Istanbul: A divorce settlement in Turkey has drawn attention worldwide after it included an unusual clause — the ex-husband will continue to cover the expenses of his ex-wife’s cats.

According to reports, under the terms of the agreement finalized in Istanbul, the cats will remain with the ex-wife, while the ex-husband has agreed to pay around 10,000 Turkish liras every three months for their care.

The payment period has been fixed for ten years or for as long as the cats remain alive. The agreement further states that the amount will be revised annually in accordance with Turkey’s official inflation rate.

Although Turkish law still classifies pets such as cats as “movable property,” some court decisions in recent years have allowed pet-related maintenance clauses to be recognized in divorce settlements — taking into account animal welfare.

Legal experts in Turkey say this could set a precedent for future cases where pet care becomes part of divorce agreements, reflecting growing awareness about animal rights and humane treatment.

The case is being widely discussed as a new social trend in Turkey, where divorce contracts are beginning to include not only the financial rights of people but also the responsibilities of caring for their beloved animals.