When it comes to families, Turkish Vans are happy to play with children, but care must be taken to make sure small ones are reminded that the breed may not enjoy being held, and may strike out if forced into such a situation. The native Van cats of Turkey have been nicknamed the "swimming cats", due to an unusual fascination with water. Despite the modern Turkish Van breed consisting almost entirely of pedigreed, indoor-only cats with no access to large bodies of water, and despite dubious connections between them and the cats of the Lake Van area, some feel that the Turkish Van has a notable affinity for water; for example, instead of swimming in a lake, they may stir their water bowls or play with water in the toilet, and some may even follow their owners into water. However, the idea that the breed likes water more than other cats may be mistaken according to some pet writers. Hart cites a Cat Fancy magazine article as his source.
When it comes to families Turkish Vans are happy to play with children but care must be taken to make sure small ones are reminded that the breed may not enjoy being held and may strike out if forced into such a situation The native Van cats of Turkey have been nicknamed the "swimming cats" due to an unusual fascination with water Despite the modern Turkish Van breed consisting almost entirely of pedigreed indoor-only cats with no access to large bodies of water and despite dubious connections between them and the cats of the Lake Van area some feel that the Turkish Van has a notable affinity for water; for example instead of swimming in a lake they may stir their water bowls or play with water in the toilet and some may even follow their owners into water However the idea that the breed likes water more than other cats may be mistaken according to some pet writers Hart cites a Cat Fancy magazine article as his source