Do hotels in Turkey have cats, and are they allowed on tables?

The number of cats varies significantly between hotels. Some properties have cats everywhere, while others have very few — they exist but rarely appear and stay out of the way.

In some hotels, cats live in hidden spots and are rarely seen by guests — for example, a cat with kittens may shelter near one of the buildings without venturing out. Unlike other hotels, there may be no dedicated feeding stations or water bowls on the grounds.

Many large Turkish hotels formally care for their cats: they build dedicated cat shelters (Kedievi), and chip, vaccinate, and sterilize the animals. This is practiced even at 5-star all-inclusive properties. Turkish law (Law No. 5199) protects animals and imposes serious penalties for mistreatment.

Cats in Turkish hotels are the norm, not the exception. If hygiene is a concern, check reviews for the specific hotel — in most places cats roam the grounds but stay off dining tables.

Cats were never seen on the tables throughout the stay. They are present on the hotel grounds, as is typical across Turkey, but behave calmly.

In some hotels, the large number of cats reflects the owner's personal philosophy — encouraging kindness toward animals, so cats coexist freely with guests. Staff advise not to pet or disturb them unnecessarily.

Cats on tables are the exception, not the rule — this tends to appear in negative reviews. Before booking, check recent reviews on booking platforms to get an accurate picture of a specific hotel.