Turkish Van Cats

The "Swimming Cat"

Turkish Van cats originate from the mountainous region around Lake Van in eastern Turkey. This handsome breed has only been widely known outside of Turkey since the 1950's when two English women brought back two examples to Britain.

A serious breeding program was started, five more examples of the breed were collected from the Lake Van region, and after four years litters of consistently patterned kittens were being produced.

Known as Van Kedi in their native Turkey, the Turkish Van breed is also known as the Van Cat, the Turkish Cat and most usually as the swimming cat..

These cats have the reputation of having a love of water, and indeed many examples, but not all, will readily take to the water and swim recreationally.

How Vans were brought to the west Turkish Van Cats, a short history.

Sociable and affectionate, but with a strong degree of independence, not particularly lively but playful, Turkish Van cats are often described as being as brave and proud as lions, although some can be quite nervous especially concerning sudden noises.

Turkish Vans are climbers and will make use of your furniture to get themselves above eye level. These felines are curious and love to investigate everything, using their intelligence to learn how to open cupboard doors!

Usually a Van will get on very well with other pets in the household, including dogs, but will certainly want to be the boss! Turkish Van cats thrive in the company of other Turkish vans, and will spend hours enjoying a play together.

These cats are semi-longhaired, but as they do not have an undercoat grooming is not too much of a problem. They will shed, particularly when they loose their winter length coat, but a once a week grooming session should be sufficient.

It is often said that Turkish Van cats don't tolerate being picked up and cuddled, this may be true of many Vans but by no means all. In general the breed is very amenable, amicable and affectionate.

Turkish Van cats are very attractive felines and always generate lots of attention which they love!. Strong and healthy, if cared for Vans provide their owners with years of faithful, loving companionship.

Turkish Van Cats - Appearance.

The officially recognized Van pattern is white with darker patches on the head and tail. The most usual coloring is chalky white with auburn patches, but examples of the Turkish Van breed can be found in the following colors.

Solid (and White) Red, Black, Cream, Blue.
Tabby (and White) Red, Cream, Brown, Blue.
Parti-color (and White) Tortoiseshell, Dilute Tortoiseshell, Brown Patched Tabby, Blue Patched Tabby.

Eyes are round, clear and very expressive, in amber, blue or odd eyed. The head is broad with protuberant cheekbones and a firm chin. Ears are fairly large, with slightly rounded tips and set high on the head.

Turkish Van cats have longish, muscular bodies with wide shoulders and deep chests. Legs are long and sturdy and the paws are on the large side. The tail is fairly long and has a brush appearance.

Male Turkish Vans weigh around 10 to 13 pounds, although some larger examples have been reported, females weigh slightly less.

An account of how the attractive Turkish Van cat was introduced to the west.

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