Let's start our feline journey with a place that is truly at the heart of helping Istanbul's cats - the Ali Bey shelter. Located in the Beyoğlu district, this place is a true sanctuary for homeless quadrupeds and a must-see for any cat lover visiting Istanbul.

Ali Bey Cat Shelter is not just an ordinary shelter, but a real institution, run with extraordinary passion and dedication by Ali Bey himself - an elderly man who has dedicated his life to caring for cats. The shelter cares for more than a hundred cats, providing them not only with a roof over their heads, but above all with love and care.

Visitors to the shelter have a unique opportunity not only to see how this unique place functions, but also to get directly involved in helping. You can spend time stroking and playing with the cats, which is not only enjoyable for you, but also extremely important for the socialization of the animals. Remember, however, to respect the cats' space and not force them to interact if they don't want to.

What sets Ali Bey Cat Shelter apart? First and foremost, the extraordinary commitment of the caretakers. Ali Bey personally cares for each cat, knowing their stories and needs. The shelter is clean, well organized and you can see that the cats are happy here. This place shows how much of a difference one person with passion and dedication can make.

If you plan to visit, consider bringing donations for the cats - food, toys or blankets. Any help is welcome and contributes to improving the lives of these lovely creatures. Remember, too, that the shelter relies mainly on donations, so even a small financial contribution can make a huge difference.

It's worth noting that admission to the shelter is free, making it a great option for frugal travelers. It's the perfect place to start your feline tour of Istanbul, learn about the local approach to animal care and maybe even consider adopting a new furry friend!

Remember, the Ali Bey shelter is not just a tourist attraction, but more importantly a place where cats' lives are saved. Your visit and support can make a real difference in the fate of these animals. It's an experience that will stay in your memory and heart for a long time.

Continuing our cat adventure in Istanbul, we can't leave out two unique places that combine education, entertainment and of course - lots of cats! We are talking about Cat Museum Istanbul and Real cat park.

Let's start with Cat Museum Istanbul, a unique place that will delight both cat lovers and art enthusiasts. Located in the heart of the historic Beyoğlu district, near the famous Galata Tower, the museum is a real gem on the map of Istanbul. Interestingly, admission to the museum is free, making it an ideal destination for frugal travelers.

The Cat Museum is not just an exhibition of paintings and exhibits related to cats. It's a place where history and culture meet the modern love of these animals. Here you will find fascinating exhibits showing the importance of cats in Turkish and Egyptian culture, as well as contemporary artworks inspired by these adorable creatures. A special highlight is the educational video, which presents the role of cats in history and culture in an accessible way.

But that's not all - the museum is also home to several cats, who freely stroll through the exhibition halls, adding an authentic feline touch to the place. You can even meet a unique mosaic cat here, a real attraction for visitors!

Moving on to the Real cat park, you are transported to another dimension of Istanbul's cat world. This park, located in the Şişli district, is a true paradise for cats and their lovers. Unlike typical city parks, the Real cat park was specifically designed with cats in mind and offers them a safe space to live and play.

What makes Real cat park unique? First of all, the large number of cats that roam freely on the grounds. Here you can meet cats of different characters and ages - from rambunctious kittens to dignified older individuals. The park is well-maintained and the cats are taken care of thanks to the efforts of the local community and volunteers.

It's worth noting that the park offers more than just cat-watching opportunities. It's also a great place to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here you can sit on a bench, enjoy the peace and quiet and watch the feline community in action. It's the perfect place for a picnic or a quiet afternoon with a book in the company of your purring friends.

Both Cat Museum Istanbul and Real cat park offer unique experiences that are also wallet-friendly. These are excellent options for those looking for budget attractions in Istanbul. Keep in mind, however, that while admission to these places is free or inexpensive, consider leaving a donation or purchasing a souvenir to support these wonderful initiatives.

By visiting these places, you'll not only have a nice time, but you'll also be contributing to supporting local efforts to benefit cats. It's the perfect way to combine pleasure with utility during your trip to Istanbul!

At the end of our cat tour of Istanbul, we invite you to take a stroll along the coast and through the picturesque backstreets of the city, where two remarkable places await you: Cat Coast and Cat stairs. These locations offer not only beautiful views, but most importantly, unforgettable encounters with the city's feline residents.

Let's start with Cat Coast, a picturesque stretch of coastline in the Fatih district. This is a place where you can combine the pleasure of walking along the Bosporus with observing cats in their natural urban environment. The Cat Coast is not only a beautiful view of the strait, but more importantly, it is home to many cats that have taken a liking to the place.

Walking along the Cat Coast, you can see cats basking in the sun, playing on the beaches or watching the movement of ships on the Bosphorus. It's the perfect place for a long, relaxing walk where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the company of four-legged animals. However, remember to be cautious and respectful of cats - they are accustomed to the presence of humans, but still remain wild animals.

Interestingly, on the Cat Coast you can meet not only cats, but also other animals - some visitors even mention seagulls resting together with cats! This shows how harmoniously different species can coexist in an urban environment.

Let's now move on to another unusual place - Cat stairs. These distinctive stairs, located in the Fatih district, have become a true symbol of feline Istanbul. Although the name itself suggests the presence of many cats, the reality may be a bit different - the number of cats on the stairs may change depending on the time of day or the weather.

The Cat Stairs is not only a meeting place for cats, but also a vantage point offering a beautiful panorama of the city. The stairs are part of the historic district, which adds to their charm. Walking on them, you can feel the real atmosphere of old Istanbul and at the same time have a chance to have a close encounter with local cats.

It is worth noting that both the Cat Coast and Cat stairs are public places, accessible for free. This makes them ideal for frugal travelers who want to experience Istanbul's feline charm without straining their budget.

When visiting these places, remember a few important rules:

1. respect the cats' space - don't try to catch them or force them to interact.

2. If you want to feed the cats, use the right food - it's best to consult locals on what is best.

3. Be careful, especially on stairs - they can be steep and slippery.
4. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially on the coast.

Cat Coast and Cat stairs are places that show how harmoniously cats coexist with residents and tourists in Istanbul. They are excellent spots to end your feline adventure in this fascinating city. They offer not only a chance to meet cats, but also a chance to experience the authentic daily life of Istanbul.

Remember, each visit to these places is not only a tourist attraction, but also an opportunity to better understand the culture and attitude towards animals in Turkey. Enjoy these unique experiences while contributing to the protection and welfare of Istanbul's cats!