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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

Lovebirds!

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.

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Just a perfect day.

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.

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

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

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Hard day’s work.

Awww yeah!

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.

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

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.

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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.

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mehmetakbulut avatar
Mehmet Akbulut
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated 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 :))

nora-jordan avatar
NoJo
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated 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.

janinesteam avatar
Janine B.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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summerlandgirl805 avatar
Wendy Sanders
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated 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.

mrkette avatar
Mary Rose Kent
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated 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.

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susann_campbell_7 avatar
Susann Campbell
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated 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.

3i7iws avatar
Paw Paw
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated 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 avatar
Frisco Nobilly
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

orinlouis avatar
brenda_v_linden avatar
ForkNBeans
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated 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'!

kittakat avatar
Kitta Kat
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated 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. ❤️

orinlouis avatar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated 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.

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tamerahalong avatar
Tamerah Long
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love that eating around that gorgeous kitty in the cafe made you "happy inside". Thanks for sharing and making me "happy inside" :)

sbagci avatar
THEPS
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cats rule ! I have two of my own and I feed half a dozen strays.

smpietzka avatar
Bumble
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I share your experience. Istanbul is such an amazing place and I saw so many incredible sights and met the friendliest people. When I returned home, I was going through my pictures and found they were mostly of cats. They are literally everywhere and I obviously couldn't resist snapping each and every one.

rich_mccormick avatar
Rich McCormick
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a lovely article. Thank you for sharing your photo's. I'm allergic to cats horribly so I enjoy stuff like this 'cause it's the closest I can get to them! HUGS

sassybooie avatar
Meeow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That sunset is stunning!! And this guy always feeding the stray cats around the same area, check him out: https://www.youtube.com/user/summertimeinturkey/videos

orinlouis avatar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you! I do love feeding stray cats, but that isn't my channel. 😂

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twilightprincess_1 avatar
Twilight Princess
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg you are just adorable ♡ my heart completely melted seeing how much you love cats!! 😍😍 and i feel so jeleaous! I would LOVE to go to Istanbul to find all these strays just to give them a cuddle! Thank you for sharing this story and your pictures, greatly appreciated!! (And - i love how you also found your clone 😂 you look like you could be twins. Or the same person.) All my love for you, mr traveler, you have a warm heart i wish more people had !

cjucz22 avatar
Christina Uhlir
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nice pictures. If you want to stop animal suffering, spay or neuter them.

mrkette avatar
Mary Rose Kent
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Singapore has a spay/neuter program for strays—if you see a cat with a weird slant on one of its ears, it means it was fixed and released, and the ear received a small as a signal to the cat crew.

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jennifercarrasco avatar
Jennifer C.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely loved this post! Thank you for sharing! Also love that you're a Californian... me too! Best wishes on your next adventures.... (read: post more pics!) :D

charizzle87 avatar
Riz Leslie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is adorable. I love how the people of Turkey take care of these beautiful animals. And I see cats cuddling like this everyday. 5 strays come to sleep and hang out in my backyard everyday and they all cuddle with each other. Literally one on top of the other. I have photos but they’re magnified so not as great quality as these. I take them from my bedroom window because one of them is really jittery and I don’t want to disturb her lol.

xxsymptomxx avatar
Symtpom
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

when am i gonna get a girl who can cuddle me like this

victorrsytnik avatar
Russian Otaku
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love this post. It's pretty cool and says more then you think. That cats are OK at the tables and people are too speaks volumes for how both parties are used to each other. This is pretty cool

christa-levy47 avatar
fruit_panda
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my favorite memories of Istanbul is of a stray dog near Hagia Sofia. He jumped up and snatched my scarf off me, then gleefully pranced around with it while I chased him. Clever pup used me for his evening's entertainment

jovyjergens avatar
Jovy Jergens
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am soaking up the love like a sponge. In fact, I am soggy with joy!

lonedingoes avatar
Catherine Bernadette
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Turkish delights! I think the cats collectively dreamed of your arrival.🐈🐅🐱

agatha1890 avatar
LauraLee Baker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonderful post, and love the kitties and love the author! Thank you for this! And I hope you can communicate one day with your doppelganger!

leecloudhand avatar
orinlouis avatar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Haha people everyday tell me I look like Johnny Sins...but so far otherwise, this is my only claim to fame!

