The population of Turkish Van cats, will increase by enabling them to breed throughout the year through a project being carried out by the Yüzüncü Yıl University (YYÜ) in southern Van province. Running since 1992, the Turkish Van Cats Research Center at the university is working to save the generation of Turkish Van Cats.Associate Professor Abdullah Kaya, the head of the center, said that cats have become a cultural value and people protect them, adding that they expect more baby Turkish Van cats this year. The cat center not only works to increase the number of Turkish Van cats facing the risk of extinction, but also provide healthcare. At present, the cats that are taken care of at the center are healthy and in good condition, Kaya added. A rare breed of domestic cats, the Turkish Van is a favorite animal in Turkey.