The Turkish Van cat is a large, muscular yet elegant breed with a white body and distinctively coloured head and tail. These cats are well balanced and strong in appearance. The large ears are set high on the head and the eyes are large, oval, and expressive. The Turkish Van cat's coat is long, soft, and silky with no woolly undercoat. The paws are tufted, and the tail has a full brush.The Turkish Van cat’s body is chalk white with coloured markings on top of the head. The colouring on the head is separated by a vertical white blaze. Occasionally small thumbprints of colour appear on the body. The eyes may be amber or blue or one of each.
The need-to-know
- Playful and curious cat
- Friendly but independent cat
- Quiet cat
- Average build cat breed
- Requires grooming every day
- Non hypoallergenic breed
- Needs some out-door space
- May require familiarisation before living with children
Personality
Turkish Van cats are extremely intelligent and friendly, and they make excellent companions. They are lively cats and will enjoy playing games with humans or other cats and so they need stimulation and a chance to play. Turkish Van cats have soft voices.
History and Origins
Country of Origin: Turkey
Other Names: : Turkish Swimming Cat
The most amazing characteristic of the Turkish Van cat is its affinity with water. It not only likes water but also seems to enjoy a swim. The breed originates from the area surrounding Lake Van in Turkey and has been domesticated there for hundreds of years.
Nutrition and Feeding
Every cat is unique and each has their own particular 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 proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle, and overall health. So it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.
Other Information
Health and common issues
At present there are no diseases specifically linked to this breed. As with all cats, the Turkish Van breed needs vaccinations, parasite control and annual veterinary health checks.
Best cat breeds for children
While this breed is not widely recognized as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarization may still be able to live with children.