Istanbul's Cat Cafes: 5 exceptional places on the Bosphorus

Istanbul's Cat Cafes: 5 exceptional places on the Bosphorus

June 11, 2025

Istanbul, a city spanning two continents, has for centuries been famous for its extraordinary atmosphere, rich history and... cats. These adorable quadrupeds are an integral part of the cityscape, and in recent years they have also inspired an unusual trend - cat cafes. In this article, we'll take you on a tour of five unique places along the Bosporus where you can enjoy delicious Turkish coffee and treats in the company of your purring friends. Each of these cafes offers a unique experience, combining traditional hospitality with a love of cats. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary and feline adventure in the heart of Istanbul!

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Çat Cafe and Cafe Naftalin K - two faces of cat hospitality

Start our journey with Çat Cafe, located in the Fatih district. This place, although simple in design, exudes an authentic local character. Run by Necati's brother, who took over from his late father, Çat Cafe offers a quiet atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist districts. The coffee served here may not be state-of-the-art, but it is certainly prepared with heart and tradition. This is the perfect place for those looking for a true non-tourist experience in Istanbul.

In contrast to the simplicity of Çat Cafe, Cafe Naftalin K in the Balat district impresses with its unique decor and atmosphere. This place has been recognized by many as the 'most charming place' in the area. The interior of the cafe is full of character, with a unique atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists. The cats are the real hosts here, welcoming guests and making their coffee time more pleasant.

Cafe Naftalin K is famous for its St. Sebastian cheesecake with raspberries, which is a must-try for all visitors. However, it's worth noting that visitor opinions are sometimes divided. Some praise the amazing atmosphere and cat-like ambience, while others point out minor shortcomings in service or drink preparation. Prices at Cafe Naftalin K are moderate, making them accessible to a wide range of guests.

Comparing the two places, Çat Cafe offers a more authentic, local experience, ideal for those who want to get a real feel for Istanbul's neighborhoods. Café Naftalin K, on the other hand, attracts with its unique decor and greater menu variety, which may be more appealing to tourists looking for 'instagram' places. What both establishments have in common, however, is a love of cats and hospitality typical of Turkish culture.

It's worth noting the differences in guest reviews. While Çat Cafe has a higher average rating (4.8), Cafe Naftalin K (4.4) receives more mixed reviews. This may suggest that Çat Cafe offers a more consistent experience, while at Cafe Naftalin K the quality of service may be variable.

Regardless of your choice, both cafes offer a unique glimpse into Istanbul's feline culture and are a great place to start your adventure into Turkish flavors and hospitality.

Fatcat Moda and Cat Cafe Petshop - modernity meets tradition

Let's now move to the Asian side of Istanbul, to the trendy Kadıköy neighborhood, where Fatcat Moda is located. This cafe stands out from the rest, combining a modern approach to coffee with a love of cats. Fatcat Moda is famous for its excellent quality coffee, prepared with extreme care. Each cup is a small work of art, appreciated by true coffee drinkers.

The atmosphere at Fatcat Moda is lively and energetic. The café often holds events combining music and coffee, which attracts a crowd of good taste and culture lovers. It's the perfect place for young, creative souls looking for inspiration and the company of both humans and cats. Prices are moderate, making Fatcat Moda accessible to a wide range of customers.

However, the popularity of the place comes at a price. During busy periods, the staff can be overwhelmed by the number of customers, sometimes leading to minor shortcomings in service. Still, most guests agree that the quality of the coffee and the unique atmosphere compensate for these inconveniences.

Moving back to the European side of Istanbul, we discover Cat Cafe Petshop in the Şişli district. This place combines the functions of a cafe and a pet store, making it unique on the city's map of cat cafes. Cat Cafe Petshop stands out for its cleanliness and friendly atmosphere, which is often highlighted in visitor reviews.

The owner of Cat Cafe Petshop is known for his concern for his customers and pets. His passion for his work is evident in every aspect of the cafe's operations. While the product assortment may not be as wide as in larger pet stores, the quality of service and atmosphere of the place more than make up for it.

Comparing Fatcat Moda and Cat Cafe Petshop, we see two different approaches to the cat cafe concept. Fatcat Moda focuses on modernity, high quality coffee and a dynamic atmosphere, while Cat Cafe Petshop offers a more intimate, quiet experience combined with the opportunity to purchase pet products.

In terms of ratings, Fatcat Moda (4.5) is slightly ahead of Cat Cafe Petshop (4.2), which may suggest that guests appreciate the modern approach and high quality coffee more. However, both cafes have their loyal fans and offer unique experiences.

The differences in location are worth noting. Fatcat Moda, located in the trendy Kadıköy district, may attract a more cosmopolitan clientele, while Cat Cafe Petshop in Şişli may be more appealing to locals and animal lovers.

Regardless of the choice, both Fatcat Moda and Cat Cafe Petshop offer unique insights into Istanbul's feline culture, blending tradition with modernity and providing an unforgettable experience for cat and coffee lovers.

Mitara Cafe & Art - an artistic gem among cat cafes

To conclude our tour of Istanbul's cat cafes, we will visit a unique place - Mitara Cafe & Art. This cafe, located in the historic Fatih district near the Little Hagia Sophia, offers more than just coffee and the company of cats. It is a true oasis of art and culinary experience that delights not only animal lovers, but also foodies and art enthusiasts.

Mitara Cafe & Art stands out from other cat cafes in Istanbul with its unique combination of cuisine, art and pet-friendly atmosphere. The interior of the cafe is decorated in a rustic, homey style, with decorations in earthy tones, which creates a cozy and warm atmosphere. It's not just a place to enjoy coffee in the company of cats, but a real home away from home.

One of the main strengths of Mitara Cafe & Art is its menu. The cafe is famous for its excellent Turkish cuisine, prepared with attention to traditional flavors and techniques. Guests especially praise vegetarian dishes, such as Imambayildi (stuffed eggplant), and meat dishes, such as slow-cooked beef. This makes Mitara Cafe & Art an ideal place not only for coffee, but also for a wholesome lunch or dinner.

What sets Mitara Cafe & Art apart from other cat cafes is the presence of not only cats, but also dogs. The owner's pets roam freely around the cafe, creating a truly homey atmosphere. This makes the place especially appealing to families with children and people who miss the company of animals when traveling.

Mitara Cafe & Art also offers a space for artists. Guests can watch the creative process as the owner or other artists paint pictures right in the cafe. This adds a uniquely Bohemian touch to the place and can make any visit an inspiring experience.

When it comes to pricing, Mitara Cafe & Art ranks in the affordable category, which is especially appealing given the quality of the food served and the unique atmosphere. This makes the cafe accessible to a wide range of guests, from backpackers to families with children.

When comparing Mitara Cafe & Art with the other cafes discussed earlier, it is clear that it offers the most comprehensive experience. While Çat Cafe and Cafe Naftalin K focus mainly on coffee and cats, and Fatcat Moda stands out for its modern approach to coffee, Mitara Cafe & Art combines elements of traditional Turkish cuisine, art and a pet-friendly atmosphere.

With a rating of 4.7, Mitara Cafe & Art enjoys one of the highest ratings among the cafes in question, indicating a high level of guest satisfaction. Reviews emphasize not only the quality of the food and coffee, but also the exceptional atmosphere and hospitality of the owner.

In summary, Mitara Cafe & Art is more than a cat cafe - it's a place where art, culinary and love of animals come together to create an unforgettable experience. It's the perfect place for those looking for an authentic, multi-dimensional experience in the heart of Istanbul, combining the best of Turkish hospitality, cuisine and culture.

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