The breed is famous for its semi-long white fur and distinctive chestnut or red markings on its head and tail, usually forming a partial or complete ring around the neck.
The Turkish Van cat is said to be a natural breed, with no human interference in its development, and is considered a national symbol of Turkey.
The breed arrived in Great Britain in the 1950s and was recognized as a separate breed in the 1960s.
The Van cat is known for its strong swimming ability and may have originated from the wild cats of the region that inhabit the shores of Lake Van, making it a good swimmer.