Van Cat

Van cat, or Van kedisi, usually refers to the native cats associated with the Lake Van area of eastern Turkey. In Turkey the name is commonly linked with mostly or entirely white cats, often with blue, amber, or odd eyes, and it is distinct from the registry Turkish Van, which is famous internationally for colored markings on the head and tail. The Van cat is better understood as a regional population and cultural animal than as a uniformly recognized global pedigree breed.

Outside its home region, claims of Van cat ancestry should be treated carefully unless there is documentation from a credible program or breeder. White cats with blue eyes may be deaf in one or both ears, so hearing assessment is important for placement, safety, and breeding. Conservation and breeding efforts in Turkey have focused on maintaining local cats while avoiding indiscriminate export or casual use of the name. Pet care is otherwise ordinary domestic cat care, with indoor safety, socialization, and grooming matched to coat length.