takes you on a walking journey through some of Istanbul’s most charming neighborhoods, where cats have become an integral part of daily life.
Along the way, you’ll feed and interact with these friendly creatures and learn about the city’s historical and cultural connection to its feline population by a professional guide.
Tour Timeline at a Glance
10:00 a.m. – Meet at Cihangir
11:30 a.m.– Walk around Galata Tower and Beyoğlu
01:10 p.m.– Ferry to Kadıköy & walk in Moda
02:30 p.m.– Transfer to Bostancı
03:10 p.m.– Ferry to Büyükada
07:35 p.m.– Dinner and return
08:55 p.m.–Arrival in Kadıköy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for families with children or older travelers?
Please note that this tour involves a fair amount of walking on Istanbul’s hilly terrain, which can be more tiring for children and older travelers. That said, we’ll take regular breaks along the way so everyone has time to rest and recharge.
What should I bring with me to the tour?
As we will do a lot of walking under the sun, you might want to bring sunscreen with you to avoid any harm from the sun. You might also bring mini towels in case you sweat during all the walking. During the tour, we offer complimentary hand sanitizer as you will be in contact with stray cats all day long.
Is this a group tour or a private tour?
Although this is a group tour, we rarely have enough participants on the same day to form a full group. As a result, most guests end up enjoying it as a private tour.
THE FULL-TOUR PROGRAM
We will pick you up from your hotel and will arrive at Cihangir square to meet the rest of the group and ur professional guide at 10.00 AM.
1. Cihangir Neighborhood
Your journey begins in Cihangir. Here, we will stroll through the streets of Cihangir, a district famous for its bohemian vibe and resident cats.
We will visit Cihangir Mosque where cats get in freely and Firuzağa Square to spot and interact with the friendly felines.
2. Galata and Beyoğlu
Our second stop is the Beyoğlu district where West and East come together. While exploring the historic streets surrounding Galata Tower, known for their lively atmosphere and numerous cats, we will stop by cat-friendly bookshops and cafés to relax while enjoying the company of cats.
3. Kadıköy
We will take a scenic ferry from Karaköy to Kadıköy, located on the Asian side of Istanbul. Kadıköy is one of the most cat-filled and vibrant neighborhoods of the city.
Here, you’ll have the chance to explore the artistic Moda area, meet the famously friendly cats of Kadıköy, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through local parks and streets where food and water are left out for cats by residents daily.
The main tour ends here at 02:30 P.M.
From here, you can leave the tour to further explore Istanbul yourself or request a private ride to your hotel.
4. Büyükada (Extra)
If you’d like, you can extend your journey to Büyükada, the biggest one of the Princes’ Islands, where cats and humans coexist harmoniously. You will be transferred by car to Bostancı Pier (approx. 30 minutes), where you’ll take a scenic ferry ride to Büyükada.
Explore the island’s serene streets filled with friendly cats and have dinner at a local restaurant. We will return to Kadıköy Port with the ferry leaving the island at 07:35 PM and arriving at 08:55 PM.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Walking Tour: This tour involves moderate walking through cobblestone streets and narrow alleys. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended.
Public Transportation: The tour will utilize public transportation for getting around, except for hotel pick-ups. Please let us know whether you have an Istanbul Card or not so we can provide you with one.
Weather Considerations: The tour operates in all weather conditions, so please dress appropriately. Umbrellas or raincoats are advised in case of rain.
Interaction with Cats: While feeding and interacting with cats is encouraged, participants should be gentle and avoid disturbing them unnecessarily.
Health Precautions: Hand sanitizers will be provided to maintain hygiene after handling cats. If requested, we will also provide you with gloves proper to pet cats.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Hotel pickup in the morning
- Public transportation costs during the tour
- Cat food for feeding and hand sanitizer
- English-speaking, professional tour guide
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
- Meals and beverages
- Personal expenses like souvenirs
- Flights to and from Istanbul
- Tips for the guide and drivers (optional but appreciated)
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Contact Us for a Guided Tour
Want to book the Istanbul Cat Tour or have a question before you do?
We’re happy to help! Whether you’re planning your trip, want to customize a private tour, or just need more details, feel free to reach out.
See Our Other Istanbul Tours by clicking Here!
Monday, October 5
3 travelers
Istanbul Cat tour and interested in the tour extension to Büyükada
Hi Ash! Thanks for reaching out 😊
For a private Istanbul Cat Tour with the Büyükada (Princes’ Islands) extension, the licensed professional tour guide fee is €500 — this covers only the guide’s time and effort for the full day.
If you share your preferred date, your hotel location, and whether the 3 travelers include any kids/seniors (for pacing), we’ll send you the full breakdown (transport, meals, ferry/tickets, etc.) and confirm availability.
A group of us had 5 days in Istanbul. Wonderful city! Sadly we were unaware of your tours.
Lovely pix on your blog. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Maggie! Istanbul really is a wonderful city — and its cats are a big part of that magic. Recently we actually did a 4-day cat-focused tour with Jim Johnson and loved every minute of it. Next time you are in Istanbul, we’ve got you covered! 😊🐈