Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
At Van Yüzüncü Yıl University’s Van Cat Research and Application Center, the iconic Van cats live in comfort, receiving meticulous care, nutrition, and protection.
Famous for their emotional nature, friendly temperament, silky white fur, lion-like gait, fluffy tails, heterochromatic eyes, and love of water, Van cats are one of the city’s most cherished cultural treasures. Ongoing efforts aim to preserve the breed and increase its population.
Housed in the specially designed “Cat Villa” within the university, these cats are carefully cared for and attract thousands of local and international tourists each year. Their food bowls and bedding are regularly washed, their claws are trimmed, and special measures are taken to protect them from summer heat.
During the hot season, the cats stay cool in air-conditioned rooms and occasionally take dips in specially designed pools to regulate their body temperature.
“They lack nothing in terms of comfort”
Center Director Prof. Dr. Abdullah Kaya told Anadolu Agency that August 8 is celebrated as International Cat Day each year.
He noted that the day is meant to raise awareness about the challenges cats face:
“There are over 500 million cats in the world, yet their difficult living conditions often go unnoticed. August 8 is a day dedicated to increasing sensitivity, especially toward stray cats. Shelter conditions should be arranged with the animals’ needs in mind. I hope this day becomes one where issues concerning cats are highlighted and awareness is strengthened.”
At Van Yüzüncü Yıl University’s Van Cat Research and Application Center, the iconic Van cats live in comfort, receiving meticulous care, nutrition, and protection.
Famous for their emotional nature, friendly temperament, silky white fur, lion-like gait, fluffy tails, heterochromatic eyes, and love of water, Van cats are one of the city’s most cherished cultural treasures. Ongoing efforts aim to preserve the breed and increase its population.
Housed in the specially designed “Cat Villa” within the university, these cats are carefully cared for and attract thousands of local and international tourists each year. Their food bowls and bedding are regularly washed, their claws are trimmed, and special measures are taken to protect them from summer heat.
During the hot season, the cats stay cool in air-conditioned rooms and occasionally take dips in specially designed pools to regulate their body temperature.
“They lack nothing in terms of comfort”
Center Director Prof. Dr. Abdullah Kaya told Anadolu Agency that August 8 is celebrated as International Cat Day each year.
He noted that the day is meant to raise awareness about the challenges cats face:
“There are over 500 million cats in the world, yet their difficult living conditions often go unnoticed. August 8 is a day dedicated to increasing sensitivity, especially toward stray cats. Shelter conditions should be arranged with the animals’ needs in mind. I hope this day becomes one where issues concerning cats are highlighted and awareness is strengthened.”
