Turkish Research Center Releases Adoption Of Hundreds Of Unique Van Cats: Have Different Colored Eyes And Smooth Fur

Turkish Van Cat. (Wikimedia Commons/Bertil Videt)

JAKARTA - Turkey is overseeing a project for the adoption of hundreds of unique Van cats, known for their distinct eye color and fluffy fur.

This freelancing program is part of the 'Van Cat in Every Household' project launched eight years ago by the Turkish Van Cat Research Center. It aims to increase awareness and interest in the unique cat.

Located in the eastern Van Province, the research center works under the auspices of the Van Yüzüncü Yıl University. It was established in 1995 with the aim of preventing the breeding of valuable species from becoming extinct.

"We put about a hundred cats up for adoption," Abdullah Kaya, head of the Van Cat Research and Application Center, told Anadolu Agency (AA), quoted from Daily Sabah July 12.

The cats receive a unique identity card that helps authorities track their whereabouts, health and adoption.

Kaya added that the unique identity given was part of this process to track the cat's state.

To note, van cats can be categorized based on the color of their eyes and fur. While some are odd-eyed, one blue and the other yellow, others have a pair of blue or yellow eyes.

While some van cats are capable of completely white fur, others have tufts of tan over their ears, head, or on their bodies.