Turkish Van Cat

• Turkish Van Cat size: Medium-sized
• Classification: Semi-long-haired cat
• Color: Silky, light summer coat and thick winter coat; water-repellent; basic colour white with spots on the head and tail; colours of the pattern: black, blue, white, cream, red
• Body care: Occasional brushing
• Character: Friendly, sociable, intelligent, affectionate
• Turkish Van Cat Origin: Türkiye, area around Lake Van
• Weight: Female about 4.5 to 6 kilograms, Male about 6 to 9 kilograms
• Eyes: Blue, amber, various colors
• Life expectancy: 14 to 19 years
• Nutrition: Wet food with a high meat content or fresh meat

Origin and History of the Turkish Van Cat

The Turkish Van, as the name suggests, comes from Turkey and is native to the area around Lake Van. Until 1955, the cat breed was relatively unknown outside of Turkey, although the animals have lived in Eastern Anatolia for several thousand years, as evidenced by relics from a battle between the Romans and the Armenians. In 1955, two British women took a pair of Van cats back to their homeland and began breeding them. The Turkish Van was first recognized as a breed in 1969.

The character of the Turkish Van

Turkish Van cats are gentle and friendly creatures who like to talk loudly with their owners. They are very active, curious and extremely intelligent. Since these elegant cats are open to people, other cats and dogs, they are ideal as family cats. The Turkish Van’s strong playfulness, which it displays well into old age, and its need for attention require a willingness to spend time with the cat on a regular basis.

Special Features

The Turkish breed of cat has special characteristics: While most cats usually have up to three types of hair, the Turkish Van has only one type of hair in winter and one in summer. In the warm season, the fur is very silky, light and soft, and in the cold season it is particularly thick and warm.

The fur is also water-repellent. The reason: The Van cat is not at all afraid of water, in fact it loves to play in and with the cool water. In its homeland it is a gifted fish catcher. Accordingly, the owner of a Turkish Van should take great care to secure open water sources in the home. Otherwise there is a risk that the Turkish beauty will try to fish in the aquarium or use the open toilet, which could sometimes be life-threatening for the animal.

Color

The basic color of the Turkish Van’s coat is 80 percent white or cream. Only the areas of the ears and tail are marked in a different color. All breeding clubs allow the colors red and cream. Blue and black are sometimes recognized as permitted colors with the corresponding tortoiseshell colors. There are also white Van cats without markings.

Care, Health and Diseases

The Turkish Van cat is a rare breed of cat and that is probably why it is so robust and healthy . The same diseases that can affect all other breeds of cat can of course also affect this breed. Dental problems are common.

A positive aspect is that the Turkish Van does not tend to be overweight due to its love of movement.

How much exercise does the Turkish Van need?

The Turkish Van loves to move around and is active. She doesn’t want to be alone too much, as she can’t stand that. Because of her need for movement, she sometimes tends to run away if she gets the chance. 
The Turkish Van is also suitable for a few laps outside .