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payet_fabienne avatar
Tahani
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would adopt ALL OF THE CATS... ok wouldn't work but you get my drift....

alusairalustriel avatar
Alusair Alustriel
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I heard Istanbul really respects and likes their stray cats and they are quite happy there. Hope it's true :)

sonjaskates avatar
Snowy Tundra
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Orin, these photos and your article made me put Istanbul on my countries to see bucket list. Thanks so much for sharing your adventures there. I probably wouldn't be able to get out and explore more of Turkey without a lot of coaxing. I have a young friend who lived at the airbase when her husband was stationed there. She didn't mention the street cats, but I don't know how often she visited Istanbul.

orinlouis avatar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do it! So many cats and they all 100% are friendly, as are the people, too! It's real!

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sharronlparsons avatar
sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for your photos, all the cats are adorable, I have two rescued that I so love, but I do know cats don't let you put them in a stage, I take many photos of them but miss some as they move too much, I do wonder about the cats that are free, no concern about too many, or disease , also, you could think about a companion to travel with, ask a vet for information, if you have their shots with certificate, just a thought, happy travels, from Canada !!!

orinlouis avatar
t_janine avatar
Toni Tangents
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I believe (if I'm not mistaken,) that two cats will only usually cuddle each other if they are sibblings, that grew up together. Adorable!!!

brenda_v_linden avatar
ForkNBeans
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've often wondered about that. I have a friend with two sibs and they cuddle all the time. I, on the other hand, have six rescues adopted at different times, and none of them cuddle. Some don't even like the others. Still, I don't give up keeping the loving vibes going...I figure one day, ONE DAY, they'll start to warm to each other!

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klhuver avatar
orinlouis avatar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hahaha bet you weren't expecting a celebrity cat photographer to shoot your wedding, huh? 😂 So much added value!

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emory_ce avatar
Carol Emory
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought this thread was supposed to be all about the cats. So how come the last half of the pictures are all scenes from Istanbul with no cats in them. The pictures are great! But the title should read something like "I photographed Istanbul's residents..including some very cuddly cats."

orinlouis avatar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Haha you're right! Come for the kitties, get a little extra for free -- what value! 😁😁😁

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beyza_colak07 avatar
Beyza Çolak
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My lovely country and beautiful cats . Thanks for sharing , I felt very happy.

severedreflections avatar
Valerie Fawn
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love this post, the interaction with the cats is wonderful. CUDDLE BUDDIES MADE ME GO AWWWWW out loud at work hahaha. Your doppelganger pics were pretty cool too!

karenbs333 avatar
Karen Anspach
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In which market did you meet your clone? The Spice Market, a smaller local market? Noting the location might help in your search.

lynnhussey avatar
Lynn Hussey
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I Love this !!!!! You are a wonderful soul; it's obvious from the way you are with the cats..thanks for sharing this!

ez4live avatar
Ez A Ramli
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

oh mannnnn cats.. is life..hur hur..but ur doppleganger.. shoulda say something leave a number anything cos a gojek motorist in indonesia recently went viral with a big surprise cos he picked a passenger n they were dopplegangers!!!!!!!!

jacqueline-conway-37 avatar
Jacqueline Conway
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a lovely reflection on Turkish people, that they are so kind to cats 🐾😻👍🏽

oij98329ff33fjwq33 avatar
Blaeloch
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love how kind and thoughtful they are to not just the felines but all the stray animals. Ever since I saw the documentary "Kedi" I thought how nice it would be to live there. Such kind people.

bilje09 avatar
Bepina
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

nice pics - the last ones with your "lost twin" are great!!

tljb1 avatar
Lee from Phoenix
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bet the two in the first few pictures are siblings! We have had 2 unrelated cats for most of the 32 years we've been married, but never had any that would cuddle until we adopted a mom cat and 2 of her tiny kittens in 2011. Eight years later and they still cuddle.

carressa00 avatar
Noel Bovae
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This post made me smile (which is rare for me when reading things on the internet..as it's usually overflowing with selfishness, hatred, and greed.)

brianflower avatar
brian flower
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lovely photos, lovely cats, it’s really great that the people look after them !

brianflower avatar
brian flower
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lovely article ! Yes cats are extremely independent, they will not pose for anyone unless it’s of their free will . I love these photos, very unusual !

eaglegirl36 avatar
Eagle Girl
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love this story & pix! You must update if doppelganger identified! Btw, you can tell us..how many did you smuggle home lol

kkittywidget avatar
Karen Klinck
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm told Cairo is the same. Cats everywhere. And if you want a seat in acafe,you have to negotiate. And In Rome, the strays live in the sanctioned ruins, have caretakers,and laws to protect them. Rumor says you can arrange to adopt the Rome cats, both long distance where they stay there, or be able to take one home.

