Turkish Vans have white bodies and coloring restricted to the tail and head, and they are reputedly the first cat breed to carry the piebald gene. Some also have coloring on their shoulders, nicknamed the "Thumbprint of Allah" and considered a sign of divine blessing in the Islamic faith. These cats have cashmere-like semi-long coats with no undercoat, and Turkish Vans grow fairly large, with females reaching up to 12 pounds and males up to 20. Their eyes are blue or gold or one of each.
It is said they had to evolve their special water-resistant coat and adapt to love swimming to survive temperatures that routinely exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer in their home region.
This breed is active, outgoing, and mischievous and elicits frequent comparisons to dogs. They are needy when it comes to getting attention, and although they get along well with children and active cats and dogs, the success of the relationship hinges on their feeling like the one in charge. Vans like interaction and the occasional petting, but they aren't lap cats.
The Turkish Van is nicknamed "the swimming cat" for its love of getting wet and reputation for swimming in ponds and streams and in Turkey's Lake Van. Despite sharing this quirk and similar temperament with Turkish Angoras, the two breeds are quite different in size, coat, and body type, and they developed in separate areas. Vans are one of the rarest breeds recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA).
This is a high-energy, exceptionally playful breed. Turkish Vans are constantly on the go and have little patience for being held or snuggled. They are affectionate, but prefer to show their love through active interactions. They are fond of pranks, too, such as stealing food.
Vans aren't for mellow or frequently empty homes, nor are they for people looking primarily for a lap fixture. These cats adapt well to all types of situations, but they need an environment that provides plenty of stimulation, activity, and attention. They are happy to have respectful children or other energetic animals for company, but they always expect to be the dominant force.
Turkish Vans are extroverted and are never ones to be shy around guests. They are talkative and expect their routines to be followed, and they aren't afraid to make their demands known. These cats are likely to choose one person to bond most strongly with and they show clear favoritism.
Turkish Vans are strong, vital, and healthy cats that typically live for at least 13 years. Their high energy helps them stay at an appropriate weight, but like all domestic cats, they should be protected from overeating. Excess weight is one of the greatest threats to a cat's health and quality of life.
All-white Vans, sometimes called Turkish Vankedisis, are prone to hearing problems and deafness. This is not an officially recognized member of the breed, which by organizational definitions has coloring on the tail and head, but these individuals do exist.
The breed is not associated with any hereditary concerns. Buying from a reputable breeder who offers a written guarantee of good health and who readily provides references is the best way to acquire a healthy, properly socialized Turkish Van kitten.
Turkish Vans should have numerous toys, including some puzzle toys to challenge their minds. They are particularly fond of climbing, even by feline standards, so they appreciate a large cat tree. Fishing pole toys and items they can chase are other good accessories. Vans need help burning off a seemingly endless supply of energy.
These cats can learn tricks and games, with clicker training being an effective means. Games provide essential stimulation and satisfy their need for attention. Don't expect Vans to sleep up to 18 hours per day like many other breeds; they spend significantly less time sleeping and relaxing than most other cats.
Cat-proofing is essential in homes with Turkish Vans, given their curiosity, intelligence, and determination to know about everything. Unlike their graceful Turkish Angora cousins, Vans are known to be a bit on the clumsy side. Fragile items are best kept off high perches. Their fascination with water goes beyond swimming in it; many individuals like to turn on sink faucets, drop items into toilets, and flush toilets. Keeping bathroom doors closed is advisable.
Because Turkish Vans don't have an undercoat, they don't mat like most longhair breeds. Their plush coat is relatively low maintenance. A fine-tooth comb used once per week is generally sufficient to remove tangles and keep the coat in good condition. They don't shed heavily, but hair loss peaks in the spring in preparation for hot weather. During this time, an extra combing or two each week keeps hairballs and hair around the home to a minimum. During the winter, when the coat is thickest, an additional combing or two helps prevent tangles.
These cats shouldn't be bathed unless they're being shown or they get something hard to clean or dangerous on their coat. They groom themselves proactively and are likely to jump in some water on their own from time to time. They may be allowed to air dry in a warm room when they decide to take a dip.
Like other cats, the claws on Turkish Vans should be trimmed about once every 10 to 14 days, their teeth should be brushed regularly, and their ears should be cleaned when they accumulate wax or dirt. To promptly diagnose ear infections, their ears should be checked at least once per week for foul odor, discharge, swelling, redness, or other possible indications of a problem.
Turkish Vans are indigenous to eastern Turkey, Syria, Iran, Iraq, and southwestern Russia. They take their name from the Turkish label "Van," given to a number of villages and a lake in the eastern part of the country. It is said they had to evolve their special water-resistant coat and adapt to love swimming to survive temperatures that routinely exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer in their home region.
Nobody is sure exactly how old the breed is, with a history as unclear as it is long. Vans are believed by some to have arrived at Mount Ararat aboard Noah's ark. Native artifacts dating back to 5,000 BC depict cats bearing a striking resemblance to this breed. Reports exist of Turkish Vans arriving in Europe with returning Crusaders around the 12th century.
The contemporary and better-documented history of the breed begins in 1955, when two British photographers, Laura Lushington and Sonia Halliday, were given a pair of Vans while visiting Turkey. The pair provided a foundation for the breed in Europe, which was further developed by breeder Lydia Russell and recognized by Britain's Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in 1969. Vans first arrived in the US in the 1970s, but it wasn't until 1983 that breed development began with the efforts of breeders Barbara and Jack Reark.
The International Cat Association (TICA) first recognized Turkish Vans in 1985. The CFA followed suit in 1988, later granting the breed Provisional status in 1993.
