Istanbul's "Traveling Cat" Now Explores the City with a Kitten
Istanbul’s “Traveling Cat” Now Explores the City with a Kitten
In Istanbul, the famous cat named Reis has been delighting locals and tourists for nearly four years, traveling around the city perched on the shoulder of his owner, fitness trainer Hakan Emrah. The duo regularly visits iconic spots such as the Maiden’s Tower, Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet, and Taksim Square.
🐈⬛ a little companion: Pera
Now, Reis has a companion: his seven-month-old daughter, Pera. The little kitten started with short walks and gradually adapted to the crowds and street life, learning from her confident father. While Reis calmly sits on the shoulder for hours—sometimes even napping—Pera is more curious, occasionally preferring to explore on the ground or stay in her owner’s hands.
🐾 two generations, two styles
- Reis (father) – calm shoulder rider, naps for hours, hates rainy days
- Pera (daughter, 7 months) – curious explorer, sometimes on ground, learning from dad
“Reis feels safe on my shoulder. If it rains and we can't go out, he gets upset. It’s all about trust — they are family.”
— Hakan Emrah, fitness trainer and cat dad
According to Emrah, the secret is trust and treating animals as family members—when this bond exists, pets naturally behave calmly. Today, he also spends several hours each day caring for Istanbul’s stray cats.
