Turkish Van Cat: Characteristics, Personality, and Breed Information

Turkish Van
Overview
Characteristics
Compare Breed
Origin
Turkey
Height
9"- 11"
Adult weight
7-20 pounds
Life Span
12-17 years
Temperament
Active, affectionate, personable, playful
Other Names
The Swimming Cat
Group
Large long-haired
Price
$800 - $1500
Affection Level
? Breeds with a high affection level want to give and receive a lot of attention, while less-affectionate breeds are not as interested in petting and snuggles.
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80%
Activity Level
? Breeds with high activity levels will engage more in active play and demand more space and attention.
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100%
Pet-Friendly
? How well the breed tends to get along with cats, dogs, and other pets.
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80%
Kid-Friendly
? Breeds with a higher rating in this area tend to be gentle and patient, while lower-rated breeds may feel uncomfortable with children.
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80%
Sociability
? Breeds with a higher sociability rating will want to spend time with you all day, while less-sociable breeds seldom seek out human interaction.
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80%
Intelligence
? Breeds with higher intelligence ratings are more curious, investigative, and easy to train. Less-intelligent breeds are less trainable but often laid-back and easygoing.
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80%
Playfulness
? Breeds that score higher in this area have strong hunting instincts that make them great playtime companions.
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80%
Independence
? Breeds that score higher in this area are able to spend hours alone, while less-independent breeds require plenty of attention.
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60%
Vocality
? A higher rating in this area indicates a breed prone to plenty of meowing and other vocalizations, while less-vocal breeds are happy to stay quiet.
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80%
Grooming
? Breeds with higher grooming scores require more maintenance like brushing and bathing, while lower-scored breeds are virtually maintenance-free.
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60%

Personality and Temperament

Gorgeous kitties with cashmere soft coats, Turkish Van cats are renowned for their fun-loving personalities and their often quirky behaviors.

If you're thinking about bringing a Turkish Van cat into your family, be sure that you have plans for keeping this intellectual kitty entertained. These cats don't do well when left alone for long periods of time; however, they do get along very well with other animals and can form strong bonds with dogs as well as with their fellow felines.

While Turkish Van cats can be child-friendly when kids behave appropriately, they do have boundaries. They prefer fun, active interactions rather than too much holding and cuddling, and they will not tolerate hair pulling or any other form of mishandling. Despite having a slight aversion to too much handling, they sometimes choose to relax on a favorite person's lap for some well-earned TV time, and they like to sleep near people they trust.

Anyone who longs for an ultra-friendly cat that loves nothing more than spending time together will probably enjoy life with a Turkish Van. These kitties happily follow their people throughout the house, waiting for an opportunity to help with everything from paperwork to washing dishes.

Since these cats like water, their families often have feline company in the bathroom. If you want to make a Turkish Van cat happy, just leave a faucet running at a slow dribble. Those mesmerizing drips will almost certainly keep them entertained!

Speaking of entertainment, these cats are outstanding jumpers and they really don't like to spend much time on the floor. They absolutely require a tall cat condo and they truly appreciate window seats. Without high, suitable perches, they will make their own space on your tabletop, desk, or china cabinet, perhaps knocking important items to the floor in the process.

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Care

Nutrition

Nutrition

Grooming

Grooming

Exercise

Exercise

Health

Health

Turkish Van cats have no special needs, however good nutrition is important. If you're not feeding fresh food, be sure to offer a high-quality commercial brand that focuses on real meat or real fish as the primary ingredient. Consider choosing a brand that incorporates added Omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and a healthy coat.

The Turkish Van cat looks like a high maintenance kitty, but in reality, their soft, cashmere coat requires very little upkeep as it is a single layer. A quick daily once-over with a fine-toothed comb should be enough to prevent tangles. If you live in a colder climate where days get shorter and your cat is exposed to chilly temperatures or lower light, then longer fur might grow over the winter, increasing the need for comb-outs.

Because Turkish Vans are so athletic, it's probably a good idea to keep their claws trimmed short to prevent too much damage to your furnishings. In addition, you'll want to offer routine dental care.

From a young age, teach your cat to be brushed, have their nails trimmed, and have their teeth brushed. This can prevent the stress and discomfort that comes with unnecessary struggles as the cat grows older.

You probably won't have to encourage your Turkish Van cats to exercise. These kitties are natural athletes, with a tendency to seek the highest possible vantage point from which to survey their domain.

