Van Cat House

Since the Van Cat House is open every day, including holidays, you can fit it into any day of your Van visit. The period between 09:00–12:00 is calmer, so those who want to observe the cats comfortably prefer this time slot. The center is closed for lunch between 12:00–13:00; be careful not to arrive during this hour. The cool morning hours, when the cats are more active, are also more productive for those who want to take photos.

The Van Cat House is located on the Yüzüncü Yıl University Zeve Campus, approximately 13 kilometers from Van city center. You can take municipal buses from the city center to the campus or opt for a taxi. Once inside the campus, proceed by referencing the carpet house; the Van Cat House is just beyond it. If you come by car, there is parking available on campus.

30 to 60 minutes is sufficient for the Van Cat House. Watching and feeding the cats on the lower floor, and visiting the mini-museum on the upper floor, easily fits within this time. If you come with children, you might want to spend more time with the cats; in this case, a visit exceeding 1 hour is quite possible.

The Van Cat House offers a rare environment for cat photography. Close-up shots of cats with one blue eye and one amber eye yield very impressive results. Try to take photos in the morning hours when natural light is better, and if possible, in open areas; lighting can be insufficient in enclosed sections. Photos taken while feeding the cats also leave beautiful memories.

Visitors frequently mention a strong odor in the enclosed cat area. Those with cat allergies or individuals sensitive to smells should take this into consideration. Some cats can be aggressive; it is important for small children to be careful when touching the cats. Feeding with food is possible, but an additional fee is charged for this. YYÜ students can enter for free with their student ID.

Since the Van Cat House is located within the university campus, there are campus cafeterias and small eateries nearby. For wider options, you need to return to Van city center. Van is one of the cities in Turkey with the most established breakfast culture; breakfast places in the city center are also worth visiting.

The Van cat is known as the only cat breed that willingly enters water and enjoys swimming. It is easily distinguished by its white fur, large build, and different colored eyes. At the center, cats are collected from the streets and taken under care and protection. This structure, which also functions as a research center, contributes to the continuation of the Van cat's lineage. Visitors can also apply for adoption under certain conditions.