Turkish Van

Turkish Van cats live 12 to 17 years. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs in the breed and cardiac screening of breeding cats matters. White or predominantly white individuals carry a higher risk of deafness, particularly in one or both ears. Hearing tests for white and bicolor kittens are worthwhile. Annual vet visits with cardiac monitoring protect long term health.

Your Turkish Van has a long, cashmere like single layer coat that is surprisingly easy to maintain. Brush two to three times a week to manage shedding and prevent tangles. The coat has no undercoat so it resists mats well. Shedding is heavier in spring. Bathe every four to six weeks. Trim nails every two weeks, clean ears monthly, and brush teeth regularly.

Turkish Vans are energetic, athletic, and love water. They swim, splash in water bowls, and seek out any available water source. Provide a cat tree, wand toys, and interactive play daily. They need vigorous activity so budget two active play sessions daily. Without enough stimulation their energy turns into restless, sometimes destructive behavior.

Turkish Vans are intelligent and strong willed. They respond to treat rewards and learn tricks and routines but they do things on their own terms. Start socialization and boundary setting from day one. They can be dog like in their play and affection but they dislike being held for long periods. Short, engaging training sessions with food motivation get the best results.

Feed a quality protein rich diet twice daily with measured portions. Turkish Vans are active, muscular cats that benefit from adequate protein to maintain their lean build. Two measured meals daily work better than free feeding. Choose foods with real meat first. Always provide fresh water, though they may try to drink directly from the tap.

The Turkish Van is an ancient natural breed from the Lake Van region of eastern Turkey, where it has lived for thousands of years. The breed developed its distinctive semi longhaired, water resistant coat and love of swimming through centuries of life near the lake. Turkish Vans are called the swimming cats in their native region. Two British women, Laura Lushington and Sonia Halliday, brought the first Turkish Vans to England in 1955 after discovering them during a trip to Turkey. The CFA recognized the Turkish Van in 1985.