A cat that likes water? No, we’re not pulling your leg. This naturally occurring breed from Turkey hailed from the region of Lake Van (hence the name) and was a popular pet in Turkey, finally appearing in
Europe and the United States in the 1950s, where owners were amazed to find that the breed didn’t mind being bathed—and actually chose to swim.
The Van has a long white coat with distinctive patches of red on the ears and tail. (Interestingly, in their native Turkey, Vans were often all
white, and the Turks still prefer this to the redpatched type.) Although Vans take to water, they are basically a quiet, indoor-loving cat.
