For cat lovers, some cities offer a very particular kind of pleasure: cats seem to be everywhere. Istanbul is perhaps the most famous example. Its street cats have become almost as recognizable as its mosques, ferries and markets. They sleep in shop windows, sit beside fishermen, wander through cafés and somehow seem to belong everywhere at once.
But this relationship between cats and city life is not unique to Istanbul. Across North Africa and the Arab world, cities such as Marrakech, Fez, Essaouira, Cairo and Tunis are also home to large populations of street cats. In old medinas, busy markets and residential neighborhoods, cats are simply part of the scenery.
For someone who loves cats, walking through these cities can feel like a feast. There is always another face watching from a doorway, another cat stretched out in the sun, another kitten appearing from beneath a café table. Some are shy, some are curious, and others behave as though they have been personally appointed to supervise the entire street.
What makes the experience especially interesting is the way many local communities interact with them. Street cats are often tolerated, fed and quietly looked after by shopkeepers, residents and restaurant workers. Bowls of food or water may appear outside homes and businesses, and familiar cats often seem to have their own little territories and routines.
Of course, street life can still be difficult. Illness, injury, traffic and uncontrolled breeding remain serious problems, and animal-welfare groups in many cities work to improve conditions through feeding programs, veterinary treatment, vaccination and sterilization. The result is a fascinating relationship between people and animals: cats living independently, but often surrounded by a loose network of humans who notice them, feed them and care about what happens to them.
But this relationship between cats and city life is not unique to Istanbul. Across North Africa and the Arab world, cities such as Marrakech, Fez, Essaouira, Cairo and Tunis are also home to large populations of street cats. In old medinas, busy markets and residential neighborhoods, cats are simply part of the scenery.
For someone who loves cats, walking through these cities can feel like a feast. There is always another face watching from a doorway, another cat stretched out in the sun, another kitten appearing from beneath a café table. Some are shy, some are curious, and others behave as though they have been personally appointed to supervise the entire street.
What makes the experience especially interesting is the way many local communities interact with them. Street cats are often tolerated, fed and quietly looked after by shopkeepers, residents and restaurant workers. Bowls of food or water may appear outside homes and businesses, and familiar cats often seem to have their own little territories and routines.
Of course, street life can still be difficult. Illness, injury, traffic and uncontrolled breeding remain serious problems, and animal-welfare groups in many cities work to improve conditions through feeding programs, veterinary treatment, vaccination and sterilization. The result is a fascinating relationship between people and animals: cats living independently, but often surrounded by a loose network of humans who notice them, feed them and care about what happens to them.
A beautiful calico cat relaxing on the streets of Tangier.
Soon, spotting cats becomes part of exploring. And perhaps that is why cities with strong street-cat cultures feel so memorable to cat lovers. The animals make the streets feel more alive, more intimate and somehow more domestic. Even thousands of miles from home, there is something comforting about seeing a cat stretch, yawn and settle into a sunny corner as if the entire city were simply a very large apartment.
Two young tuxedo kittens relaxing together on a sunny street in Tangier.
Your own cat may have a slightly different kingdom — perhaps a favorite chair, a sunny windowsill and an apartment somewhere in New York City.
And when you travel, Kitty in NY can help make sure they are well cared for while you are away.
We offer In-Home Cat Boarding, where your cat stays in the private home of one of our carefully selected caregivers, and Cat Sitting, with a caregiver visiting your cat in the comfort of their own home.
Whether you are planning a weekend away or traveling halfway around the world, we can help you find a caring and reliable option for your cat. Contact us at Kitty in NY and tell us about your cat and your travel dates. We’ll be happy to help arrange the care they need while you are away.
And when you travel, Kitty in NY can help make sure they are well cared for while you are away.
We offer In-Home Cat Boarding, where your cat stays in the private home of one of our carefully selected caregivers, and Cat Sitting, with a caregiver visiting your cat in the comfort of their own home.
Whether you are planning a weekend away or traveling halfway around the world, we can help you find a caring and reliable option for your cat. Contact us at Kitty in NY and tell us about your cat and your travel dates. We’ll be happy to help arrange the care they need while you are away.
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