Turkish Van Cat
The SWIMMING cat — an ancient breed from Lake Van that voluntarily enters water and has a cashmere-like single coat that DRIES IN MINUTES. That chalk-white body with the trademark colored "thumbprint" on the head and a colored tail. Complete guide: the "Van pattern" named after this breed, the water-resistant single coat, and a cat that swims for pleasure.
📋 Breed Overview
📖 About the Turkish Van — The Swimming Cat
The Turkish Van is an ancient natural breed from the Lake Van region of eastern Turkey. Their water-resistant, cashmere-like single coat evolved for the extreme temperature swings: thick in winter, shedding to a short summer coat, and drying in minutes after getting wet. They SWIM voluntarily — entering Lake Van to cool off in summer. Brought to England in 1955. CFA recognized in 1988. The "Van pattern" (white body with colored markings ONLY on head and tail) is named after this breed. The single coat (no undercoat) means minimal shedding and no matting — uniquely low-maintenance for a semi-longhaired cat. Health: HCM screening recommended. Generally healthy natural breed.