Türkiye: International Cat Day shines spotlight on Türkiye's iconic Van cats.

SHOTLIST VAN, TÜRKİYE (AUGUST 7, 2026) 1. EXTERIOR OF VAN CAT RESEARCH CENTER 2. VISITORS VISITORS PETTING, FEEDING VAN CATS IN CAT RESEARCH CENTER (2 SHOTS) 3. VARIOUS OF VAN CATS WITH BLUE-GREEN EYES, AND KITTENS 4. (SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) HEAD OF VAN CAT RESEARCH AND APPLICATION CENTER, ABDULLAH KAYA, SAYING: “Cats are kept as pets all over the world, and they are certainly part of life in many homes. So even if it is just for one day, it is a good thing that issues concerning cats — their social impact, their lives in homes, and the mistreatment they face in society — are brought to the agenda on this occasion.” 5. WHITE FLASH 6. (SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) HEAD OF VAN CAT RESEARCH AND APPLICATION CENTER, ABDULLAH KAYA, SAYING: “Because cats are a part of our lives. They have a place in the social fabric of society, and almost everyone has a story involving them.” 7. WHITE FLASH 8. (SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) HEAD OF VAN CAT RESEARCH AND APPLICATION CENTER, ABDULLAH KAYA, SAYING: “We hope cats will not be subjected to violence on the streets, will not go hungry or thirsty, and that society will become more sensitive about this issue.” 9. WHITE FLASH 10. (SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) HEAD OF VAN CAT RESEARCH AND APPLICATION CENTER, ABDULLAH KAYA, SAYING: “We want every home to have a Van cat, our original native breed, so that it will never again face the danger of extinction. For this reason, every year we arrange the adoption of Van cats by 100 families.” 11. VARIOUS OF CHILDREN AND WOMAN PLAYING WITH VAN CATS 12. (SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) HEAD OF VAN CAT RESEARCH AND APPLICATION CENTER, ABDULLAH KAYA, SAYING: “From January 2026 to August 2026, we estimate that around 70,000 to 80,000 visitors came to the Van Cat Research Center.” 13. CHILDREN AND WOMAN PETTING CATS AND FEEDING THEM (2 SHOTS) VAN, TÜRKİYE - AUGUST 7: Around 80,000 people have visited the "Cat Villa" at the Van Cat Research and Application Center of Van Yuzuncu Yil University (YYU) since the beginning of the year, the center's director said. The facility, which protects Van cats — one of the city's most important symbols, known for their affectionate nature, white silky fur, lion-like gait and different-colored eyes — attracts both local and foreign tourists year-round. Visitors to the Cat Villa on the university campus can pet the cats and take photos with them. The center breeds new kittens annually and continues adoption efforts under the "A Van Cat in Every Home" project, placing cats with 100 families each year. The 2026 adoption program has already begun. Speaking to Anadolu on the occasion of International Cat Day, observed annually on Aug. 8, Center Director Prof. Dr. Abdullah Kaya emphasized the social importance of cats. "Cats are certainly part of life in many homes," Kaya said. "So even if it is just for one day, it is a good thing that issues concerning cats — their social impact, their lives in homes, and the mistreatment they face in society — are brought to the agenda on this occasion." "Because cats are a part of our lives. They have a place in the social fabric of society, and almost everyone has a story involving them. We hope cats will not be subjected to violence on the streets, will not go hungry or thirsty, and that society will become more sensitive about this issue," he added. Kaya explained that the center breeds animals primarily for its own needs and makes surplus cats available to the public. "We want every home to have a Van cat, our original native breed, so that it will never again face the danger of extinction. For this reason, every year we arrange the adoption of Van cats by 100 families," he said. Noting that visitor numbers rise especially during the summer, Kaya said the center is one of the most visited places in the region. International Cat Day, first established in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), is currently coordinated by International Cat Care. The day aims to celebrate cats while raising awareness about cat welfare, responsible ownership, protection from abuse, veterinary care and the needs of stray and homeless cats. Reporting by Yilmaz Kazandioğlu Writing by Sibel Uygun