Conservation success: Türkiye's rare Van cats see 120 births in 2025

Conservation efforts for the rare Van cat, a unique Turkish breed famed for its white fur and striking heterochromia (one blue and one amber eye), have achieved significant success in 2025. The Van Cat Research and Application Center at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University reported the birth of 120 kittens this year, marking a 16% increase from the previous year.

Focus on genetic originality and breeding strategy

According to Center Director Abdullah Kaya, the program specifically paired 40 mother cats identified as genetically original to produce offspring close to the breed's authentic form. Of the 120 kittens born over the year's three breeding seasons, approximately 100 were evaluated as genetically original. Notably, 15 of these kittens exhibited the rare and iconic heterochromia trait.

Shift in adoption and care protocols

To strengthen the core breeding population, the center adjusted its strategy for 2025. "We retained more kittens at the center and kept adoptions at a lower level," explained Kaya. While around 60 kittens were adopted by families across Türkiye, about 40 remained under the center's care. This shift aims to ensure a robust, genetically diverse population for future conservation efforts.

Future goals and public interest

The center plans to continue its selective breeding program in 2026 with the goal of producing higher-quality offspring. Public interest in adopting these distinctive cats remains strong nationwide. The center's long-term objective is a sustainable model where it can responsibly place about 100 Van cats with new families each year while expanding its protected breeding population.