Alimony For Cats? Court Orders Man To Fund Ex-Wife’s Pets For Years After Divorce

A divorce case in Turkey has sparked widespread debate after a man agreed to pay financial support not only to his ex-wife, but also toward the care of their cats. The unusual settlement highlights the country’s evolving legal approach to animal welfare, and is being described as a first-of-its-kind arrangement in Turkish divorce law. 

According to Turkiye Today, a man identified as Bugra B. filed for divorce against his wife, Ezgi B., after two years of marriage. As part of the settlement, Bugra agreed to pay 550,000 lira (about USD 13,000) in financial compensation to Ezgi. The case, however, attracted attention due to an unexpected clause: long-term support payments for the couple's two pet cats.

In the settlement, Ezgi was given full custody of the animals, with Bugra agreeing to pay 10,000 lira every three months for the next 10 years towards various expenses including their food, vaccinations and veterinary treatment. The amount will be increased annually in line with inflation, using the CPI-EFE ratio determined by Turkey’s national statistics agency. Payments will cease when the cats die or are no longer in her care.

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Pets Recognised As 'Living Beings'

Turkish lawyer Aylin EsraEren explained that pets in Turkey are typically microchipped, legally designating the registered owner as the primary guardian. Under Turkey’s animal protection law, pets are recognised as living beings rather than personal property. This classification places a legal responsibility on owners to ensure proper nutrition, shelter and medical attention.

Abandoning pets. especially microchipped ones,  can be prosecuted as animal abuse and is punishable by fines of up to 60,000 lira (about USD 1,400).

“Pets that are not properly cared for will become strays, and abandoning microchipped pets on the streets is illegal,” Eren said, noting that the law prioritises the animals’ health, safety and emotional needs. 

Legal experts say the settlement marks a precedent in Turkey’s family court system. Although disputes over pet custody are common worldwide, structured payment plans for animal care remain rare.

Eren believes the case could influence future divorce rulings, given that the responsibility of caring for cats involves ongoing attention to their diet, behaviour and healthcare,  similar to raising a child. 

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Turkey has been strengthening protections for animals, including regulating pet ownership and penalising neglect. With inflation affecting pet care costs, the payment structure ensures the cats receive consistent support regardless of economic volatility.