Turkish Van has it's origin in Turkey in the area of the Van lake near Mount Ararat. To be able to feed and survive in the wilderness, they had to fish and so it is not rare to see a Turkish Van in a swimming pool or playing with the kitchen tap, or even jumping into the bathtub being made ready for your child to bathe in...
This breed is almost extinct and I will try my best, together with other breeders, to save the Turkish Van.
Van cats are very active and lively cats, but they also like to cuddle and show a lot of affection.
They will choose "their" human and will show you how loved you are.
Turkish Van cats like to "talk" and it seems that you can have long and "informative" conversations with them.
If you believe only dogs play fetch, then you are wrong! They love to play fetch and their favorite toy is a little paper ball which they keep bringing back to you for as long as you have the patience and the energy to toss it away, and if you throw it up high, they will catch it with their paws, similar to a goal keeper catching a soccer ball, it is a never ending game.
So when the Turkish Van is finally tired, any place is perfect for a "cat nap": in the middle of the stairs, in front of the washer, in the bath tub or sink... anywhere. So your house might become an obstacle course and you as a "well behaved" human will find a way around it.
Turkish Vans play with water, either in their water dish or perhaps in the sink or in the bath tub. Most of the Turkish Vans still have such a natural instinct that they jump into a pool or take a bath with your child, others prefer to be more sophisticated and "drink" their water with the help of their paw.
Turkish Vans are very socialable and there is always a "boss" they "listen" to, but should a cat be in trouble or need help, they will stand by it and/or get their human's attention.
All together... Turkish Van cats are very intelligent (well above average), lively, affectionate and great with other pets and children. They respect others, but also want to be respected. It is a wonderful way of life to live with an animal, and you will never have a dull moment with a Turkish Van.
