Pet of the Week, September 18, 2026

Meet the Cats of Greece and Turkey. This week's Special Edition PCJ Pet of the Week.

**Sitting atop an ancient ruin, surveying the crowd at the ruins of Ephesus Turkey, this cat is right at home.** *Photo by Mike Corkren*

When traveling in Greece or Turkey you can't help but notice all the cats. Cats are everywhere, in the city, in the country, even living among ancient ruins. At first you might feel sorry for the animals, running wild, with no home. But after talking with both Greek and Turkish citizens you'll learn the cats hold a special place in their hearts. You will see them lounging around the city, seemingly content with their place in society. Some go from restaurant to restaurant, causally waiting to be fed. Some cats have been named and the name changes from business to business.

The cats are fed, given water and medical care by the public. Tavern owners, locals and tourists regularly leave out food, fresh water, and makeshift shelters for the felines. In Turkey, our guide told us under Turkish law it is illegal to harm, mistreat, or kill them under the country's animal protection laws. There are many local governments that provide free care for wild cats and dogs.

**The cats in Rhodes, Greece are very relaxed.** *Photo by Dianne Quadros.*

**On the island of Mykonos Greece they have kitty hotels and restaurants.** *Photo by Mike Corkren*

In the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Turkey, there is a very famous Turkish cat. Resting alongside a street where once Cleopatra and Mark Antony walked, was a large orange tabby dubbed the Garfield of Ephesus. The Garfield of Ephesus has over 14,000 Instagram followers.

( https://www.instagram.com/garfield_of_ephesus/?hl=en )

**The "Garfield of Ephesus" has over 14k followers on Instagram.** *Photos by Mike Corkren and Dianne Quadros.*

**This kitty sits atop and ancient ruin as if he's guarding the path of Cleopatra**. *Photo by Nancy Chambers.*

**Sitting before the ancient theater, Ephesus, Turkey.** *Photo by Dianne Quadros.*

**One cat relaxing on a bench on a local shop, the other in the shade at the Ephesus ruins.** *Photos by Dianne Quadros.*

The scene is repeated many times throughout Greece and Turkey. These felines seem to know who's in charge. Without a care in the world, free heath care, food and shelter, who's to say they aren't.

Would you like your pet to be selected as the PCJ pet of the week?

We Need Your Pet Pics!

Email us your pictures with "Pet of the Week" in the subject (any type of pet, from any town is eligible) and maybe you'll see your pet featured here. Please include your pet's name and age (if known) and anything interesting you'd like to share. A new Pet of the Week will be featured each Friday. Make your pet famous!