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| Since then the Turkish government has created a Van Cat Research Center near the campus of ] in Van, Turkey, to ensure the survival of the breed. The center generally houses around one hundred cats, and offers free exams and vaccinations to any Van Kedisi. The director of the center, Zahid Agaoglu, has stated that he estimates there are roughly 350 to 400 Van Kedisi left in the world. | Since then the Turkish government has created a Van Cat Research Center near the campus of ] in Van, Turkey, to ensure the survival of the breed. The center generally houses around one hundred cats, and offers free exams and vaccinations to any Van Kedisi. The director of the center, Zahid Agaoglu, has stated that he estimates there are roughly 350 to 400 Van Kedisi left in the world. | ||
| In February, 2006, access to the center by the public was eliminated, to prevent the possibility that any of the animals might contract a deadly strain of |
In February, 2006, access to the center by the public was eliminated, to prevent the possibility that any of the animals might contract a deadly strain of ] which reported killed four people in the area. The center has reported some success in breeding recently, having all of its ten "birthing rooms" occupied simultaneously by mothers and their newly born kittens. | ||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 18:36, 8 December 2006
The Van Kedisi - (Turkish: Van Kedisi, Armenian: Վանա կատու) - is a distinctive type of domestic cat that is found mainly in the Lake Van region of present-day Turkey. It is large, all white, and is often found with odd-coloured eyes. It is similar in appearance to (and may be related to) the Angora cat. It's unusual fondness for the water has given it the popular name "the swimming cat".
History
The cats have been reported in the vicinity of Van, Turkey, for centuries. Medieval sources cite white cats as being one of the exports of the Van region. There is today a large two-story sculpture visible from the highway into the city of Van of two cats, seeming to guard the city. In recent years, their numbers have been found to be limited, and they are now, with the Kaldang dog, officially listed as protected species by the Turkish government.
Characteristics
The cats are notable for their lean, long-legged appearance. They are reported to like water more than most cats, and have been seen swimming in Lake Van. They are described as being "terrible house pets". They are reported to be friendly and intelligent, but also to howl more than meow, take pleasure in breaking things, and be very jealous of other animals in the house. Also, given the scarcity of the breed, few veterinarians will spay or neuter them.
Their most notable genetic characteristic is their often mismatched almond-shaped eyes. The most valued and valuable members of the breed generally have one amber-green eye and one blue eye. They also reportedly have a genetic tendency to deafness.
Current status
In recent years, the numbers of Van cats in Turkey has been found to be very limited. This scarcity makes the animals very valuable. One Prime Minister of Turkey received one as a gift, and one ambassador from Greece put himself on a waiting list to get one. Owning one is still seen as a status symbol in Turkey, with pet shops selling the few animals they can get for around $250.00 per month. Export of Van Kedisi is outlawed, with a reported fine of $50,000.
To increase the population of the Van Kedisi, the local government of Van instituted a program which would pay residents the equivalent of $38.00 per month to keep one. This program was discontinued by a later government.
Since then the Turkish government has created a Van Cat Research Center near the campus of Van Yüzüncü Yıl Universitesi in Van, Turkey, to ensure the survival of the breed. The center generally houses around one hundred cats, and offers free exams and vaccinations to any Van Kedisi. The director of the center, Zahid Agaoglu, has stated that he estimates there are roughly 350 to 400 Van Kedisi left in the world.
In February, 2006, access to the center by the public was eliminated, to prevent the possibility that any of the animals might contract a deadly strain of avian flu which reported killed four people in the area. The center has reported some success in breeding recently, having all of its ten "birthing rooms" occupied simultaneously by mothers and their newly born kittens.
References
- "Turkey takes action to save rare breed of feline" by Susanne Fowler
- Travel Guide to Turkey
- Turkish Van - Great Pet Advice