Turkish Van Cat
Cat Facts
The swimming cat or Turkish Van cat is a magnificent longhaired cat breed that originated in Turkey many centuries ago. The Turkish Van cat's body is medium long, sturdy and muscular with large bones. Its legs are moderately muscular and long and the hind legs are longer than the forelegs. The tail is long, thick and well furnished i.e. fluffy or plumed. The color of the hair on the tail should be even and extend down the full length of the tail and the hair on the tail is usually around 5 cm long.
The Van's head is medium to large and the length is equivalent to its width and described as wedge-shaped. The head has gentle or rounded contours, prominent, high cheekbones and a medium length nose with a delicate stop. In profile the nose has a slight dip. The muzzle is full and rounded and the whisker pinch considerable. The adult male cats often present with jowls. The Turkish Van has medium large, round-tipped ears that are set well apart and are broad at the base and set high on their heads It's important to note that breed standards for the eyes and coat differ in the United States and the United Kingdom. CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association - US): Turkish Van cats eyes are large, rounded, slightly drawn out at the corners and set at a slant. Eye color can be blue, amber or odd-eye. Their eyes should be clear, alert and expressive. GCCF (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy - UK): Eyes are large, shaped like a peach or almond pit and set at a slant. Eyelids should be outlined in pink. Eye color: blue, amber or odd-eye (aka heterochromatic). The Turkish Van cat has a long to semi-long coat. There are two coat types, the English coat which is longer, furrier and thicker and the Dutch coat which is slightly shorter, more even, soft and plush. Both these coat types can be found in a single litter of kittens. The hair is silky in texture (feels like cashmere) and there is no evidence of an undercoat. Generally, the coat is thicker in winter than in summer. The CFA accepts a white cat with Van pattern markings in Red, Cream, Blue, Tabby, Black and any version of these colors. Chocolate and Lilac colors and Pointed patterns are not permitted. The CFA will allow color on the legs and body, provided it does not distract from the van pattern and provided it is not on more than 20 % of the body The GCCF only accepts a white cat with Auburn or Cream Van pattern markings. No other colors are permitted. An all-white Van is known as a Vankedisi. Generally, however, the cat has cream (red, blue, tabby or black) symmetrical markings at the base of the ears. This must be separated by a blaze of white. The second colored patch runs from the tip of the tail to the croup. This color pattern isolated to the head and tail is known as the van pattern.
Personality and Temperament
Cat breeders and owners describe the Turkish Van as a highly intelligent, resourceful and loyal cat. There have been reports that describe the cat as 'aggressive' and this is not warranted. The cat's temperament and personality is dependent on their upbringing. The kitten's character is largely dictated by the personality of the mother and the level of handling the cat receives as a kitten. Selective breeding has resulted in the Turkish Van been a very affectionate, almost bordering on possessive, loving cat. They are certainly not lap cats - they would rather sleep next to you than on top of you. They tend to bond with one or two members in the family, who they will affectionately greet with 'head butts' and 'love bites'. This does not mean that they are unsociable cats. They are gregarious, but also very independent. The Van, as they are affectionately called, has unlimited energy and are very lively, playful and friendly cats who enjoy family activities. These strong-willed cats do not like to be picked up! They will come to you for petting and would prefer to be transported around the house on your shoulder rather than in your arms. This is a breed that loves water and is often referred to as the Turkish Swimming Cat. They are acrobats that enjoy games involving water. Don't be surprised if your cat joins you in the shower or decides to have a drink of water from a faucet!
Turkish Van Cat Information
Would they suit a home with Children and other Pets? They are ideal companion cats who adore their humans and other animals. They would suit a family with teenage children, rather than toddlers. Indoor or Outdoor Cats They are hardy, sturdy cats that prefer a safe, enclosed, escape-proof garden with a shallow pond. However, they do adapt to apartment living provided that they have adequate space, toys and cat trees to climb. Did we mention that they are amazing climbers?
Many breeders will insist that you enter into a contract that stipulates that your cat must be kept indoors. Cat Grooming and Cat Care The Turkish Van cat is a medium-to-high maintenance breed. As these cats have medium to long coats, daily grooming is recommended to keep their coat in tip-top condition. Visit the chapter on cat hair care for great tips and advice for grooming longhaired cats and cat dental care for advice on cleaning your cat's teeth. Cat Health Concerns This ancient cat breed has no major health concerns, but please do vaccinate your cat against the common infectious feline diseases. Veterinary costs can be expensive, so you should always consider cat insurance for your cat. Cat Diet and Nutrition To keep your cat fit and healthy you should feed them the best cat food possible. To understand the importance of a well balanced diet we have compiled a guide to cat food and cat nutrition for your consideration. The Average Weight A healthy Turkish Van cat should weigh between 3.0 - 8.5 kg (7 - x 19 lbs) Life Expectancy If your Turkish Van cat enjoys a healthy lifestyle you can expect a life expectancy of between 9 - 15 years.
Related Cat Pages Turkish Van Breeders - international cat breeder directory Turkish Van Cats - the origin and history of the breed and stunning cat pictures
Photos Courtesy of: © Sarah Thexton SACC Cat of The Year in 2001. Lurkel. Owner Rita Wiseman
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