The Turkish Van Cat has a love for playing in water, so is often referred to as the "Turkisg Swimming Cat". This cat originates from Lake Van, in south-eastern Turkey, where it has been domesticated for hundreds of years. A very affectionate, loving and lively cat who is also very intelligent.

Turkish Vans are semi-longhaired cats with soft, silky hair that thickens in the winter. The unique Van Pattern--mostly white with colored markings on the head and tail--is a characteristic of this cat. The Van Pattern is a variation in some other breeds, meaning only some cats have this pattern. However, with the Turkish Van, this pattern isn't a variation, but a requirement. The Turkish Van's patches are usually red or tortie, although they're sometimes black, cream, blue, or tabby. These cats have blue or amber eyes, or odd eyes (one blue, one amber). Turkish Vans are large and heavy, but slow to mature. A kitten may take three to five years to reach its full size. These cats have broad chests and heavy bones. However, despite their large bodies, they're very graceful, which breeders say is part of their charm.

Breeders

Mrs Mary Prior 24 Kingston Hill Ave Chadwell Heath Romford Essex RM6 5QD Tel:020 8598 2734 Febair. Turkish Vans-Auburn/White and Whites in all eye colours

Mrs Anita Palmer 17 Mill Road Brownhills Walsall WS8 6BE Tel:01543 361828 Bonny Bairn's Rag Dolls and Turkish Vans