Man Ordered to Pay Thousands in Cat Alimony to Ex-Wife After Divorce

Around the world, more and more people are beginning to view their pets as children. It’s why we’re seeing an influx in cats in strollers, dogs at restaurants, and luxury airlines promising side-by-side seating with your pet. Now, the attitude shift is showing up in divorce proceedings. Recently, a Turkish man agreed to pay thousands of dollars in alimony to his ex-wife for the care of their cats.

According to Turkiye Today, a man named Buğra B. filed for divorce from his wife, Ezgi B., after two years of marriage. In the divorce settlement, they agreed that Bugra B. would pay 550,000 liras — about $13,120 — to his ex-wife. But the payout didn’t stop there — the settlement also discussed the custody and care of their two cats.

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“The parties have agreed that the two cats belonging to Buğra B. will stay with Ezgi B.,” documents acquired by Bianet stated. “As long as the cats remain with Ezgi B., and in any case for up to 10 years, Buğra B. will pay 10,000 liras per month for their care, in quarterly installments.”

That’s the equivalent of about $238 every three months. The amount will be adjusted annually for inflation — and even without added inflation, the total payment will amount to nearly $10,000.

Under Turkish law, pets are considered “moveable property,” reports Turkiye Today. But recent legislation has allowed courts to approve agreements between couples surrounding the care of animals after divorce. This isn’t the first time a Turkish court has addressed pet custody, but the case is the first to create a model for long-term financial support for a pet.

The settlement reflects a larger trend. Around the world, attitudes toward pet welfare during divorce and break-ups are evolving. New research by Kinship found that in America, 35 percent of Gen-Z pet parents have a “pet-nup” — like a pre-nup, but for pet parenting — in place. And three in five Americans said they would pursue legal action against their ex for pet custody. Just last month, the Pennsylvania House passed a bill stating that pets should be considered “cherished family members” — not property — during divorce proceedings, and judges should consider their welfare when making decisions.

In other words, we should get used to talk of pet alimony in the courtrooms. After all, no cat deserves to have fewer treats because their humans’ relationship didn’t work out. And they just might enjoy their two Christmases — or at least their two Christmas trees.