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I Photographed Two Stray Cats Cuddling And I Swear This Is Not Staged
I Photographed Two Stray Cats Cuddling And I Swear This Is Not Staged
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I Photographed Two Stray Cats Cuddling And I Swear This Is Not Staged

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I’m your average Californian world traveler. I’ve always loved cats, and dream of someday having my own (or doggo), but I cross many international borders, and fear it will be too difficult. The road is often lonely, and I always want to play with stray cats and dogs to alleviate this feeling, but they’re usually too afraid of people. When I arrived for a two-week sight-see in Turkey, I couldn’t believe how many adorable cats roam the streets and cafes, and how aggressively friendly they are! If I stood in one spot for just a few minutes, it was guaranteed that a cute cat would come running to be stroked… and then soon after, another! I believe it is a reflection of the warm hearts of the Turkish people, who have taken it upon themselves to care for these adorable animals, feeding them and even building them little houses.

One day, I was strolling the Bosphorus Canal, and I saw something I’ve never imagined possible: two beautiful cats just cuddling each other, inseparable. I’ve never seen any cats, let alone strays behave like this. As I quickly snapped photos, I wondered if anyone would believe this animal friendship wasn’t staged but then, who could ever possibly pose cats like this? Who would even try? Life’s too short for that!

Needless to say, I loved Istanbul and can’t wait to return. I miss the kind people, the delicious food, and of course, the little furry ones. I wonder if some of them, too, miss me back. Aw. Hehe.

If you need some kitty snuggles, or you don’t believe me, check these beautiful pictures! They’re waiting.

More info: pacificreverie.com | Instagram

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    It was a chilly day, so maybe they were huddling only for warmth? But then why would they sit atop this windy wall? They are exposed to the elements here.

    I don’t have the answer. Other than that they were just enjoying the view, like everyone else walking by that day. They are clearly at peace.

    Just a perfect day.

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    Maybe they planned this outing earlier? I wouldn’t be surprised.

    Morning yoga.

    Kitty house! These are all over the place, and not just for one cat each… they are shared.

    Nearly every cafe has cats on the tables. They are the real guests. People eat and sip chai around them.

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    This guy hardly lifted his head to say, “hello.” The bustling cafe in no way threatened him. It made me happy inside.

    Hard day’s work.

    Awww yeah!

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    That good scratching!

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    Two strays. This scruffy boy hopped up and wouldn’t go. I didn’t mind at all.

    This one was pregnant and, hence, wary.

    Plenty to go around.

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    Cats live all over these rocks, scouring for fish or whatever else they can find.

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    They come running, demanding to be picked up! I said “okay” every single time! I cuddled as many as I could but still left so many in need of a hug.

    Needs to go viral. We still have never said a word to each other, and I was in a rush. Help me track him down.


    If you’re like me and love cats but are unable to have one due to frequent travel or living conditions, I recommend checking out someone who shares the same furry fondness. There’s a person who can’t have a cat but has found a unique way to integrate feline companionship into his life.

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    Take a look at his story on how he connects with cats despite the odds.


     

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    Orin

    Orin

    Author, Community member

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    Californian world adventurer and photographer. Follow me on Instagram: @pacificreverie

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    Orin

    Orin

    Author, Community member

    Californian world adventurer and photographer. Follow me on Instagram: @pacificreverie

    What do you think ?
    Alyson
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lol, we know it's not staged. You can't stage cat pics!

    Mehmet Akbulut
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Greetings from İstanbul! This post is so true btw; we love cats :) I have a Scottish Fold and a couple more in the garden of our apartment waiting to be fed every day :))

    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aww...Scottish Fold kitties are adorable. 😊

    Load More Replies...
    NoJo
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The lovely documentary "Kedi" is about the street cats of Istanbul, and how they are taken care of by the residents but mostly roam and don't belong to any one person. Highly recommended.

