Istanbul's iconic street cats highlighted on International Cat Day

Istanbul's street cats, long a part of the city's daily life, have become global social‑media stars. Posts tagged #CatsOfIstanbul and #IstanbulCats show felines strolling past a Formula 1 track, roaming the UEFA final venue, and lounging at concerts, ballet shows and metro stations, often acting as informal greeters.

The celebration of International Cat Day on 8 August has drawn renewed attention to these feline ambassadors, which tourism officials cite as a unique draw for visitors. A recent study found that 59 % of Generation‑Z travelers look to Instagram for inspiration, followed by YouTube and TikTok, underscoring the cats' role in shaping travel choices.

Through their ubiquitous presence, Istanbul's cats reinforce the city's identity and promote tourism worldwide.