Turkish Van, the cat that loves water: what water play to offer at home
Published by Planète Pets · managing editor: Clément Lacaille · how our guides are written
The Turkish Van is one of the rare cat breeds that actively seeks out water rather than avoiding it, a well-documented trait among breeders that's better channelled with the right gear than left to play out in the bathroom sink. Landmark genetic studies on cat breeds, notably one by Lipinski and colleagues published in 2008 in the journal Genomics, confirm that the Turkish Van forms a genetically distinct population, marked by one of the highest inbreeding levels among the breeds studied — a useful thing to know when picking a serious breeder who documents genetic diversity among their breeding cats. Find more ideas in our toys & enrichment section.
Contents · 4 sections
Why does this cat love water so much?
The trait is deeply embedded in the breed's reputation, originating from the region of Lake Van in Turkey, where hot summers and a semi-long, silky, low-absorbency coat likely favoured this unusual behaviour for a domestic cat. In practice, that means a Turkish Van that happily dips a paw in its water bowl, joins you in the shower, or watches running tap water with an interest few other breeds share.
What water toys should you offer?
- A fountain with a visible flow (£18-£40), which stimulates the play instinct as much as it encourages drinking
- A non-slip mat by the sink or bathtub, to keep spontaneous exploring safe
- Floating silicone balls to set adrift in a shallow basin under supervision
- A shallow outdoor water point (a wide saucer, a basin) if the cat has access to a secured garden
Our comparison of cat water fountains covers the models best suited to a cat particularly drawn to running water.
What precautions should you keep in mind?
A Turkish Van left unsupervised near a full bathtub or an aquarium is still a cat, not a fish: supervision is a must for any more involved water play, and the water should always stay clean, lukewarm and shallow. After a water-play session, a thorough dry-off prevents chills, even though the breed's coat dries naturally faster than a dense-coated cat's.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Turkish Vans love water equally?
No, it's a common breed trait but not a universal one; some individuals stay more reserved, which doesn't signal any health or behaviour issue.
Should a Turkish Van kitten be introduced to baths early on?
Not necessary: the pull toward water usually shows up on its own with age, with no need to force unwanted early contact.
Is a fish tank a good way to encourage this trait?
No, a tank stocked with fish poses a risk to both animals; keep water play to empty, secured containers instead.
See it in the Planète Pets shop: Automatic tail ball for cats (€17.90) · the whole shop
For your cat, at Le Félin (same family, zero commission): Arbre à chat compact (from €74.99)
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Cats universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.
