Symbol of VAN and only cat in the world that can swim on her/his own will!
According to the researches done and broadcasted by Turkish Radio & Television Organization, Van Cats, during the vast migrations took place centuries ago, came to the Van Area and distinguished from other cats by various behaviours and visual appearances:
Due to the possible albinism, the cat entirely has white fur. These cats may come in different variations like having either both eyes in yellow colour or both eyes in blue or one blue and one yellow eye (named as "single-eye cat"). Although they are classified in two groups as short-furred (42%) and long-furred (58%), especially in winter, they both have long furs with fox-type long tails with a lot of fur. They generally have triangular-oval shape face with haired ears. Inside of ears, tongue and mouth are pink in color. The body is long, athletic and resistant to cold. Very rarely, yellow-brown spots can be detected on the fore-head (as seen on the picture) and at the rear close to the tail. Occasionally, these cats can be deaf close to the end of their life.
Even though they seem to be quiet and easy-going animals, they do what they want to do and they are very stubborn for this. They are brave, nature-loving, protect their environment and avoid any foreign cats and other animals to approach to her/his area. They love to eat greenery. Although nursing could be easy but getting along with these animals may be difficult for they are very tidy, clean, proud, stubborn and can get offended easily. They never steal anything unless given.
Unfortunately, due to the change of social life (conversion of accomodation from village life to apartment life), traffic accidents and smuggling cause the decrease on the number of these animals. These cats are loved and accepted not only for their skill of hunting mice and rats but as a friend and a member of the family. Finally, these are known to be the only cats in the world that can swim with their own will !!!