Van Kedisi Evi
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House of Van Cats Van Turkey

4.2
·5k reviews·, Türkiye

Discover the rare Van Cat breed, known for its striking white fur and multi-colored eyes, at this dedicated sanctuary in Van, Turkey.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer school groups

CrowdLow
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Van Kedisi Evi

House of Van Cats Van Turkey

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer school groups

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the rare Van Cat breed, known for its striking white fur and multi-colored eyes, at this dedicated sanctuary in Van, Turkey.

4.2
(5k reviews)

"A surreal experience with dozens of beautiful white cats, many with different colored eyes!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Car Recommended for Access

The Van Cat House is a few miles from the city, so a car is the easiest way to get there.

💰 Entry & Interaction Fees

Expect an entry fee (around 25 TL) and an additional cost for cat food (around 65 TL) for feeding.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Rare Van Cat Breed

The Rare Van Cat Breed

Main Enclosure

Witness dozens of unique white cats, many with striking heterochromia (different colored eyes).

Interactive Feeding Experience

Interactive Feeding Experience

Main Enclosure

Purchase cat food to get up close and personal with these beautiful felines. A truly memorable experience.

Research and Conservation Efforts

Research and Conservation Efforts

On-site Facilities

Learn about the dedicated efforts to protect and research this rare breed at the well-maintained facilities.

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Planning Your Visit

Getting to the Van Cat House

The House of Van Cats is located a few miles outside Van city center, often on university grounds. A car is recommended for easy access. Entry fee is around 25 TL, with an option to purchase food for the cats to interact with them more closely. Reddit

Interacting with the Van Cats

While the cats are generally calm and friendly, some visitors note that the main enclosure can feel crowded, leading to stressed behavior among the cats. Purchasing cat food (around 65 TL) allows for closer interaction, but be mindful of the cats' well-being and space. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer school groups
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Cats are often more active
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Bugün Van da Van Kedi Evini ziyaret ettim. Tesadüf bugün Dünya Kediler Günü’ymüş 😃. I visited Van Cat ( one of the famous cat breeds) House in Van Turkey. I learned that Today is World Cat Day 😃. #vankedisi #kedi #cat #cats #vancat
halitayyilmaz
79 likes • 3.7K views

🚗 Car Recommended for Access

The Van Cat House is a few miles from the city, so a car is the easiest way to get there. Reddit

💰 Entry & Interaction Fees

Expect an entry fee (around 25 TL) and an additional cost for cat food (around 65 TL) for feeding. Reddit

Van Cats are really rare breed lived in Van, eastern Turkey. You can visit the House of Van Cats in Van and see these lovely animals.🤗 Van Kedileri Türkiye' de yaşayan nadir kedi ırklarıdan bir tanesidir. Siz de bu güzel türü görebilmek için Van'daki kedi evini ziyaret edebilirsiniz. 🤗
culturemovess
87 likes • 2.4K views
. 📍Van Kedi Evi Onlarca Van kedisini bir arada görmek istiyorsanız kesinlikle uğramalısınız. Siz de hele bi gezelim diyorsanız Van doğru adres ❤️😍 📍Van Cat House If you want to see dozens of Van cats together, you should definitely visit this place. If you want to take a tour, Van is the right address ❤️😍 #vankedievi #van #vankedisi #vankedisisahiplen #gezi #travel #turkey #seyahat #gezgin ...
helebigezelim
272 likes • 5.6K views

🐾 Respect the Cats' Space

While interaction is encouraged, be mindful that cats can get stressed in crowded conditions. Reddit

🛍️ Souvenir Shop Available

Grab unique souvenirs like magnets to remember your visit. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Car Recommended for Access

The Van Cat House is a few miles from the city, so a car is the easiest way to get there. Reddit

💰 Entry & Interaction Fees

Expect an entry fee (around 25 TL) and an additional cost for cat food (around 65 TL) for feeding. Reddit

🐾 Respect the Cats' Space

While interaction is encouraged, be mindful that cats can get stressed in crowded conditions. Reddit

🛍️ Souvenir Shop Available

Grab unique souvenirs like magnets to remember your visit. Reddit

🧼 Clean and Well-Maintained

This facility is noted for its cleanliness and good upkeep compared to other cat villas. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the unique beauty of the Van Cats, particularly their striking heterochromia, and the peaceful atmosphere. The opportunity to feed the cats is a highlight, though some note that the main enclosure can feel crowded and stressful for the animals. The facility is generally clean and well-maintained, with friendly staff and a convenient gift shop.

"Beautiful kitties! Place is located few miles from the city center in the university grounds so you need a car to get there. 25 TL to enter the premises. If you want to play with the kitties you need to buy them food!"

semper veritas

"If you love cats, this place is a must-visit! There are so many beautiful white cats, each with different coloured eyes. It’s truly a surreal experience!

The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing, and it’s one of the most affordable ways to unwind. For a small fee, you can buy cat food and enter the main enclosure, where you’ll get the chance to feed and interact with the cats up close.

All the cats were calm and friendly during our visit, and even with a large group of schoolchildren there, the space remained family friendly and welcoming.

There’s also a gift shop on-site offering a range of souvenirs, from magnets to snacks and more. Making it easy to take a little piece of the experience home with you."

Mert Acar

"The idea is nice, 10 for ticket, 65 for feeding. The staff was very nice and helpful (like everyone we met in Turkey)

But!

