Turkish Vans are a high-energy, playful cat breed, full of zest for life. Don't be surprised if you find a toy in your lap when they want to join you for playtime! These cats usually love spending time with their family, and are happy to be social with both other animals and people.

They are known to be friendly, affectionate and love attention, while often forming a strong bond with their owner. Most cats are not particularly fond of water, and prefer to avoid it. However, this is not the case with the Turkish Van, which not only loves water, but is also a strong and skilled swimmer. It is not without reason that the breed is often referred to as the "swimming cat".

This sweet and affectionate breed thrives on being a part of what's going on around them, and they enjoy curling up in their mother's lap. Like all cats, they still appreciate cuddling on their own terms and not being too aggressive.

Size and appearance

The Turkish Van is known for a distinctive pattern, called the "Van pattern". This pattern involves an almost completely white body with color variations on the face and tail. In addition, the breed may have random patches of color on the body and legs. The most common coat colors are red and brown, but there are also varieties with black, blue, red tabby, cream, and various tortoiseshell patterns.

Weight

Male cats are significantly larger and more muscular than females, with a weight ranging from 4 to 8 kilograms, while females typically weigh between 3 and 6 kilograms.

Lifespan

About 13 years.

Hereditary diseases

Hereditary diseases known to occur in the Turkish Van include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common form of heart disease in cats. It is therefore always wise to purchase a kitten from a breeder who provides a written health guarantee. However, the breed is known to be in generally good health.

In the summer, it sheds this fur into a semi-long-haired coat, giving it the appearance of a short-haired cat. This adaptation is thought to have evolved to allow the cat to swim and cool down when needed.

When choosing cat food for a Turkish Van, you should choose a type of food that is adapted to the cat's health and lifestyle. Considering that this cat breed is initially quite large, it is a good idea to pay a little extra attention to its diet. In addition, the cat needs different nutrients at different stages of its life. If you have just brought a Turkish Van kitten into your home, it needs more nutrients through its diet than a senior cat. As with all cats, the cat should have access to clean, fresh water.