The Anatolian cat, also known as Turkish Shorthair, is a unique natural breed that originated in Turkey (Anatolia) where it is called Anadolu Kedisi, meaning Anatolian cat. Anatolians are similar in type to the Turkish Van. Today this breed is spread through many Turkish regions and is exported to Europe and USA. Regrettably, despite their unique characteristics, many Anatolian cats have been exported and registered as Vans or Angoras but some German and Dutch breeders are making great efforts to preserve the breed. The Anatolian cats are known for their jump strength and striking love of water.

The Anatolian is a short-haired, muscular and strong cat, with a body structure identical to the Turkish Van. The body is of medium size, strong and muscular with clean-cut and muscular legs, medium in length and boning, the front legs being shorter that the back legs. The feet are round and net. The muscular tail is proportion to the body, reaching the shoulder blades, and has a  slightly rounded tip.  The head is broad (moderately broad in females), showing a rounded form towards the jaws. The muzzle shows no stop or break and the cheeks are stronger and more muscular in males than in females. The medium-lengthed nose has a gentle slope at the height of the eyes. The almond-shaped eyes are large and slightly oblique. The eye colour ranging from green, bright yellow to dark amber, is in conformity with the coat color. White Anatolians can have blue or odd eyes (yellow and blue or green and blue). The ears are in proportion to the head, set well apart, moderately to large in size, wide at the base and tapering to the tips. The silky and soft coat is short and dense lying smoothly to the body and without undercoat. Anatolians come all natural colours, with and without Van markings.