Two cats on a kitchen counter, one with a red collar lying down and the other with a collar sitting upright in the background.

Lila & Naya

Naya was found on the streets of Ulus, Istanbul, in 2016 and became her mum’s best friend through life’s hardest moments. Lila, who is blind, was lovingly chosen by Meral from Mor Pati Derneği and Seçkin after Melis asked for a cat with a disability to bring home to London. One look at Lila’s photo, and Melis knew she’d found her girl.

Both cats stayed with Meral at Mor Pati Dernegi until their travel papers were ready. Bringing animals to London takes time and careful planning, but with the help of a kind and experienced pet relocation agency, everything went smoothly. At Istanbul Airport, Melis was amazed by how calm and composed little blind Lila was — curled up in her carrier, taking the whole journey in her stride like the brave, gentle soul she is.

A white and brown cat with blue eyes wearing a festive red and green collar and sitting on a marble countertop in a kitchen.

Lila in her very festive manner

A tabby cat wearing a festive green and red holiday collar with ornaments and bells, sitting on a white surface indoors.

Naya as a Christmas Elf in training

Settling into life in Battersea was a breeze. While Melis’s partner wasn’t initially keen on cats, that changed quickly — especially after baby Leo was born. Since Leo’s arrival, Melis and her little animal lover have raised over £3,500 for rescue charities like Mor Pati Dernegi and Happy Doggo.

Naya sadly passed after a brief illness, but her memory lives on. When the time feels right, Melis and Leo hope to welcome a rescue dog — and maybe even another cat — into their hearts and home.

A woman with dark hair holding a grey tabby cat close to her face indoors at night.

Naya with Melis

A young boy sitting on a colorful armchair with a white and gray cat on his lap, smiling at the camera in a room with white shutters and a radiator.

Lila with her brother