michelle_52 avatar
Michelle-Michal Korn
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, I'm in awe of the Turks. I sooo want to visit & I just don't have the money to go, plus I'm a smidgen nervous going on my own. I am in Israel right now, & some people here actually YELL at me when I feed the cats. One woman even threatened to call the police. I know they are abused here although I haven't actually seen it. I think it's only me & the Russians here who feed the cats. Out of ALL of the cats I have fed or wanted to pet, only 2-3 have let me, & there are TONS of strays here. They have had a stray problem for decades. Even when I give them food they never trust me. It's so sad.

amaranthim_talon avatar
Amaranthim Talon
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think I have discovered I am actually Istanbulian? Is that even a word? Point is- these people love their kittehs!! So much happier for my day now

carol_pendrey avatar
Carol Pendrey
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ahhh bless - love cats and I would take them all home if I was there!

maryl115 avatar
Mary Dellenbusch
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just love cats! This breaks my heart to know many have no permanently forever homes....And yet I'm happy to see a area where they are loved and cared for. I know not everywhere in this country they are loved. Yet, that goes for every country worldwide. Thank you to those that are loving these kids and I love the cafes where the kids can sleep in peace! Just beautiful!

hilarysable avatar
Hilary Sable
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yes, cats everywhere.. look beneath the pretty pictures and you'll see lives full of hunger, cold, illness, perpetual breeding, poisonings, and traffic accidents where the animals are just left to die.... if you want to help us to help these poor animals, please join www.facebook.com/groups/cihangircoolforcats. we're a rescue group serving Istanbul and Turkey and we've been helping homeless cats and dogs since 2011... thank you.

marytbauer avatar
Mary Bauer
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonderful pictures! I also am a big traveller (American living in Barcelona) and hesitant to have a dog or cat permanently for the same reason, although I have fostered stray cats from a local shelter... I LOVED this documentary called Kedi precisely about the stray cats of Istanbul... Have you seen it? I so wish Barcelona had a rampant stray cat population that was well treated so one or two could wander onto my terrace! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKq7UqplcL8

marytbauer avatar
Mary Bauer
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great pictures! I also am a big traveller (American living in Barcelona) and hesitant to have a dog or cat permanently for the same reason, although I have fostered stray cats from a local shelter... I LOVED this documentary called Kedi precisely about the stray cats of Istanbul... Have you seen it? I so wish Barcelona had a rampant stray cat population that was well treated so one or two could wander onto my terrace! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKq7UqplcL8

suzyweinstein avatar
Venice Suzy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

stray cats are not feral cats - these guys need a home; take them home or find them a home

janinesteam avatar
Janine B.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They have a really purrfect live in Istanbul. I recommend to watch "Kedi". :)

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mehmetakbulut avatar
Mehmet Akbulut
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated 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 :))

nora-jordan avatar
NoJo
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated 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.

janinesteam avatar
Janine B.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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summerlandgirl805 avatar
Wendy Sanders
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated 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.

mrkette avatar
Mary Rose Kent
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated 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_7 avatar
Susann Campbell
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated 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.

3i7iws avatar
Paw Paw
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated 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 avatar
Frisco Nobilly
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

orinlouis avatar
brenda_v_linden avatar
ForkNBeans
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated 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'!

kittakat avatar
Kitta Kat
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated 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. ❤️

orinlouis avatar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated 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.

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tamerahalong avatar
Tamerah Long
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love that eating around that gorgeous kitty in the cafe made you "happy inside". Thanks for sharing and making me "happy inside" :)

sbagci avatar
THEPS
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cats rule ! I have two of my own and I feed half a dozen strays.

smpietzka avatar
Bumble
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I share your experience. Istanbul is such an amazing place and I saw so many incredible sights and met the friendliest people. When I returned home, I was going through my pictures and found they were mostly of cats. They are literally everywhere and I obviously couldn't resist snapping each and every one.

rich_mccormick avatar
Rich McCormick
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a lovely article. Thank you for sharing your photo's. I'm allergic to cats horribly so I enjoy stuff like this 'cause it's the closest I can get to them! HUGS

sassybooie avatar
Meeow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That sunset is stunning!! And this guy always feeding the stray cats around the same area, check him out: https://www.youtube.com/user/summertimeinturkey/videos

orinlouis avatar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you! I do love feeding stray cats, but that isn't my channel. 😂

