A Lifelong Mission
In the picturesque rural outskirts of İzmir, Turkey, lives Ayse, a compassionate and resilient woman who has dedicated her life to caring for stray cats. Known by her affectionate nickname, Toprak Ana (Mother Earth), Ayse has been rescuing and nurturing animals since 1991. Her story is one of kindness, determination, and an unwavering belief in the importance of every life, no matter how small.
A Heartfelt Beginning
Ayse’s journey began with a heartbreak. As a child, she lost a beloved gray chicken that she tried to nurse back to health. “I couldn’t save her, and that loss opened my eyes to the vulnerability of animals and our role in protecting them,” she shares. This moment shaped Ayse’s life, inspiring her to become a guardian for creatures in need.
A Day in the Life of a Cat Rescuer
Every day starts with the soft purrs of her feline family. “They love to sleep on my bed and demand cuddles in the morning,” Ayse says with a smile. After feeding her indoor and garden cats, she moves on to the less fortunate ones outside—street cats that depend on her for food, medical care, and love.
Her routine includes cleaning litter boxes, administering medicine, and making rounds in her neighborhood to feed and check on stray cats. Ayse’s sharp eyes spot cats in need of neutering, flea treatments, or even a quick trim if their fur is tangled with thorns. “They play, chase leaves, climb trees, and sometimes bring me little ‘gifts’ like mice or birds,” she chuckles. “It’s their way of saying thank you.”
The Joys and Challenges
Ayse’s cats have their quirks and favorites—from carrying around fabric toys to savoring gourmet paté and chicken-flavored treats. But her work isn’t all purrs and cuddles. “One of the toughest parts is seeing them suffer,” she admits. Recently, she’s been caring for a three-legged cat undergoing treatment for FIP and another battling severe diarrhea.
Yet, there are stories of triumph that keep her going. Ayse fondly recalls Cuma, a stray who came to her with a broken chin and jaw, fractured eye bone and infected wounds. Ayse recalls hearing Cuma’s weak meowing. “It didn’t even sound like a cat,” she says, “just a helpless creature.” After multiple surgeries and months of tender care, Cuma transformed into a healthy, happy cat. Although he wandered off for a while, fate reunited them months later, and Ayse still feeds him every Friday.
How You Can Help
Ayse continues her mission to rescue and protect stray cats, dreaming of a future where every feline can live with dignity. The journey is far from easy, with challenges like mounting medical expenses and the emotional toll of rescuing on her own.
You can support Ayse’s heartfelt efforts by donating, adopting, or simply spreading the word. Follow her inspiring work on Instagram @lokma_cingoz_.
These adorable trio are healthy and ready for adoption!
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