Turkish Van cat: Height, Weight, Poresnalty, Care Special Info Know
The Turkish Van cat is a naturally occurring breed of domestic cat that originated in the Lake Van area of modern Turkey, part of the Armenian Highlands. Vane is classified as semi-long hair, but his length is two, that’s for sure. by season. Hair is thick and long in winter. In summer, the hair is shed to leave a short light coat. Both coats are described as soft, cashmere-like, down to the core. There is no apparent undercoat on the vane, only one coat.
The breed is rare and distinguished by a vane pattern, where the color is limited to the head and tail, and the rest of the cat is white; This is due to the expression of the piebald white spotting gene, a type of partial leucism. The breed is generally claimed to have descended from a landrace of white Van cats, mostly found near Lake Van. Western selection for matching eyes in the Vane cat is a source of amusement for the people of the Lake Vane region.
The term “Turkish Vankedisi” is used by some as a name for white specimens of the formal Turkish Van breed, although they are not considered to show quality and are therefore actively bred against. They are full of deafness, a common defect in many white animals.
- ORIGIN: Middle East
- HEIGHT 10–14 inches
- WEIGHT 10–20 pounds
- LIFE SPAN 12–17 years
Breed Characteristics
There’s no doubt about it – Turkish vans are stunning. Their coat color pattern, the vane pattern (named after them) is when the color is only found on their head and tail, and the rest of their body is white.
Occasionally, these cats will have a patch of color between the shoulder blades. This is known as the “Mark of Allah” or “God’s Thumbprint” and represents good luck and the cat has been blessed. In addition to their mostly white color, typical colors for their patches include red, brown, blue, cream, black, and tortoise.
These cats may have blue or amber eyes. Turkish Vans can also be odd-eyed, which is when they have one eye of each color
Turkish Vans are medium to large-sized cats, weighing 10-20 pounds. Females, on average, weigh less than males, but each cat is unique in its body size.
One of the reasons the Turkish Van weighs so much is because it is so muscular. With powerful hind legs, these cats can jump to great heights. These cats are not only surprisingly heavy but also very tall. From their head to the tip of their tail, some cats of this breed measure up to three feet.
The expected lifespan of a Turkish Van cat is 12-17 years. Although this is the average life expectancy for cats of this breed, a cat’s longevity can be affected by a number of factors, including their diet, exercise regimen, living environment, and whether they have any health problems.
| Affection Level: High | Playfulness: High |
| Friendliness: High | Energy Level: High |
| Kid-Friendly: High | Intelligence: High |
| Pet-Friendly: High | Tendency to Vocalize: Medium |
| Exercise Needs: High | Amount of Shedding: Medium |
History
The Turkish Van cat is a rare breed that dates back to ancient times. The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) explains that the name derives from the use of the word “van” in its countries of origin (Iraq, Iran, and parts of the Soviet Union and Turkey). “It is a common term in the region that has been given to a number of towns, villages, and even a lake—Lake Wan,” says the CFA, “so it is not surprising that the region’s distinctively patterned cat was named after it.” ‘Want’ by the inhabitants.” The van is not to be confused with the Turkish Angora, which is an entirely different breed.
Making its home in the mountainous region of Central and Southwest Asia, historical records show that the robust and hardy Turkish Van has existed for nearly five thousand years, with its isolation contributing to its long lifespan, TICA points out. It is a prized breed in its homeland, especially those vans that have small, colorful markings on their necks, called “Allah’s thumbprints”.
It wasn’t until the 1950s that the first Turkish Van was brought to Europe by two photographers who were gifted a male and female cat, and it wasn’t until the late 70s that the breed entered the United States. The van began to gain club recognition in the ’80s and ’90s, charming its way into the hearts of cat lovers around the world.
Because she is a rare breed, finding a Turkish Van cat can be difficult, but not impossible. If you are lucky enough to share a home with such a beloved and precious furry friend, you will be rewarded with a playful, energetic, and loyal companion.
Appearance
The texture of the Turkish Van’s semi-long, soft coat has been compared to cashmere. Because this breed evolved in a region that experiences temperature extremes, the Turkish Van’s coat varies seasonally.
To keep the cat warm in cold weather, the winter coat is long and thick, with the hair often growing between the toes. The winter coat also exhibits feathers on the ears, legs, feet, and belly, but facial hair remains short. A mature Turkish Van also has a full neck ruff and a bushy tail.
Although the Turkish Van and Turkish Angora look similar, they are separate breeds that evolved independently of each other. The Turkish Angora is smaller and finer-boned than the Turkish Van and comes in more colors and patterns.
Temperament
Turkish Vans are highly intelligent, easy-to-train cats, says Marilyn Krieger, a certified cat behavior consultant in San Francisco. They can be trained to perform tricks like fetching toys quite easily.
“Clicker training is a wonderful thing to do with them, as it is with all cats,” Krieger says. “It also stimulates them mentally and it’s fun, and it really helps them bond with their people. … You just need to know what really knocks their socks off, what kind of things they like. A treat doesn’t have to be a food treat; a treat can be petting or caressing.”
Personality
The Turkish Van cat personality is best described as energetic, playful, and fun-loving. She needs a lot of attention from her pet parents, so she is a perfect match for those who have a lot of time and love to share it with their fur babies.
He’s also a jumper, as the International Cat Association (TICA) explains: “Their powerful hind legs mean they’re great jumpers and climbers so expect to find them on top of bookcases or in other areas where they can make sure They are positioned as a great place. They can see everything that is happening in the world.” The breed can learn to fetch and you may even see them around the house “grabbing toys in mid-flight or turning somersaults during their spirited chases,” says TICA.
