Day 2 of writing daily prompts—this is turning out to be so much fun! Hoping to maintain my streak. Speaking of favorites, I recently discovered a new love: Istanbul Cats. A friend made me watch Planet Earth by David Attenborough, and it reminded me of the incredible diversity of animals, including the unique charm of the cats I encountered during my visit to Istanbul.
It’s amazing to think about the countless species we share our planet with. The diversity is mind-boggling, and then there’s the vast Pacific Ocean, where so much of the deep sea remains unexplored. But let’s stay focused—back to the main question.
I’ll admit, I have a preference—I love cats! Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Istanbul, and let me tell you, Istanbul Cats are something else. Fun fact: there are an estimated 125,000 to 200,000 cats in Istanbul, both stray and house cats. As a cat lover, I absolutely enjoyed exploring the city and watching these majestic creatures.
What’s truly heartwarming is how much the locals care for stray cats. They leave out food and water and even build small cat houses along the streets. I wrote more about this in my post exploring Istanbul through art and cuisine, where I shared how the city’s vibrant streets are full of charm and unique experiences.
Did you know that cats in Istanbul hold historical significance too? Islam values cleanliness and considers cats to be “ritually clean.” It’s said that Muhammad, the founder of Islam, was fond of cats, which makes this connection even more fascinating.
If you’re a fan of exploring unique places, you might enjoy my post on unforgettable travel experiences from Mount Shasta to Cappadocia, where I dive into transformative moments from my journeys.
What about you? What’s your favorite animal? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about it!
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