It is an intriguing cat. An endangered species, the Van cat is all playfulness and vivacity notwithstanding the serene appearance projected by a silky white fur. Its eyes are of different colors, it is an excellent hunter and it loves to play in water and swim unlike any other of its feline brethren.

Its tail is so long that it is hard to manage especially when asleep. The Van cat puts its head on its forelegs and draws its tail under its body. Another characteristic is the greater length of the hind paws compared to the front ones. Its immense, round eyes are yellow or blue but it is not unusual that each eye should have a different color: characteristically one is yellow, the other blue or green. It will not drink milk or eat food which has not been tested with its front paw for temperature and it appreciates melons, watermelons and some other kinds of fruit.