Cat Breed of the Week: Turkish Van

Turkish Vans are sometimes called "Swimming Cats," because of their propensity for water. Like the Turkish Angora, the Turkish Van hails from the Middle East, but they are two distinctly different breeds.

Because they are regarded as regional treasures in their homelands, Turkish Vans are still relatively rare in the rest of the world. If you are lucky enough to acquire a Turkish Van to adorn your own hearth, treasure it as the very special cat it is, and you'll be rewarded with years of loving companionship.

Pictured here is Aghtamar's Méroujan-Van
_{Photo Credit: © Joyce Ouderkerk}