VAN. – Turkish Van Province’s cats, which are the only ones of their breed who are not afraid of water, are preparing to step on the podium (PHOTOS).   

The Province’s Center for Study and Preservation of Van Cats had announced two contests: “Best Photograph of Van Cat” and “Most Beautiful Van Can,” Armenian News-NEWS.am’s reporter informed from Van. 

And in the lead-up to the final event, the Center has been decorated and special podia are placed at the garden. And the cats of Van will display their beauty on these podia. The cats will strut along the red carpet and the jury will select the most beautiful from among them.   

Fifty people have submitted applications to include their cats in the “Most Beautiful Van Can” contest while the winner of the “Best Photograph of Van Cat” will take home 3,000 Turkish liras (approx. US$ 1,700) in prize money.   

The event, which will be held on Tuesday evening, has caused great liveliness in Van. 

To note, the eyes of Van cats have two different colors; one eye is blue while the other is yellow. These cats are very audacious, they also eat fruits, and—unlike their other breeds—they love to swim in water.