A man in Turkey has been ordered to pay “cat alimony” to his ex-wife for the care of their two pet cats after their divorce. Turkish media reports say Buğra B. handed over custody of the cats to his former spouse, Ezgi B., in a divorce settlement approved by an Istanbul court.
As part of the agreement, he must pay 10,000 Turkish liras every three months for ten years to cover the pets’ expenses, with the amount adjusted yearly for inflation. Without inflation, the total comes to nearly Rs. 2.7 million by the end of the term.
Court documents state that the cats will stay with Ezgi for up to ten years, and Buğra will continue quarterly payments as long as they remain in her care.
This “pet support” plan is one of two financial arrangements in the divorce. In addition, Buğra will pay 550,000 liras (Rs. 3.6 million) in compensation to his ex-wife.
The couple ended their marriage citing “severe incompatibility,” but the matter of pet custody was resolved peacefully.
Legal experts say the case highlights a rising trend in Turkey where pets are becoming part of divorce settlements. Although animals are still legally considered property, updated animal welfare laws emphasize their right to a comfortable and cruelty-free life.
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