TIL that in the 19th century, Istanbul was saved from a massive rat infestation by its street cats.

TIL that in the 19th century, Istanbul was saved from a massive rat infestation by its street cats. After a failed attempt to exile them, the resulting surge in pests led the public to demand their return, cementing the cats' status as "protected citizens" of the city.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feral_cats_in_Istanbul
#til #todayilearned
https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/1re82wa/til_that_in_the_19th_century_istanbul_was_saved/