The Van Cat Villa, part of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University’s Van Cat Research Center, has welcomed its first litters of 2026, signaling the beginning of this year's breeding season for the prominent Turkish Van cats.
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Officials have announced that eight mother cats have given birth to a total of 20 healthy kittens. The center is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the population of these famous cats through a controlled breeding program conducted at the Cat Villa facility.
Van cats, recognized as Türkiye’s national breed, are known for their friendly nature, silky white coats, distinctive heterochromatic eyes, and a unique affinity for water. Veterinary teams at the center report that the newborn kittens are in good health and under close observation. The breeding program is organized in three phases throughout the year, and the initial wave of births is currently happening.
Animal Supervisor Mehmet Atar Bayır expressed enthusiasm about this active phase, stating, "As in previous years, we have begun receiving the first batch of births for 2026. So far, around eight mother cats have delivered 20 kittens." He noted that additional births are expected in the coming weeks.
The Van Cat Villa attracts thousands of visitors each year, both domestic and international, and aims to ensure sustainable growth of the breed while maintaining high health standards for the animals.