Food for every day
For the cats and dogs at the sanctuary. Some need special food because of their medical conditions.
A project we support
Stray Cat
Sanctuary
A safe home, including for animals who need extra care.
Yaz gives rescued cats a home. Many live with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Rescued dogs are part of the sanctuary, too.
Food, daily care and veterinary treatment are part of life here. Your support helps Yaz provide that care.
What the animals need
Support that reaches the animals
Veterinary care
Examinations, treatment and medication. Animals with chronic conditions need ongoing care.
Reliable support
Care continues between emergencies. Regular donations make it easier to plan ahead.
The project in numbers
Care, day after day.
Figures for August 2026 · Update from Yasemin received 10 September 2026
- Cats regularly cared for
- 80
- Dogs regularly cared for
- 6
- Cat food per month, approx.
- 200 kg
- Dog food per month, approx.
- 60 kg
In August, 5 animals were rescued or taken in and 8 received medical treatment. For newer developments, see Latest news.
The person behind the project
Yaz and her sanctuary.
“The Stray Cat Sanctuary is a dream come true for me.”
Yaz, project lead
Yaz has been rescuing cats and nursing them back to health since 2012. In spring 2024, her dream of creating the sanctuary became a reality.
Yaz runs the sanctuary on her own. Many of the animals need extra care, time and patience. She has also created a quiet space for cats with special needs.
Read more of Yaz’s story
Yaz moved to Istanbul in 2012 with her two adopted cats, Kito-san and Maggie. Marley soon joined them. Since then, she has rescued and cared for countless cats. Sadly, some were lost despite her efforts.
Her rescued dog Princess and Nadide and Nevin, abandoned as puppies, also found a home with her.
A closer look at the sanctuary
A little closer
Everyday life with Yaz and her animals
A look around the sanctuary and daily life with its cats.
A room for special needs
Cats with chronic illnesses or disabilities can find calm and care here.
Latest project news
20 October 2026
Ozzy is critically ill – Bear received help just in time
Ozzy (Osman) has lived with FIV and FeLV for years and was diagnosed with kidney disease several years ago. Despite these serious conditions, he has kept fighting. His condition has now deteriorated significantly.
His last reported haematocrit was just 15%. He is extremely weak, barely eating and experiencing recurring breathing difficulties, nausea and vomiting.
Yasemin reports that she specifically requested an X-ray and a blood transfusion from the treating veterinarian, but neither had been carried out at the time of this update.
According to Yasemin, Ozzy is now too weak to endure the long journey to another veterinary clinic. Palliative care may therefore be the only remaining option. Our greatest wish is for him to be free from pain and fear, surrounded by love and care, and spared any unnecessary suffering.
Bear: emergency treatment just in time
Bear also needed urgent veterinary care after developing severe difficulty urinating. His bladder had become dangerously full and was close to rupturing. Fortunately, he received help in time.
Bear underwent catheterisation and has now also been neutered. We are relieved that this life-threatening emergency was recognised and treated before it was too late.
For Yasemin, this means another significant financial burden. Alongside caring for critically ill Ozzy, she must cover Bear’s veterinary expenses and provide for the many other cats depending on her.
Earlier update: 9 October 2026
Hamish and Ozzy need veterinary care
At Stray Cat Sanctuary, Yasemin cares for more than 70 cats and several dogs. Many are elderly, chronically ill or need extra care. New medical emergencies are adding to the strain.
Hamish is currently at the veterinary clinic. Ozzy is also in a critical condition: his concerning blood results mean he urgently needs further tests. These will cost 20,000 TL (approx. €362); any treatment that follows is not included.
We are deeply grateful to our regular supporters, whose contributions add up to a few hundred euros each month. This is not enough to cover food, ongoing care and new emergencies. Yasemin may soon be unable to afford either enough food or essential treatment for the animals.
Help is urgently needed for Ozzy’s tests, veterinary care and food. More regular support would help Yasemin plan ahead. Sharing this project page can also help us reach new supporters.
Earlier update: September 2026
The following information relates to September 2026.
The past weeks brought one emergency after another. Rosie was thankfully doing better, but Maximus suffered a urinary blockage, Elvis lost his hearing in addition to being blind, and Marley was severely dehydrated and needed further tests. Hamish also became seriously ill and had to be taken to the clinic.
At the time, the sanctuary’s veterinary debt had risen to more than 500,000 TL, and the clinic could no longer continue treatments on credit.
Food remained a major challenge. With so many animals depending on Yaz, every food purchase lasted only a short time. She was struggling to provide enough food for cats indoors, cats outdoors and animals needing special diets.
There were further medical concerns: Rosie was at the clinic with bladder problems, with costs already around 15,000 TL. CivCiv needed medication. Elvis had relapsed and was brought indoors for monitoring, but sadly attacked Pon.
There was a cautious update on Kül. The vet believed the mass in her mouth was linked to chronic changes around the tonsils and salivary glands. Kül needed 20 days of antibiotics and 6 days of cortisone.
At that time, urgent needs included food, medication, clinic care and essential supplies.
The sanctuary
and 3P
Precious Paw Patrons helps provide care for the animals at Stray Cat Sanctuary. This page introduces the project and shares updates from Yaz.
Standing with Yaz and her animals
Your support makes
care possible.
Give once or support the animals regularly. Together, we can help pay for food and essential veterinary care.
Have a question about supporting this project? Email us at info@preciouspawpatrons.org.
Reference: Stray Cat Sanctuary