A high-octane, athletic cat, Turkish vans make intelligent and loving housemates. While they might not love cuddles much, they’ll happy jump in the shower with you, before purring away next on the couch.
Personality and temperament
In constant search of adventure and mischief, Turkin Van cats are intelligent and outgoing. They have a love of heights so check on top of your cupboards (even balancing on top of doors) if yours is hiding. While they’re affectionate little things, most don’t like cuddles, preferring to curl up next to you on the couch. Because of this, they tend to enjoy living with older kids who know not to pick them up or pull on their fancy-looking tail. These athletic felines also famously love water (and are known as ‘swimming cats’) so if you don’t want company in your shower, remember to close the door!
Size and appearance
Turkin Vans are considered large cats, growing up to 30cm (measured to their shoulder). Males weight around 8.5kg, with females slightly less, but this won’t stop them scaling your furniture to find the perfect perch. They have a cashmere-like semi-long coat that thickens in the cooler months and conveniently sheds when it becomes warmer. All Turkish vans are white and feature a distinct ‘van’ pattern where coloured fur covers their face, head and feathered tail.
History
Turkish Vans are an ancient breed that have a rich history entwined with parts of central and southwest Asia (think modern-day Iran, Iraq and Turkey). They take their name from Lake Van in Turkey, where they were known affectionately as ‘van cats’ and seen as water-loving cats. Legend has it that some Turkish Vans were introduced to Europe by returning crusaders around the turn of the first Millenium, but their recent history begins in 1955 when two were transported to the United Kingdom to be bred. It took until 1969 for the breed to be officially recognised. As there aren’t many breeders in Australia or New Zealand, Turkish Vans are considered alluringly rare here.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
As a naturally occurring breed shaped by natural selection rather than human intervention, the Turkish Van is generally less susceptible to some common health conditions. For example, although most white, blue-eyed cats are prone to hereditary deafness, white Turkish Vans typically are not. However, they can be predisposed to the following health conditions:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a genetic heart condition)
- Hip dysplasia (where the hip joints don’t form properly)
- Obesity
Regular vet check-ups and care can help manage these conditions and keep your Turkish Van healthy.
Food and exercise
Generally, Turkish Vans thrive on a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet. Due to their size, it can be hard to know how much to food they need to fuel their large frame. If in doubt, ask your vet for advice. Two regular meals a day – and limited treats – can help manage their weight.
These energetic felines love to stretch their muscles – you’ll often find them climbing as high as they can possibly get in search of adventure. Lots of cat shelves, climbing tree and puzzle feeders will help stave of boredom, as will playing with them throughout the day. Turkish Vans also famously love playing with water, so access to areas for swimming or dripping taps can entertain them for hours.
Grooming and maintenance
Turkish Vans have a single coat with no undercoat which generally mats less. Weekly brushing is all that’s needed to keep their seasonal shedding under control. A powerful vacuum will help too!
How to groom your Turkish Van
- Coat type: medium-long, water-resistant coat
- Fur: brush weekly to reduce shedding and tangles
- Nails: trim every 3-4 weeks
- Ears: check weekly for dirt or wax build-up
- Eyes: wipe gently with a soft cloth if needed
Training and space requirements
One of the most ‘dog-like’ of cat breeds, Turkish Vans are smart and very trainable. They can easily learn recall and games like ‘fetch’ which they love. Turkish Vans are also one of the best breeds to teach walking on a lead – they’re curiosity and size make them fun strolling companions.
While this large breed can adapt to small space living, they really thrive in a home where there is lots of room to explore. Being athletic cats, they’ll love any vertical space you can create for them, including cat shelves, climbing towers and outdoor ‘catios’. They key is to keep them somewhat entertained by their surroundings as they can get bored (and naughty) if not.
Best suited for…
The ideal household for a Turkish Van is one with lots of activity and humans to play with. They suit families with older children and owners who have the time and energy to engage them on a daily basis – and who don’t mind having a furry companion with them in their shower or bath.
