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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer school groups

House of Van Cats Van Turkey
Best Time
Fewer school groups

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

🚗 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Rare Van Cat Breed
Main Enclosure
Witness dozens of unique white cats, many with striking heterochromia (different colored eyes).

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
On-site Facilities
Learn about the dedicated efforts to protect and research this rare breed at the well-maintained facilities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to the Van Cat House
Interacting with the Van Cats
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
🐾 Respect the Cats' Space
While interaction is encouraged, be mindful that cats can get stressed in crowded conditions.
🛍️ Souvenir Shop Available
Grab unique souvenirs like magnets to remember your visit.
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.
💰 Entry & Interaction Fees
Expect an entry fee (around 25 TL) and an additional cost for cat food (around 65 TL) for feeding.
🐾 Respect the Cats' Space
While interaction is encouraged, be mindful that cats can get stressed in crowded conditions.
🛍️ Souvenir Shop Available
Grab unique souvenirs like magnets to remember your visit.
🧼 Clean and Well-Maintained
This facility is noted for its cleanliness and good upkeep compared to other cat villas.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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. 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.
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.
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.
Absolutely! It's a perfect half-day excursion from Van city, allowing you to experience these unique cats without taking up your entire day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is typically around 25 Turkish Lira (TL). This fee helps support the upkeep and care of the cats.
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.
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.
Advance booking is usually not required. You can typically purchase tickets upon arrival at the entrance.
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.
🎫 🐈 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.
Generally, yes, they are described as calm and friendly. However, some visitors have noted that in crowded conditions, they can become stressed.
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, as you'll be walking around. Avoid strong perfumes, as they can sometimes agitate cats.
Yes, photography is generally allowed. Be mindful not to use flash photography, as it can startle the animals.
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.
📸 📸 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.
While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography, as it can disturb the cats. Be respectful of their space and avoid intrusive behavior.
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.
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.
Natural light is best. Mornings and late afternoons often provide softer, more flattering light for photographing the cats.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🐾 Cat Enthusiasts
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. 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
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.
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.
Visitor Experience and Etiquette
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. 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.
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.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit