Skip to content 
Turkish Van Cat Breed
The Turkish Van, also known as the Turkish cat, is a unique and standardized breed of domestic feline originating in Turkey. It is widely believed that this breed was developed in the United Kingdom, where various cats from various cities in modern Turkey were carefully bred. Turkish cats are rare and are easily distinguished by their striking Van pattern, which is characterized by a color-restricted head and tail, while the rest of the body is pure white.
Additionally, these cats have captivating blue or amber eyes or may even be odd-eyed. Not only are Turkish cats stunning, but they are also known for their active and athletic nature. They love to explore, climb, and jump, and can often be found roaming the house in search of adventure. These cats are water-loving creatures and are even known as “swimming cats.” Interestingly, white Turkish cats are not fully grown until they reach three to five years old.
However, it’s important to note that solid white Turkish cats are more prone to deafness, and they are referred to as Turkish vankedisi. Turkish Vans are incredibly adaptable and can thrive in both a small apartment or a spacious house indoor or outdoor living suits them just fine. In addition, Turkish cats form strong bonds with their human companions and thrive on affection and interaction.
Origin
Turkish cats are a breed of cat that can be traced back to ancient times. Their name is derived from the term “Van” used in their countries of origin. In 1955, two British photographers, Laura Lushington and Sonia Halliday, were given two unrelated cats while in Turkey. Laura took the cats home with her and allowed them to mate, resulting in kittens that were identical to their parents. These kittens had white fur with dark tails and head markings. Laura returned to Turkey to find another pair of Van Iskenderun Guzelli (female) and Stambul Byzantium (male).
In 1969, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) granted full pedigree status to Turkish Vans. They were initially known as Turkish cats in the UK until 1979 when they were officially named Turkish Van. During the 1970s, Turkish Vans started being imported to America. Two Florida breeders, Barbara, and Jack Reark, popularized this breed in 1983. Additionally, the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) accepted Turkish Vans in 1988, and in 1994, four Turkish Vans received the grand title.
Turkish Van Life Expectancy
The Turkish Vans have an average lifespan of 12 to 17 years.
Grooming
The Turkish Van has a semi-long coat composed of three distinct types of hair: guard hair, awn hair, and down hair. They are required to be brushed twice a week using a soft-bristled brush to remove extra dead hairs and keep their coats looking shiny. They require a bath once after two months to remove dirt and owners should make their bathing a positive experience.
Bathe the Turkish Vans with vet-approved mild cat shampoo and conditioner. After bathing, dry the cat using a towel and brush their coat to keep it shiny and neat. To maintain their hygiene, it is recommended to trim the cat’s nails every two weeks.
This will prevent the nails from growing too long and causing discomfort or injury to the cat. Also, it is important to clean Turkish Vans’ ears with a cotton ball dampened with appropriate veterinary ear cleanser to keep them free of debris or wax. Brush the teeth using a toothbrush and feline formulated toothpaste twice a week to maintain their dental hygiene.
Shedding
Turkish Vans shed moderately during the season. They have two coat lengths; in winter it is thick and long and in summer, they shed to leave a shorter, lighter coat. Moreover, it has a full brush tail that does not shed hair or change according to the season but remains long and full.
Coat
The Turkish Vans have a semi-long coat composed of three distinct types of hair: guard hair, awn hair, and down hair. These cat breeds do not have an undercoat.
Short Hair
They have a semi-long-haired coat.
Turkish Van Hypoallergenic
Turkish Vans are not considered to be hypoallergenic. This is because they shed their semi-long-haired coat. As they shed, they leave hair and dander around which contains Fel d 1 resulting to difficulty in breathing, hives, and irritated eyes in allergic people. Also, the cat’s saliva and urine still carry the allergen protein. Thus, the Turkish Vans are not good cats for allergic people.
Training
They are intelligent cats that are easily trained using positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement involves rewarding desired behavior with treats or praise. Owners or trainers should be consistent with training as each Turkish Vans may have its own learning pace. Moreover, the cats may develop behavioral problems like scratching furniture or excessive meowing.
If this happens, the owners should be in a position to understand them. Also, provide the Turkish cats with mental and physical stimulation. Socialization is also crucial for Turkish Vans to avoid shyness. Owners and trainers can socialize with different people and other animals in new environments to boost their confidence. Additionally, Turkish Vans should learn basic command words such as “come,” “sit,” “high five,” and “no.” Effective housebreaking rules such as early crate training, potty training, and feeding schedules are advisable from an early age.
Turkish Van Characteristics
- Dominant.
- Energetic.
- Dog-like.
- Intelligent.
- People-oriented.
- Playful.
- Adventurous.
- Affectionate.
- Curious.
Aggressive
The Turkish Vans were found to be less sociable towards cats and more aggressive towards humans, according to a September 2021 study by scientists.
Biting
As they are known to be aggressive, the Turkish Vans can bite due to fear or frustration, if they want to play, or assert dominance. Poor socialization may make them adept to this habit.
Exercise
The Turkish Vans have high energy levels which makes them active cats that love to climb, jump, and explore their surroundings. They also enjoy playing with toys which makes interactive playtime a fantastic way to engage with them. Ensure the owners play with the Turkish Vans to provide physical exercise and strengthen their bond. Moreover, provide the cat with outdoor access or cat trees or shelves that satisfy their climbing instincts.
Meow
They are vocal cats that tend to meow loudly when they see their owners. The parents should be in a position to understand each meow as they may meow to indicate happiness, attention, or hunger.
Apart from Turkish Vans, other cat breeds include:
Turkish Van Size
They stand at a height of 9 to 12 inches ( approx. 23 to 30 cm ). Female Turkish Vans weigh between 7 to 12 pounds ( approx. 3.2 to 5.4 kg ) while male Turkish Vans weigh 10 to 20 pounds ( approx. 4.5 to 9 kg ).
Height
They possess a height of 9 to 12 inches ( approx. 23 to 30 cm ) and have a body length of 3 ft (1 m) when measured from the nose to the tip of the tail.
Weight
Female Turkish Vans have a weight of 7 to 12 pounds ( approx. 3.2 to 5.4 kg ) while male Turkish Vans weigh 10 to 20 pounds ( approx. 4.5 to 9 kg ).
Turkish Van Cat Health Problems
Although they are healthy felines, they may be prone to certain common health issues. Some of the health problems include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a heart condition), polycystic kidney disease, and hip dysplasia. However, not all Turkish Vans will develop these conditions, and responsible breeding practices can help minimize the risk. Owners should ensure the cats are vaccinated against Feline distemper, Feline, herpes virus, Calicivirus, and also rabies.
Names
The Turkish Vans owners always give their cat names before or after joining their new homes. When choosing the name, select the one that the cat will easily recognize and let it be short. Most of their names are derived from several sources, including the cat’s place of origin, its physical attributes, famous songs, books, movies, or the cat’s distinct coat pattern. Additionally, the name should not be rhythmic with the commands taught in training. Some of Turkish Vans’ names include:
- Diego.
- Dinah.
- Cennet.
- Munchkin.
- Peaches.
- Andie.
- Riko.
- Phil.
- Blanco.
- Duchess.
Food
The Turkish Vans consume food depending on their size, age, and metabolism. The food should be high-quality cat food that has more protein-rich meat-based ingredients. Adults and seniors should consume two meals a day and kittens three meals a day of commercial food. These cats do not require any special diets unless approved by the vet.
They are prone to being overweight or obese thus, the owners should be careful with the type and amount of food they get. When giving the cats treats, they should not be more than 10% of a cat’s total caloric intake per day. Always provide the cat with clean and fresh water.
Turkish Van Colors
They have a majority of white coats with patches of red, brown, blue, cream, black, and tortoiseshell.
Black
Turkish Vans are not available in black color as they mostly have a big portion of white coat on their body. The black color is present in Turkish Angora.
White
Some of the Turkish Vans can have an entirely white coat. These cats are only recognized by a few registries. They are also not considered show quality and are therefore actively bred against. In addition, they are prone to deafness.
Grey
There are no Turkish Vans that have the grey coat color.
Tuxedo
They can not have the Tuxedo coat color because the patches are only available on the head and the tail.
Black And White
The Turkish Vans can have a white coat with black patterns on the head and tail their nose and paw pads are pinkish.
Calico
There are calico Turkish Cats that have a predominantly white coat with black and brown patches on the head and tail.
Turkish Van Swimming
Turkish vans are excellent swimmers and have an excellent affinity for water. They contain unique adaptations that make them excellent swimmers, including their water-resistant coats and muscular bodies.
Turkish Van vs Turkish Angora
- The Turkish Vans are swimming cats while Turkish Angora is not.
- Turkish Vans have patches on the head and tail while the Turkish Angora do not have specific body patches.
- Turkish Vans have a lifespan of 12 to 17 years while the Turkish Angora have a lifespan of 12 to 16 years.
- Both the Turkish Vans and Turkish Angora have a semi-long-haired coat.
Turkish Van Mix
The Turkish Vans have been mixed with other pure cat breeds like British Shorthair and Maine Coon.
American Shorthair Mix
The Turkish Vans has been crossbred with the British Shorthair cat. The mix shows a unique blend of calmness from the British Shorthair lineage and playful vivacity from the Turkish Van side. The mixed breed also demonstrates impressive agility and adaptability.
Maine Coon Mix
There are no details on whether Turkish Vans have been bred with Maine Coon. Moreover, the mix can have long hair but does not have that unique and unmistakable heavy and shaggy frontal ruff.
Kitten
After gestation, the Turkish Vans kittens an average of five cats. The kittens may be short-haired in appearance with thin tails, but as they mature, the fur on the chest will fill out, and the tail will thicken into a full brush tail. The Kittens are highly intelligent and require regular exercise and playtime to thrive. In addition, the Kittens consume three to four meals a day.
Kitten Price
The Turkish Vans kittens have a price ranging from $800 to $1500.
Turkish Van Cost
The Turkish Vans have a price ranging from $900 to $2000 depending on the cats’ age, size, and location of the breeder.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Much Do Turkish Van Cats Cost
Turkish Vans have a price ranging from $900 to $2000.
Do Turkish Cats Like Water
Yes. Turkish vans excellent swimmers and have an excellent affinity for water. They contain unique adaptations that make them excellent swimmers, including their water-resistant coats and also muscular bodies.
How Rare Is A Turkish Van Cat
Turkish Vans are a rare breed of cat due to their partial leucism expressed by the piebald white spotting gene.
How Long Do Turkish Cats Live
Turkish Vans have a lifespan of 12 to 17 years.
Are Turkish Van Cats Hypoallergenic
No. Turkish Vans are not considered to be hypoallergenic. This is because they shed their semi-long-haired coat which contains hair and dander. Also, their urine and saliva have Fel d 1 protein causes difficulty in breathing, hives, and irritated eyes in allergic people.
How Big Do Turkish Van Cats Get
Turkish Vans stand at a height of 9 to 12 inches ( approx. 23 to 30cm ). Female Vans weigh 7 to 12 pounds ( approx. 3.2 to 5.4 kg ) while male Turkish Vans weigh 10 to 20 pounds ( approx. 4.5 to 9 kg ).
What Does A Turkish Van Cat Look Like
Turkish Vans have a semi-long-hair coat with a full brush tail. They will also have a van pattern where color is only available on the head and the tail, and the rest of the cat is white. Their eyes may be blue or amber, or odd-eyed.
Turkish Van Facts
- They are also known as Swimming cats due to their unique swimming qualities, unlike other cat breeds.
- Turkish Vans are a rare breed of cat due to their partial leucism expressed by the piebald white spotting gene.
- They are all-white cats with colored markings on the face and tail.