Lots of jumping and running helps maintain fitness for a lifetime. These kitties love their toys and have a natural appreciation for interactive games. If you throw a small, soft toy, your cat might be able to catch it in midair and may even bring it back to you for another round of fetch.

Turkish Van cats are typically healthy, with no known genetic defects; however, some do develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is the most common form of heart disease in cats.

If you happen to adopt a white Turkish Van cat - also known as a Turkish Vankedisi, then there’s a fairly good likelihood that the cat will be deaf, particularly if it also has blue eyes. Even if the cat is not completely deaf, it may have a hearing disorder. This should not cause problems for your kitty, but you’ll need to find nonverbal ways to communicate.

History

The history of the Turkish Van cat begins in 1955, when two British photographers visited Turkey, having been tasked by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism with promoting travel and publicizing Turkey’s attractions. While they were there, Sonia Halliday and Laura Lushington were given cats with a distinct Van pattern, which became the foundation for the Turkish Van cat breed.

The female cat was from Hatay Province, Iskenderun, and was named Van Iskenderun Guzelli. The male was named Stambul Byzantium, and was given to the breeders by an Istanbul hotel manager.

More cats were acquired in 1959, including a female from Antalya, appropriately named Antalya Anatolia, and a male named Burdur, who came from the city of Burdur.

In 1969, the breed - then known as the Turkish cat - was recognized by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF). Later, the breed was renamed to distinguish its members from the Turkish Angora. Later still, all-white Turkish Van cats - those not displaying the signature pattern that restricts color to the head and tail - were renamed “Turkish Vankedisi.” These cats share everything but the Van coat pattern with their cousins.

In 1977, Lushington wrote a memoir about the first two founding members:

"I was first given a pair of Van kittens in 1955 while traveling in Turkey, and decided to bring them back to England, although touring by car and mainly camping at the time – the fact that they survived in good condition showed up the great adaptability and intelligence of their breed in trying circumstances. Experience showed that they bred absolutely true. They were not known in Britain at that time and, because they make such intelligent and charming pets, I decided to try to establish the breed, and to have it recognised officially in Britain by the GCCF."

In 1982, Turkish Van cats made their way to the US from Britain. It took over a decade for the US-based Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) to grant recognition. Finally - in 1994 - the breed could be registered and shown at CFA events.

The Turkish Van is a natural cat breed, and no outcrossing is permitted; in fact, all contemporary Turkish Van cats can be traced back to the original imports.

On average, CFA registers just 100 new Turkish Van kittens per year, making this one of the rarest cat breeds in the world.

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Image Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_Van

Eyes

The eyes should be moderately large, rounded, and set at a slant. Amber, blue, and odd eye colors are acceptable.

Legs & Paws

The legs should be moderately long, with strong musculature. The feet should be moderately large, and should be well-proportioned to the rest of the cat’s anatomy.

Tail

The Turkish Van cat should have a long, well-proportioned tail with a full plume that flows well with the remainder of the cat’s coat.

The Breed Standard

Body

The Turkish Van cat should appear balanced and well-proportioned, with a sturdy, broad, muscular, and deep-chested body. Females typically appear more delicate than males.

Head

The head should be a broad wedge, with gentle contours and a medium-length nose. The muzzle should be rounded, the chin should be firm, and the cheekbones should be prominent.

Ears

The Turkish Van cat should have moderately large ears that are set high on the head and spaced far apart. The tips should be slightly rounded and the interior should be well furnished.

Coat

The coat should be semi-long, with no undercoat. The summer coat appears shorter and less dense than the winter coat; some individuals may appear nearly shorthaired during the summer months.

Color

Turkish Van cats should be white with symmetrical or nearly symmetrical patches of color on the head and a colored tail. Random markings may cover up to 15 percent of the body. Nose leather should be pink on all Turkish Vans, and paw pad color should be mostly pink, sometimes exhibiting color spots.

FAQ

How much does a Turkish Van cat cost?

Turkish Van cats cost between $800 - $1500.

How big do Turkish Van cats get?

Turkish Van cats tend to be large in size. A fully grown Turkish Van cat might weigh between 7-20 pounds or more and range in height anywhere from about 9"- 11" inches tall.

How long do Turkish Van cats live?

The Average lifespan for Turkish Van is 12-17 years.

Do Turkish Van cats shed?

