Unlike most domestic cats, Van cats swim voluntarily, likely evolved from ancestors catching fish in lake shallows. Genetic studies show selection on lipid metabolism genes that may affect water repellency of their unique cashmere-like coat.
A cat adapted to water
The Turkish Van is a naturally occurring cat breed native to the rugged region surrounding Lake Van in Eastern Anatolia. This environment has shaped a large, muscular cat with powerful hind legs that makes it an adept jumper and swimmer. An adaptation to its semi-aquatic habits is its unique, semi-longhaired coat. The fur has a texture similar to cashmere and, critically, lacks a woolly undercoat. This single layer of water-repellent hair prevents the cat from becoming waterlogged and helps it dry quickly after a swim.
The cat's affinity for water is likely an evolutionary response to the local climate and geography. Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey, a vast, endorheic body of water with no outlet. The water is highly alkaline, with a pH of 9.7 to 9.8, and rich in sodium carbonate and other salts. While this makes the water feel soapy and undrinkable, it hosts the pearl mullet (Alburnus tarichi), a fish species adapted to the alkaline conditions. It is believed the Van cat's ancestors took to the water to hunt these fish in the shallows, especially during the region's hot summers.
Genetic blueprint of a swimmer
The Turkish Van's unique traits are encoded in its genetics. Modern studies point to specific evolutionary pressures on genes related to lipid metabolism. These genes control how the body produces and uses fats and oils. Selection for certain genetic variants may alter the composition of sebum, the natural oil produced by the skin, increasing the water-repellent properties of the cat's fur. This is the molecular basis for The breed's coat.
The breed takes a full three to five years to reach physical maturity, with males weighing up to 20 pounds (9 kg). This slow development allows for the growth of its substantial, powerful frame. Another genetic trait is the high incidence of heterochromia, resulting in odd-eyed cats with one blue eye and one amber eye. The breed's distinctive "Van pattern"—a mostly white body with color restricted to the head and tail—is caused by the piebald or white-spotting gene.
Conservation efforts for this rare breed are underway at the Van Cat Research and Application Center at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University. The center runs a careful breeding program at a facility known as the "Cat Villa" to preserve the breed's genetic purity and unique characteristics. In 2025, the program successfully produced 120 kittens, with a focus on maintaining original genetic lines rather than simply increasing numbers.
💡Fun Facts
The water of Lake Van has a high pH and salinity, which prevents it from freezing completely despite winter temperatures dropping below 0°C (32°F).
The Turkish Van cat's coat changes seasonally; it is thick and long in the winter and sheds to become much shorter and lighter in the summer.
Many Turkish Vans have a small, colored marking between their shoulder blades, sometimes called the "thumbprint of God."
The Van cat is considered a national treasure in Turkey, and conservation programs work to maintain the purebred population.
Lake Van is a natural landmark and is always accessible. The Van Cat Research Center ("Cat Villa") has specific visiting hours, typically daily; it is best to check locally.
Admission
Visiting the lake is free. The Van Cat Research Center may charge a small entrance fee to support its conservation work.
Accessibility
The terrain around Lake Van varies. Some areas have accessible promenades and beaches, while others are rocky and natural. The Cat Villa is generally accessible.