Black Cat Appreciation: Belonging Beyond Borders Black cats have long enchanted the world with their sleek silhouettes and mysterious charm. Inspiring myths, art, and...

International Cat Day: Global Tails of Survival Cats are everywhere—from ancient temples to bustling medinas, from cobblestone ruins to modern cityscapes. For...

Preparing for the End of Kitten Season Kitten season may feel overwhelming while it’s in full swing, but as summer fades, the needs of cat colonies evolve. Just because...

This Father’s Day, celebrate the bond between men and their cats. Meet 8 of history’s most famous cat dads, from Hemingway to Freddie Mercury—and find the purrfect gift for the feline father in your life.

In the U.S., kitten season is often viewed as a crisis—a seasonal surge of births that overwhelms shelters, rescuers, and communities. But not all societies view or manage outdoor cats the same way.
In fact, around the world, kittens and their mothers are sometimes treated with reverence, community care, and even legal protection.

Cats first arrived in Rome through trade routes from Egypt and the Near East. The ancient Egyptians, who famously revered cats as sacred protectors, likely introduced them to Mediterranean commerce, where they found a new role in Roman society. By the height of the Roman Empire (27 BCE – 476 CE), cats were indispensable, prized not only for their ability to control rodent populations but also for their companionship and mysterious allure.

For centuries, the streets of Istanbul have been home to thousands of stray cats, freely roaming its ancient alleyways, bustling markets, and waterfront promenades. Unlike many cities where stray populations face neglect or hostility, Istanbul has embraced its feline residents, creating a unique urban ecosystem where people and cats coexist harmoniously. This article explores the city’s long-standing relationship with street cats, the community-driven initiatives that ensure their well-being, and the valuable lessons other regions can learn from Istanbul’s approach—especially in the realm of Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) programs.