A Breed Nicknamed The 'Swimming Cat' Is An Energetic Feline That Loves The Water

At a pool party, you probably wouldn't expect to see any felines in the water — that is, unless they happen to be A Turkish Van. Unlike other cats, which have an intense hatred of water, this rare and highly energetic breed doesn't mind getting wet, and as its name implies, loves to swim. In fact, the Turkish Van likes water so much that showering alone would be tough for its owner if the door is even slightly left open.

What is it about this cat that makes them tolerate water in ways their fellow felines can't? It's all in their fur. Normally, when a cat gets wet, their coat becomes heavy and weighs them down, which affects their hunting abilities. This isn't the case with the Turkish Van. Their ultra thick coat prevents the sensory unpleasantness that comes from cold, wet fur. 

Unfortunately, the purebred Turkish Van is so rare that you may not see one without traveling to its home country. It's estimated by the Cat Fancier Association that fewer than 200 are born in the United States annually. If you are lucky enough to keep a Turkish Van as a pet, you'll find this active cat makes for a loving and playful companion. 

Although it's great to know that a Turkish Van doesn't mind taking baths, be forewarned that their love of water may cause some trouble. While bathing yourself, it is probably best to leave the door closed unless you want your Turkish Van cat to join you. However, no water source is safe from their playful paws. Faucets and toilets will also appeal to the Turkish Van's menacing nature, as stated by ASPCA Pet Health Insurance.  cats are so clever, that they more often than not learn to turn on the faucet themselves.

Additionally, having a mop handy is essential because this cat loves to splash and play in their water dish. Because of this, they would greatly benefit from a drinking vessel like a water fountain with constantly flowing water to attract their attention. While this could be annoying, these splash-fests make this breed the perfect playmate for an older child who will reciprocate that energy. 

Though the Turkish van is known for being highly energetic and playful, they still appreciate their space and aren't exactly known for being very snuggly. For this reason, they  may not be the best cat option for families with infants or small children. Older children may be fine to handle the cat, but parents should make sure to teach their children to respect the Turkish van's space to ensure the cat feels comfortable.