Husband to pay thousands in ‘cat alimony’ after split from wife in Istanbul

A Turkish man has agreed to pay his ex-wife hundreds of dollars each year in ‘cat support’ as part of the terms of their divorce.

Divorce is never a fun process, especially where finances are concerned. From alimony to child support and splitting assets, disentangling the lives of two married people gets complicated fast.

However, one man’s separation from his ex-wife is making headlines, as he’s agreed to help financially support the two cats they got when they were married in a unique custodial arrangement.

Divorce settlement in Turkey includes alimony… for two cats

A man identified as Buğra B. by Turkish news outlets has transferred custody of their two pet cats to his wife, named Ezgi B., in their divorce.

As part of this compromise, similar to child support, he has agreed to pay Ezgi 10,000 liras ($240 USD) every three months to help fund the animals’ care for the next ten years. This amount will be annually adjusted to match inflation. (Not accounting for inflation, this means Buğra will likely end up paying $9,600 by the time the ten-year period comes to an end.)

“The parties have agreed that the two cats belonging to Buğra B. will stay with Ezgi B.,” court documents state. “As long as the cats remain with Ezgi B., and in any case for up to 10 years, Buğra B. will pay 10,000 liras per month for their care, in quarterly installments.”

Unsplash.com: Ralph Darabos

A couple filing for divorce in Istanbul, Turkey, have agreed to give custody of their two cats to the wife, who will receive $240 USD every three months in ‘cat support.’

This is one of only two financial arrangements between the former couple, with the ex-husband paying Ezgi B. an additional 550,000 liras in material compensation.

The two parted ways due to “severe incompatibility and a breakdown in the foundation of their marriage,” but it seems things were quite civil regarding the care of their feline friends.

According to Turkish media covering the story, this unusual affair marks an ongoing trend of how pets are treated in legal situations within the country. Turkish civil code identifies pets as “movable property,” but situations like these have increased over the years based on Turkey’s Animal Protection Law.

Unsplash.com: Tom Prejeant

Cats are well-loved critters in Turkey and can be found everywhere in Istanbul.

This law, passed in 2004, was enacted to ensure that animals “enjoy a ‘comfortable life,’ receive good and proper treatment, and to protect them from pain, suffering, torture, and all forms of cruel treatment.”

This isn’t the first time pets have been at the center of a divorce case lately. Earlier this month, a newlywed couple from India sought separation after their cat and dog just couldn’t get along in their marital home.