Volunteer Care Network in Cihangir Park:
The Local Ecology of Human–Animal Relations
ilke ünlü
Kedi Evi was initially established as a feeding point on the stairs and later, in 2017, became the current Kedi Evi. The Kedi Evi consists of three structures:
The first is dedicated to the care of sick and young cats.
The litter boxes are located in front of firat structure.
The second was designed as a playhouse, but is now used as a storage area.
The third functions both as a storage space and feeding station.
Dog owners visiting the park leave food for the cats. The food is not distributed in an organized manner, and food containers are not used. It is usually left in disposable containers such as yogurt cups or scattered around the park. While locals may leave food, the main caretakers are real animal lovers ,i.e., Levent Bey and Asena Hanım.
Some dogs are cared for by local animal lover Özlem. Özlem Hanım owns a pet hotel called Pet Chalet. The hotel does not have cages; it provides a home-like environment with spaces where animals can feel comfortable. Özlem Hanım is also actively involved in the adoption of street animals.
In the neutering process, Taci Bey helps the community. However, Levent Bey noted that although Taci Bey had worked at Kedi Evi years ago, they parted ways when he realized he was doing the work for visibility rather than attending to the real needs of the cats.
Pati Park was established as a play area for dogs.
Chaos caused by dogs gathering together led to damage; screws loosened and boards became unsafe. For the safety of the dogs, the area was removed one year later.
Beyoğlu Belediyesi attended the openings of Kedi Evi and Pati Park but did not provide significant support afterward. Currently, the municipality only collects general trash. Cats sent to the municipality for neutering are sometimes released too early, putting them at risk of infection; therefore, Levent Bey avoids taking cats to municipal veterinarians unless
Owners are responsible for cleaning the park, and an informational sign regarding this responsibility is displayed.
Levent Bey has been caring for street cats for approximately ten years and distributes food daily along a route extending to Gümüşsuyu.
The expenses of Kedi Evi are covered by Levent Bey and Asena Hanım:
Levent Bey supports it through Airbnb income, while Asena Hanım contributes from jam sales and lead-pouring events. At her events, instead of taking money, she requests donations in the form of cat food.
Asena Hanım comes to Kedi Evi every day around 3 PM, spends approximately three hours caring for the cats, administers their medications, and is responsible for cleaning and organizing the Kedi Evi.
People attempt to leave their cats at Kedi Evi because they know cats are cared for there.
There are about 15 resident cats at Kedi Evi, but visiting cats also come and go.
Pregnant cats also prefer Kedi Evi as a place to give birth.
Initially, more cats were accepted, but when a cat with a virus infected others, many cats died. After this incident, it became a requirement that cats be tested and neutered by a private veterinarian before being left at Kedi Evi.
Yellow kitten was found very small, placed inside a chocolate box with only a few small air holes. He is now being cared in Kedi Evi.
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