Stray Cats and Kittens Are Welcomed Inside the Mosque for Warmth and Shelter

Istanbul, Turkey, is known for its huge stray cat population, which roams freely across the city. Turkey’s winters may be bitterly cold, making it difficult for the small fur newborn cats to survive. Imam Mustafa Efe is best known for leading prayers at his Istanbul-based mosque, but he’s also a dedicated animal lover, as the world is discovering.

Imam Efe welcomed the many stray cats and kittens that prowl Istanbul’s streets inside his mosque. He hopes that the feline “guests” (as he refers to them) would feel welcome and secure in his mosque.

Many stray animals prefer to attend Imam Efe’s sermons as a show of gratitude to the man who has given them a home.