A Man in Turkey Now Has to Pay His Ex-Wife ‘Cat Support’ After Their Divorce
Turkey has seen some surprising court decisions over the years, but this one might top the list. A man from Istanbul is now legally required to pay his ex-wife “cat support,” and the story is grabbing attention far beyond the country’s borders. It may sound humorous on the surface, but the case reveals a great deal about how people perceive pets and their responsibilities.
How A Divorce Turned Into A Cat Care Agreement
Image via Canva/Bogdan Sonjachnyj
Bugra and Ezgi were married for two years before calling it quits. Things weren’t going well, and local reports described their situation as serious incompatibility. The pair had raised two cats together during the marriage, and that detail turned out to be a major part of the settlement.
When the family court finalized the divorce, Ezgi received full custody of the cats. That alone would have been worth a headline, but the twist came next. Bugra agreed to pay 10,000 Turkish liras, around $240, every three months so the cats could have steady care. The payments will continue for up to 10 years and rise every year based on inflation. They’ll end early if the cats pass away, but the idea is to make sure they’re covered through the later stages of their lives. In addition to the cat support, Bugra also has to pay 550,000 liras, roughly $13,000, in compensation to Ezgi.
Turkish media outlets describe this ruling as a first of its kind because it sets the structure for long-term financial support based on the well-being of pets.
Why This Case Got So Much Attention
Turkey has a huge pet population, which reached 20.9 million in 2023, so it’s not surprising that the courts are starting to handle pet-related cases more seriously. Although pets are still technically classified as movable property under Turkish law, changes in rules regarding microchipping and animal protection have altered the legal perspective on ownership. If a pet is registered to you, you’re responsible for its health, safety, and basic needs.
That legal setup is part of why this divorce agreement is standing out. Turkish lawyer Aylin Esra Eren pointed out that abandoning a microchipped animal is illegal and can bring fines up to 60,000 liras, about $1,400. She also explained that the payments Bugra is making can’t be labeled as alimony. In Turkey, alimony applies only to a spouse or child, so this arrangement sits in its own category.
People online have had a lot to say about it. Some love the ruling because it shows respect for animals and treats pets as actual family members. Others worry the trend could go sideways if people start using pets as bargaining tools during a messy divorce. Still, most reactions agree that this is new territory and might push more courts to consider animal care in human disputes.
A Sign of Growing Pet Priorities
Image via Pexels/Saikat Ghosh
There’s another layer to the story that adds context. Turkey has been dealing with a huge stray animal population, especially stray dogs. A new law passed last summer requires local governments to round up stray dogs and place them in shelters. Dogs that act aggressively or have serious illnesses may be put down. The country’s approach to animal issues is shifting, and people are paying attention to how pets fit into society.
This is also not the only example of pets influencing marital trouble. Reports from India described a married couple seeking separation because their dog and cat couldn’t get along. It seems like more couples are hitting relationship problems that center around their animals. The idea of “cat support” might bring a smile, but the message behind it is pretty simple. Pets depend on their owners, and courts are starting to reflect that.