For nearly a decade, I have been dedicated to rescuing, feeding, and providing medical care to stray cats and dogs in Bahçeköy, Istanbul. My efforts began in 2015 after I unknowingly rescued a pregnant stray cat who frequently visited my office at Boğaziçi University. This experience opened my eyes to the harsh reality of life for street animals and inspired me to take action.
The Scope of My Efforts
- Caring for over 100 stray cats: Around 40-50 cats stay permanently at a shelter near Belgrad Forest, while others come to eat and leave.
- Providing food, water, and shelter: I ensure that the cats and dogs in my care have access to food daily, including during harsh winters. The shelter has a heated section to keep the animals warm.
- Helping stray dogs: In addition to cats, I care for several stray dogs, providing food, medical care, and a safe place to stay.
Spay/Neuter, Medical Care, and Disease Prevention
- TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return): I implement spay/neuter programs to humanely control the stray animal population.
- Medical treatment: I take sick or injured animals to the vet for treatment.
- Deworming and flea treatments: Regular deworming and defleaing ensure the animals stay healthy.
- Vaccinations: Whenever possible, I vaccinate the cats and dogs to protect them from diseases.
Shelter and Winter Protection
A generous landlord allowed me to use one of her properties near Belgrad Forest as a shelter. I cover all expenses, including medical bills, food, and maintenance. The shelter provides a safe, warm environment where the animals can recover and live with dignity.
A large portion of my personal income (my salary) goes to street animals. I receive some support from Patreon and Buy Me a Coffee. I’m very grateful to my supporters! But as I said, I personally cover most of the expenses.
Greg LeMond once responded to an interviewer who suggested that, with his experience, racing might not be as difficult for him anymore by saying: ‘It never gets any easier, you just go faster.’
The same applies to helping street animals: ‘It never gets any easier financially, you just help more animals.’
Recognition in Newsweek
My rescue efforts were recognized by Newsweek in the article titled “Man Unwittingly Rescues Pregnant Cat – Winds Up Taking Care of 100 Strays.”
The article highlights how my small act of kindness grew into a lifelong mission to care for Istanbul’s stray animals.
A Never-Ending Effort
The problem of stray animals in Istanbul is enormous, and while many people help, the issue is far from over. I continue to dedicate my time and resources to reducing their suffering, ensuring they are fed, healthy, and safe.
Every cat and dog I help is a life saved. My mission is not just about rescuing animals – it’s about giving them a chance to live with dignity.
You can join me on Patreon if you’d like to support my mission to feed, spay/neuter, treat, and protect street animals. For as little as $5 a month, you can help provide five days of food for a cat or feed five cats for a day. If you don’t use Patreon, I also have a Buy Me A Coffee account. Of course, you won’t buy me a coffee, you will buy food for stray animals! Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference in the lives of these furry friends. Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity!
My cat rescue efforts were also featured in:
- The Dodo: Cyclist Finds A Stranded Kitten – And Carries Her To Safety In His Shirt
- Love Meow: Abandoned Kitten Ran Up to Cyclist for Help – He Couldn’t Leave Her
- Getty Images: Caring Cyclist Carries Orphaned Kitten 30 Kilometers
- Yahoo! News: Caring Cyclist Carries Orphaned Kitten 30 Kilometers
- Cats.com: The Cyclist Who Saved A Kitten And Carries Her To Safety In His Shirt