Turkish Van are long-haired cats, so you do have to expect a certain amount of shedding from this breed, but they don't shed as much as other cat breeds.

18 thoughts on “Turkish Van”

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  1. Heidi

    I have a cat believed to be a Turkish van that fits every description but does not like to be in water and has a black leather only nose, not pink. She even has the thumbprint of God/Allah. Can the little black leather nose eliminate her from being a Turkish Van?

    Reply
    1. Mallory Crusta

      The Turkish Van breed standard describes a pink nose, and I’ve not been able to find any information on a possible black nose leather variant.

  2. Kathleen Speezak

    My Turkish van cat named Lucky found me when he stepped out in front of my car…….thus his name. I’m not really a cat person so for me to love & keep him is saying something.
    I wouldn’t trade him for anything

    Reply
    1. Lori

      My guy was found roaming a Car Lot. He was my first cat as I also was just a dog person. I never expected to fall in love with him and was surprised at how smart he is. He looks just like a Turkish Van an acts like one too.

  3. Ray Whitt

    The facial markings on the cat at the top of the page do not appear o be consistent with a Turkish Van. I would have guessed Siberian for this cat.

    Reply
  4. Maria Zloccowick

    On May 1, 2022, I adopted, from a shelter a 12 year old white cat that I believe to be a Turkish Van cat. Her blue and green eyes are the most beautiful. I was so lucky adopting her. She is sweet, smart and beautiful.

    Reply
  5. Danielle

    My last kitty was a van cat I got as a kitten from a breeder. He was truly the most unique temperament of any car I’ve ever had. More like a dog most of the time. Loved babies (animals and humans), would come when called, played fetch, etc. Amazing boy. I made him an indoor kitty for the first half of his life which he hated. We moved to a quiet suburb and I let him out and he was the happiest cat in the world. I think this breed needs a little freedom. Two things this article fails to mention which I found true with my cat and owners of other vans I’ve met. 1) very vocal. This cat will happily talk your ear off in a multitude of tones. 2)clumsy. Don’t expect them to land on their feet when they flop off of things or even jump too high haha. They will also knock over anything and everything they can.

    Reply
  6. Abner sims

    We had a very young Van show up at the house. He was hungry and in need of companionship. He is very vocal, answers all my questions and acknowledges complements. Very smart, follows me everywhere, loyal, and loving. Not afraid of water. Great with other pets.

    Reply
  7. Lori

    I love the breed. They are smart and fun loving. Comes when called and follows you from room to room. I love the one I have.

    Reply
  8. Jenay

    We adopted from a PetSmart in 2010. Beautiful 9 month old kitten. Silky white fur with black tail and two black spots on his ears. We believed him to be a ragamuffin but the more I learn about Turkish Vans the more I believe Cricket to be one.

    Reply
  9. Amie

    I adopted a cat recently, his piercing blue eyes are what drew me to him. His coloring is exactly like the first cat at the top of the page only he is skinnier. He has long silky hair that is light tan on his back that transitions to a darker tan at base of tail all the way to tip of tail. His looks just like a duster. I have been doing research and i think he may have some Van in him along the way do to all these points and markings. His personality so far is just as described.

    Reply
  10. Shannon Tobey

    I was looking for a regular cat on Kijiji as a pet for my daughter. Answered an ad with no photo. The owner on the phone said they had no photos, only described him as white and orange – 2 years old. When I went to see him right away I commented on his unusual markings. Wasn’t until 2 years later I found out he’s purebred Turkish Van Cat. His name is Goose and he’s actually a big turkey!

    Reply
  11. Dennis Llewelly

    We found are Turkish van in the animal shelter in Naples ,fl. When we walked toward the cage he saw my son and reached his foot between the bars and meows to my boy, at that second I knew we had the perfect cat! He’s 17 now and about 18 lbs,ill never be ready to loose him tho I know he’s reaching the limits for a van!

    Reply
    1. Shelley from NC

      Hi I went to the shelter a year ag today and this white kitten reached out his paw to me to! I adopted him and knew he was special, loves water, hyper, bites me when he wants to play. He has a striped tail mark on side looks like a little heart when he sits, the mark on his shoulder blades, his ears too. I just too some new pictures the other day and it brought up the Turkish Van. Every thing I’ve read sounds so rare for him to have been at a shelter. I loved the story of your son George stole my heart tithe same way!