Turkish Van: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

The Turkish van is a rugged, large-bodied cat that originated in the Middle East. It is all-white with colored markings on the face and tail only. This type of color pattern is so distinctive that when it appears in other cat breeds it is often called a “van” pattern.

These active and athletic felines love to climb, jump and explore. Although they might curl up with you for the occasional cuddle, Turkish vans are more likely to be found roaming the house and following you from room to room, looking for adventure.

One unique characteristic of the Turkish van cat is its love of water. The Turkish van is often called the “swimming cat.”

Turkish Van Cat Characteristics

Turkish van cats have friendly, outgoing, and affectionate personalities, especially with their beloved human family members. Because of their even-keeled temperament, they tend to get along well with other cats, dogs, and respectful kids.

These large, mostly white cats are not fully grown until they are three to five years old. They are born with their "van" coloration, appearing on their ears/head and tail, and their coats are silky and medium length.

History of the Turkish Van Cat

The Turkish van is an ancient breed that’s rare even in its native place of origin. It developed naturally in the region of central and southwest Asia (the present-day countries of Iran, Iraq, and parts of the Soviet Union and Turkey). The breed name comes from the name of a lake and a city in the region, both called Van, and the original cats were simply called “vancats.” 

The first Turkish van to leave the region arrived in England in 1955. At first, the breed was referred to simply as the Turkish cat, but due to confusion between the Turkish van and the Turkish angora, the breed name Turkish van was eventually adopted.

The Turkish van was finally introduced in the United States in 1982. The breed is recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association and The International Cat Association.

Turkish Van Cat Care

The Turkish van experiences a seasonal heavy shed to reveal its summer coat, which is much shorter to help the cat stay cool in the warm months. You might need to brush your Turkish van more during this shedding period, but throughout the rest of the year, weekly brushing is all that’s needed to keep the coat looking sleek and feeling soft. Thanks to its unique texture, the Turkish van’s coat 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 like feather wands and puzzle toys. Many Turkish van cats like to retrieve tossed toys like small balls and toy mice.

Unlike many cats, Turkish vans actually like playing and splashing in water, so consider offering some supervised water play opportunities in the sink or bathtub. 

Common Health Problems

The Turkish van is a large cat. The breed is slow to mature, taking an average of three to five years to finish growing and reach their adult weight of up to 20 pounds. In general, the breed is quite healthy and long-lived.

Solid white vans are prone to deafness and are referred to as Turkish vankedisi. They are not considered show quality, and reputable breeders avoid breeding them.

Appearance

The texture of the Turkish van’s semi-long, soft coat has been likened to cashmere. Because the breed developed in a region that experiences temperature extremes, the Turkish van’s coat changes according to the season.

To keep the cat warm in cold weather, the winter coat is longer and thicker, with tufts of hair often sprouting between the toes. The winter coat also exhibits feathering on the ears, legs, feet, and belly, but the hair on the face remains short. Mature Turkish vans also have a full neck ruff and brush tail.

Although the Turkish van and Turkish angora look similar, they are distinct breeds that developed independently of one another. The Turkish angora is smaller and finer-boned than the Turkish van and comes in more colors and patterns. 

Diet and Nutrition

Because the Turkish van is already a large cat, it’s especially important not to overfeed. Staying lean is key to preventing health issues. Leaving food out all day (free feeding) can sometimes be tolerated without weight gain because of this breed's high activity level. Consult with your veterinarian or breeder regarding the best food to feed your Turkish van cat.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Turkish Van Cat

If you’re thinking about buying a Turkish van kitten, a great place to meet local breeders is a cat show. Cat shows are a fun place to see many different cat breeds all in one place. 

Some Turkish van cats or Turkish van mix cats, often adults, might end up in 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 just like a Turkish van.

Note that breeders generally keep kittens with the mother until 12 to 16 weeks of age, at which time they are ready to go home to their new families. 

Turkish Van Cat Overview

The Turkish van is an excellent cat for active families that enjoy interacting with their pets. This large, silken-haired feline is generally ready for fun and even enjoys swimming or playing in water. While it isn't likely to cuddle up in your lap for long, the van is an affectionate companion who doesn't mind being petted and picked up on occasion. The van's medium-length hair requires minimal brushing except during the spring shed, and this generally healthy cat is not predisposed to any major health issues.

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More Cat Breeds and Further Research

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Maine Coon
• Norwegian Forest Cat
• Siberian Cat

Otherwise, check out all of our other cat breed profiles.