Although the Turkish Van can be an excellent roommate choice for a dog, you’ll want to do a meet and greet before adopting this breed into a family with young children, and there should be supervision. Turkish Vans like to be cuddled and held on their own terms, though not for long, and while they do love cats, they don’t tolerate too much when they pull their tails or try to pet them.
Health
As an extremely old, naturally occurring breed, the Turkish Van is largely free of genetic problems and breed-specific health defects. Unlike the Turkish Angora, the Turkish Van does not have a deafness problem.
It’s a safe bet to watch for common feline problems, and older cats will need to adjust their diet to prevent them from falling into the obesity trap.
Additionally, due to the Turkish Van’s large size, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about delaying any spay or neutering procedures, as early adjustments to their hormone levels can affect how their bones and muscles grow.
“Sometimes these large breeds are spayed at four or five months of age because that’s the veterinary standard,” says Carol Margolis, DVM, DACT, of the Gold Coast Center for Veterinary Care on Long Island, NY. “But I’m a reproductive specialist, so I’m a big fan of reproductive hormones. I let my large breed cats get closer to 1 year old if we can.
Care
The Turkish Van experiences seasonal heavy shedding to reveal its summer coat, which is very short to help the cat stay cool in the warmer months. You may need to brush your Turkish Van more during this shedding period, but throughout the rest of the year, weekly brushing is essential to keep the coat looking sleek and feeling soft. Thanks to its unique texture, the coat of the Turkish Van naturally resists matting.
Turkish Van cats love to play, climb and explore. Provide lots of climbing and perching opportunities and invest in some fun interactive toys such as feather sticks and puzzle toys. Many Turkish Van cats like to retrieve bounced toys such as small balls and toy mice.
Unlike many cats, the Turkish Van actually likes to play and splash in the water, so consider providing some supervised water play opportunities in the sink or bathtub.
Best Food For
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Cat Food
- Hill’s Prescription Diet y/d Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food
Feeding
Every cat is unique and each has its own unique likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food.
However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The amount of these nutrients vary based on age, lifestyle, and overall health, so it’s no surprise that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in its diet than a less active senior cat.
Other things to keep in mind include feeding the right amount of food to maintain an ‘ideal body condition’ according to dietary guidelines and catering to individual preferences regarding wet or dry food recipes.
Grooming
Because Turkish Vans have semi-long-haired, single coats, their grooming needs are not extensive. Generally, they will need brushing about once a week, but if you notice that your cat is shedding more than usual, a few extra brushings won’t hurt.
Your cat’s teeth should also be brushed several times a week. Use cat-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, and don’t forget to reward your companion afterward. Anywhere from every few weeks to about once a month, your cat’s nails will need trimming. Don’t forget to check and clean your Turkish Van’s ears from time to time—never use cotton swabs as this can accidentally damage their ears.
To help your feline friend become acclimated and comfortable with their required grooming routines, it can be helpful to start these routines at an early age and always make them a positive experience.
In addition to your cat’s grooming routine, another important part of your Turkish Van’s daily care is their diet. All cats need a nutritious and age-appropriate feeding plan. If you’re not sure what type or amount of food your cat needs, talk to your vet about recommendations. It is important that you do not overfeed your cat as this can lead to weight gain or obesity.
Training
Channel this breed’s intelligence and curiosity to learn new cat tricks, and it’s sure to reward your efforts. The Turkish Van is a social, playful cat that thrives on attention. These cats form strong bonds with their people, so playing and training with a Turkish Van can provide an ideal outlet for fun and bonding. Add a game of fetch to the mix, and your cat will be in heaven!
Exercise
You probably don’t need to encourage your Turkish Van cats to exercise. These kittens are natural athletes, with a tendency to gain the highest possible vantage point from which to survey their domain.
Lots of jumping and running help maintain lifelong fitness. These cats love their toys and have a natural appreciation for interactive games. If you throw a small, soft toy, your cat may catch it in mid-air and bring it back to you for another round.
Adoption Center
If you’re thinking about buying a Turkish Van kitten, a great place to meet local breeders is at a cat show. Cat shows are a fun place to see different breeds of cats in one place.
Some Turkish Van cats or Turkish Van mix cats, often adults, may come to the rescue. Check with local cat-specific rescue groups or even local shelters. Or you might find a rescue cat of unknown heritage that looks and acts like a Turkey Van.
Note that breeders typically keep kittens with their mothers until they are 12 to 16 weeks of age, at which point they are ready to go home to their new families.
Turkish Van Cat Video
See More Cat Breeds For Further Research
FAQs
Turkish Van cat Price In India
The price range of a Turkish Van cat is $400 to $1,100. You can find a wide variety of Turkish vans on Odal Marketplace.
Are Van cats good pets?
The Turkish Van cat personality is best described as energetic, playful, and fun-loving. She needs a lot of attention from her pet parents, so she is a perfect match for those who have a lot of time and love to share it with their fur babies.
How rare is a Van cat?
Van cats may occasionally have a patch of color elsewhere on their body, but this is unusual. Some are completely white and are known as Turkish Vankedisi. Each year, only 100 Van cats are born in America, making them extremely rare.
Why is it called a Van cat?
This cat breed has lived in the Lake Van region (and areas bordering it in the Armenian Highlands) for centuries, hence the name.
How long do Van cats live?
The expected lifespan of a Turkish Van cat is 12-17 years. Although this is the average lifespan for cats of this breed, a cat’s lifespan can be affected by a number of factors, including their diet, exercise regimen, living environment, and whether they have any health problems.
