Meet the Michael Phelps of the feline world! The
Turkish Van is often called the “swimming cat,” because, according to folklore, two Turkish Vans were allegedly onboard Noah’s Ark but jumped into the water and swam for shore in what is now Turkey. Growing up in this hot, arid land, the cat cooled down by swimming in Lake Van.
Modern Turkish Vans love swimming and playing in shallow water but merely tolerate being bathed with soap. Warning: This creative, play-minded breed may view the toilet bowl as an indoor fishing hole or figure out how to turn on the faucet with his paw.