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Turkish Van facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Morris, a cat of the Turkish Van
Turkish Van cat

The Turkish Van is a special cat breed that comes from Turkey. These cats have lived for hundreds of years near Lake Van in Turkey. That's why they are called "Turkish Van" cats! This area is in high mountains. It has very cold, long winters and hot summers.

A Cat Built for the Weather

This cat has a unique body. It helps them live in this changing climate. In winter, their fur coat becomes thick and full. This keeps them warm. But when summer comes, they shed most of their fur. They become short-haired cats! This thin summer coat dries quickly. This is great because Turkish Vans love to swim. They swim to cool down in the summer heat.

Unique Eye Colors

Push van cat
Turkish Van with different eye colors

A Turkish Van cat can have different eye colors. Some have blue eyes. Others have amber eyes. Some even have two different colored eyes! For example, one eye might be blue and the other amber.

Images for kids

  • Hobie the cat (rear view)

    Hobie the Turkish Van showing its "ringed" tail

  • Turkish Van, black variety

    A black Turkish Van

  • Turkish Van Example2

    A red Turkish Van

  • Nike, turkish van

    A red tabby Turkish Van

  • PIper the Turkish Van cat

    A tortoiseshell Turkish Van

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Gato Van Turco para niños

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Turkish Van Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.