I moved to the Middle East from New York, and spent some time in Istanbul too.

Street cats are EVERYWHERE, but the cities “take care of them” their basic food and water is provided in many areas, and people fill in the gaps. They will take un-neutered cats off the street to snip them, but then re-release them back into the same neighborhood. Where I live it’s estimated that there are more than 500 stray cats per sq mile.

I’ve never seen a rodent, and very few crawling bugs since living here.

I don’t miss the mice, rats, and cockroaches.

Street cats are the best!

Edit- An anecdote about the Turkey earthquake cat who adopted the fire fighter who saved him. In Istanbul the cats are pretty welcome inside restaurants and cafes, and are very friendly. I had several cats jump on me to chill while I was there, just to hang out and cuddle, or use my shoulder as a vantage point-I loved it, my wife hated it. Anyway, I’m just saying although it makes the world feel good, Turkey’s Street cats will adopt anyone, not just rescue heros.