There are too many cats in the main cage, they are bored and stressed out. Hissing and hiting each other, even I was scared to approach to avoid bites. Please add toys to engage them and divide them to different rooms, they are living beings that need their space. It was hard to watch for me, unfortunatelly."

Janka

What People Like

Beautiful and rare Van Cats
Unique heterochromia
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Crowded enclosures
Stressed cats

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The House of Van Cats is located a few miles outside the city center of Van, often on university grounds. It's recommended to have a car for convenient access. Reddit Public transport options might be limited, so consider a taxi or ride-sharing service if you don't have your own vehicle.

While it's a bit outside the main city, it's generally well-known. Using GPS or asking locals for directions to the 'Van Kedi Evi' should help you locate it. TikTok

Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally or look for recent visitor posts for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

Yes, you can visit without a car, but it might require more planning. Taxis or local buses might be options, though a car offers the most flexibility. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a perfect half-day excursion from Van city, allowing you to experience these unique cats without taking up your entire day. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entry fee is typically around 25 Turkish Lira (TL). This fee helps support the upkeep and care of the cats. Reddit

Yes, you can interact with the cats. For a more hands-on experience, you can purchase cat food (around 65 TL) to feed them directly. Reddit

Information on specific discounts isn't widely available, but the entry fee is generally considered affordable. It's always worth asking upon arrival if any concessions are offered. Reddit

Advance booking is usually not required. You can typically purchase tickets upon arrival at the entrance. Instagram

The standard ticket price grants you access to observe and be in the vicinity of the Van cats. Purchasing food is an additional cost for direct interaction. Reddit

🎫 🐈 Onsite Experience

The best way is to enter the main enclosure and observe their behavior. If you purchase food, you can attract them for closer interaction. InstagramReddit

Generally, yes, they are described as calm and friendly. However, some visitors have noted that in crowded conditions, they can become stressed. Reddit

Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, as you'll be walking around. Avoid strong perfumes, as they can sometimes agitate cats. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed. Be mindful not to use flash photography, as it can startle the animals. TikTok

The space is described as family-friendly and welcoming, even with school groups present. It's a good place for children to learn about animals. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The most iconic shots are of the cats themselves, especially those with heterochromia. Try to capture them interacting with each other or with visitors feeding them. TikTokInstagram

While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography, as it can disturb the cats. Be respectful of their space and avoid intrusive behavior. TikTok

A camera with good low-light capabilities is helpful, especially if visiting during dimmer parts of the day. A zoom lens can be useful for capturing details without getting too close. Instagram

You can take photos with the cats, but it's best to let them approach you. Trying to force interaction for a selfie might stress them out. Reddit

Natural light is best. Mornings and late afternoons often provide softer, more flattering light for photographing the cats. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The House of Van Cats is a fantastic destination for families. Children are often captivated by the sight of so many beautiful white cats, especially those with different colored eyes. TikTokInstagram The experience is described as family-friendly and welcoming, even when school groups are present. Reddit

Purchasing cat food allows for an engaging way for kids to interact with the cats, making the visit educational and fun. It's a great opportunity to teach children about animal care and respect for wildlife. Remember to supervise children closely to ensure they interact gently with the animals. Reddit

🐾 Cat Enthusiasts

For true cat lovers, the House of Van Cats is an absolute must-visit. You'll have the chance to see dozens of rare Van cats up close, many featuring the breed's signature heterochromia. Instagram+1 The opportunity to feed them and observe their unique behaviors is a dream come true for many. Reddit

While the conservation aspect is commendable, some enthusiasts might observe the cats' well-being in crowded enclosures and hope for further improvements in space and enrichment. Reddit Nevertheless, the sheer number and beauty of the cats make it a highly rewarding experience for anyone passionate about felines.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Van Cat

The Van Cat is a rare and distinctive breed originating from the Van region of Turkey. They are most recognizable by their all-white coat and often striking heterochromia, meaning they have eyes of different colors, commonly one blue and one amber. This unique characteristic makes them a fascinating subject for visitors. TikTokInstagram The breed is known for its intelligence, playful nature, and love for water, which is unusual for most cats. Instagram

These cats are not just a tourist attraction; they are also the subject of research and conservation efforts. The House of Van Cats serves as a sanctuary and a center dedicated to preserving the purity of this ancient breed. Visitors can learn about the ongoing work to protect their genetic lineage and ensure their survival. Reddit

When visiting, observe their natural behaviors. While they are generally friendly, remember they are living beings. The facilities are designed to mimic their natural environment, with separate areas for dining, playing, and sleeping, connected by tunnels. Reddit

Visitor Experience and Etiquette

Visiting the House of Van Cats offers a unique and often heartwarming experience. Many visitors describe the atmosphere as peaceful and relaxing, a welcome respite from busy travel schedules. Reddit The opportunity to interact closely with these beautiful animals, especially by feeding them, is a highlight for many. InstagramReddit

However, it's important to be mindful of visitor etiquette. While the cats are generally friendly, overcrowding in the main enclosure can lead to stress and conflict among them. Reddit Some reviewers have noted that the cats can appear bored or agitated in such conditions, leading to hissing or fighting. It's recommended to give them space and avoid forcing interactions. Reddit

Consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure a more serene experience for both you and the cats. The presence of a gift shop offering souvenirs like magnets adds to the overall visitor convenience. Reddit

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