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twilightprincess_1 avatar
Twilight Princess
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg you are just adorable ♡ my heart completely melted seeing how much you love cats!! 😍😍 and i feel so jeleaous! I would LOVE to go to Istanbul to find all these strays just to give them a cuddle! Thank you for sharing this story and your pictures, greatly appreciated!! (And - i love how you also found your clone 😂 you look like you could be twins. Or the same person.) All my love for you, mr traveler, you have a warm heart i wish more people had !

cjucz22 avatar
Christina Uhlir
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nice pictures. If you want to stop animal suffering, spay or neuter them.

mrkette avatar
Mary Rose Kent
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Singapore has a spay/neuter program for strays—if you see a cat with a weird slant on one of its ears, it means it was fixed and released, and the ear received a small as a signal to the cat crew.

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Jennifer C.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely loved this post! Thank you for sharing! Also love that you're a Californian... me too! Best wishes on your next adventures.... (read: post more pics!) :D

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Riz Leslie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is adorable. I love how the people of Turkey take care of these beautiful animals. And I see cats cuddling like this everyday. 5 strays come to sleep and hang out in my backyard everyday and they all cuddle with each other. Literally one on top of the other. I have photos but they’re magnified so not as great quality as these. I take them from my bedroom window because one of them is really jittery and I don’t want to disturb her lol.

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Symtpom
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

when am i gonna get a girl who can cuddle me like this

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Russian Otaku
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love this post. It's pretty cool and says more then you think. That cats are OK at the tables and people are too speaks volumes for how both parties are used to each other. This is pretty cool

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fruit_panda
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my favorite memories of Istanbul is of a stray dog near Hagia Sofia. He jumped up and snatched my scarf off me, then gleefully pranced around with it while I chased him. Clever pup used me for his evening's entertainment

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Jovy Jergens
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am soaking up the love like a sponge. In fact, I am soggy with joy!

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Catherine Bernadette
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Turkish delights! I think the cats collectively dreamed of your arrival.🐈🐅🐱

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LauraLee Baker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonderful post, and love the kitties and love the author! Thank you for this! And I hope you can communicate one day with your doppelganger!

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orinlouis avatar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Haha people everyday tell me I look like Johnny Sins...but so far otherwise, this is my only claim to fame!

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Tahani
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would adopt ALL OF THE CATS... ok wouldn't work but you get my drift....

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Alusair Alustriel
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I heard Istanbul really respects and likes their stray cats and they are quite happy there. Hope it's true :)

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Snowy Tundra
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Orin, these photos and your article made me put Istanbul on my countries to see bucket list. Thanks so much for sharing your adventures there. I probably wouldn't be able to get out and explore more of Turkey without a lot of coaxing. I have a young friend who lived at the airbase when her husband was stationed there. She didn't mention the street cats, but I don't know how often she visited Istanbul.

orinlouis avatar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do it! So many cats and they all 100% are friendly, as are the people, too! It's real!

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sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for your photos, all the cats are adorable, I have two rescued that I so love, but I do know cats don't let you put them in a stage, I take many photos of them but miss some as they move too much, I do wonder about the cats that are free, no concern about too many, or disease , also, you could think about a companion to travel with, ask a vet for information, if you have their shots with certificate, just a thought, happy travels, from Canada !!!

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Toni Tangents
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I believe (if I'm not mistaken,) that two cats will only usually cuddle each other if they are sibblings, that grew up together. Adorable!!!

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ForkNBeans
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've often wondered about that. I have a friend with two sibs and they cuddle all the time. I, on the other hand, have six rescues adopted at different times, and none of them cuddle. Some don't even like the others. Still, I don't give up keeping the loving vibes going...I figure one day, ONE DAY, they'll start to warm to each other!

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orinlouis avatar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hahaha bet you weren't expecting a celebrity cat photographer to shoot your wedding, huh? 😂 So much added value!

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Carol Emory
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought this thread was supposed to be all about the cats. So how come the last half of the pictures are all scenes from Istanbul with no cats in them. The pictures are great! But the title should read something like "I photographed Istanbul's residents..including some very cuddly cats."

orinlouis avatar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Haha you're right! Come for the kitties, get a little extra for free -- what value! 😁😁😁

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Beyza Çolak
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My lovely country and beautiful cats . Thanks for sharing , I felt very happy.

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Valerie Fawn
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love this post, the interaction with the cats is wonderful. CUDDLE BUDDIES MADE ME GO AWWWWW out loud at work hahaha. Your doppelganger pics were pretty cool too!