    Janine B.
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's really awesome. Everyone who loves cats should see it. :)

    Load More Replies...
    spirit wolf
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who would want to go to a cafe with no cats anyways. Istanbul, here I come!

    Wendy Sanders
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My tour guide hit me with his umbrella for petting a stray kitten in Ephesus. I defied him.

    Mary Rose Kent
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe he was trying to protect you—I’m kitty crazy, but I resist strays (and it’s a real struggle, believe me) because it’s a good way to find yourself with a case of ringworm or mange.

    Load More Replies...
    Susann Campbell
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have two Ginger squatters in my back yard for the last eight years. They get fed of course and all were fixed and both are males and they cuddle and groom each other. Their sister cannot join them in the shelter I have for them so I made another one for her. She says good morning by head butting and they do the same to her but they won't let her sleep with them.

    Paw Paw
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Orin - Thank you for the awesome pics of the Kedi . Many of us have known for...ever that cats do cuddle, bond with each other, especially community and barn cats, and are feeling beings. Your beautiful pics illustrate that nicely <3

    Frisco Nobilly
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awesome post bro. Love the beautiful pictures. Did you tracked down your clone?

    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you! No but have a few offers to respond to! 😁

    Load More Replies...
    ForkNBeans
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My idea of Heaven. I would love to visit, but I'd probably never leave! Wonderful people, beautiful country. I hope you find your 'twin'!

    Kitta Kat
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love that you captured pics of the wonderful feline friends of Istanbul. I was there 2 years ago amd couldn't stop paying my affections to them all. ❤️

    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Many more kitty pics I didn't post, and I was only there a short time. If I lived there, I'd probably just adopt them all.

    Load More Replies...
    Load More Comments
    Alyson
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lol, we know it's not staged. You can't stage cat pics!

    Mehmet Akbulut
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Greetings from İstanbul! This post is so true btw; we love cats :) I have a Scottish Fold and a couple more in the garden of our apartment waiting to be fed every day :))

    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aww...Scottish Fold kitties are adorable. 😊

    Load More Replies...
    NoJo
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The lovely documentary "Kedi" is about the street cats of Istanbul, and how they are taken care of by the residents but mostly roam and don't belong to any one person. Highly recommended.

    Janine B.
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's really awesome. Everyone who loves cats should see it. :)

    Load More Replies...
    spirit wolf
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who would want to go to a cafe with no cats anyways. Istanbul, here I come!

    Wendy Sanders
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My tour guide hit me with his umbrella for petting a stray kitten in Ephesus. I defied him.

    Mary Rose Kent
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe he was trying to protect you—I’m kitty crazy, but I resist strays (and it’s a real struggle, believe me) because it’s a good way to find yourself with a case of ringworm or mange.

    Load More Replies...
    Susann Campbell
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have two Ginger squatters in my back yard for the last eight years. They get fed of course and all were fixed and both are males and they cuddle and groom each other. Their sister cannot join them in the shelter I have for them so I made another one for her. She says good morning by head butting and they do the same to her but they won't let her sleep with them.

    Paw Paw
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Orin - Thank you for the awesome pics of the Kedi . Many of us have known for...ever that cats do cuddle, bond with each other, especially community and barn cats, and are feeling beings. Your beautiful pics illustrate that nicely <3

    Frisco Nobilly
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awesome post bro. Love the beautiful pictures. Did you tracked down your clone?

    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you! No but have a few offers to respond to! 😁

    Load More Replies...
    ForkNBeans
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My idea of Heaven. I would love to visit, but I'd probably never leave! Wonderful people, beautiful country. I hope you find your 'twin'!

    Kitta Kat
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love that you captured pics of the wonderful feline friends of Istanbul. I was there 2 years ago amd couldn't stop paying my affections to them all. ❤️

    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Many more kitty pics I didn't post, and I was only there a short time. If I lived there, I'd probably just adopt them all.

    Load More Replies...
    Load More Comments
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