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Karen Anspach
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In which market did you meet your clone? The Spice Market, a smaller local market? Noting the location might help in your search.

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Lynn Hussey
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I Love this !!!!! You are a wonderful soul; it's obvious from the way you are with the cats..thanks for sharing this!

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Ez A Ramli
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

oh mannnnn cats.. is life..hur hur..but ur doppleganger.. shoulda say something leave a number anything cos a gojek motorist in indonesia recently went viral with a big surprise cos he picked a passenger n they were dopplegangers!!!!!!!!

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Jacqueline Conway
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a lovely reflection on Turkish people, that they are so kind to cats 🐾😻👍🏽

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Blaeloch
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love how kind and thoughtful they are to not just the felines but all the stray animals. Ever since I saw the documentary "Kedi" I thought how nice it would be to live there. Such kind people.

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Bepina
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

nice pics - the last ones with your "lost twin" are great!!

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Lee from Phoenix
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bet the two in the first few pictures are siblings! We have had 2 unrelated cats for most of the 32 years we've been married, but never had any that would cuddle until we adopted a mom cat and 2 of her tiny kittens in 2011. Eight years later and they still cuddle.

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Noel Bovae
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This post made me smile (which is rare for me when reading things on the internet..as it's usually overflowing with selfishness, hatred, and greed.)

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brian flower
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lovely photos, lovely cats, it’s really great that the people look after them !

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brian flower
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lovely article ! Yes cats are extremely independent, they will not pose for anyone unless it’s of their free will . I love these photos, very unusual !

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Eagle Girl
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love this story & pix! You must update if doppelganger identified! Btw, you can tell us..how many did you smuggle home lol

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Karen Klinck
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm told Cairo is the same. Cats everywhere. And if you want a seat in acafe,you have to negotiate. And In Rome, the strays live in the sanctioned ruins, have caretakers,and laws to protect them. Rumor says you can arrange to adopt the Rome cats, both long distance where they stay there, or be able to take one home.

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Michelle-Michal Korn
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, I'm in awe of the Turks. I sooo want to visit & I just don't have the money to go, plus I'm a smidgen nervous going on my own. I am in Israel right now, & some people here actually YELL at me when I feed the cats. One woman even threatened to call the police. I know they are abused here although I haven't actually seen it. I think it's only me & the Russians here who feed the cats. Out of ALL of the cats I have fed or wanted to pet, only 2-3 have let me, & there are TONS of strays here. They have had a stray problem for decades. Even when I give them food they never trust me. It's so sad.

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Amaranthim Talon
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think I have discovered I am actually Istanbulian? Is that even a word? Point is- these people love their kittehs!! So much happier for my day now

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Carol Pendrey
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ahhh bless - love cats and I would take them all home if I was there!

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Mary Dellenbusch
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just love cats! This breaks my heart to know many have no permanently forever homes....And yet I'm happy to see a area where they are loved and cared for. I know not everywhere in this country they are loved. Yet, that goes for every country worldwide. Thank you to those that are loving these kids and I love the cafes where the kids can sleep in peace! Just beautiful!

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Hilary Sable
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yes, cats everywhere.. look beneath the pretty pictures and you'll see lives full of hunger, cold, illness, perpetual breeding, poisonings, and traffic accidents where the animals are just left to die.... if you want to help us to help these poor animals, please join www.facebook.com/groups/cihangircoolforcats. we're a rescue group serving Istanbul and Turkey and we've been helping homeless cats and dogs since 2011... thank you.

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Mary Bauer
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonderful pictures! I also am a big traveller (American living in Barcelona) and hesitant to have a dog or cat permanently for the same reason, although I have fostered stray cats from a local shelter... I LOVED this documentary called Kedi precisely about the stray cats of Istanbul... Have you seen it? I so wish Barcelona had a rampant stray cat population that was well treated so one or two could wander onto my terrace! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKq7UqplcL8

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Mary Bauer
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great pictures! I also am a big traveller (American living in Barcelona) and hesitant to have a dog or cat permanently for the same reason, although I have fostered stray cats from a local shelter... I LOVED this documentary called Kedi precisely about the stray cats of Istanbul... Have you seen it? I so wish Barcelona had a rampant stray cat population that was well treated so one or two could wander onto my terrace! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKq7UqplcL8

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Venice Suzy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

stray cats are not feral cats - these guys need a home; take them home or find them a home

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

They have a really purrfect live in Istanbul. I recommend to watch "Kedi". :)

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