Have you ever seen a cat with a white body and reddish-brown head? If so, you may have met a Turkish Van. This breed is one of the most unique around, and there are plenty of things to know about them. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the Turkish Van cat breed. We’ll cover their history, personality, care needs, and more!
Turkish Van Cat Breed Characteristics
Turkish Vans are a large or medium-sized breed, typically weighing in at around 11 pounds. They have a long, slender body with a short tail. Their cashmere, semi-long coat is usually white, but can also be cream or light brown. They have a thick coat that is water-resistant, which helps them stay cool in hot weather. They have a reddish-brown head and tail with distinctive markings around their eyes and ears, known as the Van pattern. They have large, round ears, and their eyes are usually a beautiful amber color. Their muzzle is long and slender, and their tail is typically fairly long and fluffy. What distinguishes the Turkish Van from other breeds is that their paws are webbed, which makes them excellent swimmers.
Temperament
Turkish Vans are known for their playful personality. They love to play fetch, and they can be quite active. They are also known for being very affectionate and loyal to their families. They make great pets for people of all ages, and they can be good companions for both children and dogs. An unusual feature of the Turkish Van is that they are one of the only breeds known to love water. They often enjoy playing in and swimming in water, and will even follow their owners into the shower! They can also be very independent, so don’t be surprised if your new kitten spends a lot of time exploring its new surroundings on its own.
Health
The Turkish Van cat breed is known for being a healthy breed, but there are some health problems that can occur in this breed. Some of the health problems that can occur in the Turkish Van cat breed include: feline aortic thromboembolisms, sacrocaudal dysgenesis, and hearing disorders.
Arterial Thromboembolism
Arterial thromboembolism, also known as ATE, is a serious medical condition that can occur in cats. This occurs when a blood clot forms in an artery, blocking the flow of blood to the organs or tissues served by that artery. In Turkish Van cats, this condition can be caused by a number of factors, including trauma, infection, or cancer. Symptoms of ATE can include sudden weakness, paralysis, seizures, and loss of consciousness. If you suspect that your cat may have ATE, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. Treatment for ATE typically involves using medications to break up the blood clot and restore blood flow to the affected organ or tissue. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary.
Sacrocaudal Dysgenesis
Sacrocaudal Dysgenesis is a birth defect that affects the spinal cord. It results in malformation or absence of the vertebrae in the lower back, which can lead to paralysis or death. Turkish Van cats can inherit the gene for Sacrocaudal Dysgenesis from their parents, or it may be caused by a spontaneous mutation. Symptoms include weakness or paralysis in the hind legs, problems with balance and coordination, and incontinence. There is currently no treatment for Sacrocaudal Dysgenesis, but affected cats can sometimes benefit from physical therapy and hydrotherapy.
Hearing Disorders
Recent studies have shown that about 50 percent of Turkish Van cats suffer from some degree of hearing loss, which is much higher than the rate seen in other breeds of cats. There are a few theories about why Turkish Van cats have a higher rate of hearing loss. One theory is that the white and red coloring of these cats makes them more susceptible to sun damage, which can lead to hearing loss. Another possible explanation for the high rate of hearing loss in Turkish Van cats is their unique genetic makeup. It is possible that the genes that cause the white and red coloring also contribute to the hearing loss.
Maintenance
Turkish Van cats are considered one of the easiest breeds to maintain. They have a short, easy-to-care-for coat and generally don’t require a lot of grooming. However, they still need regular brushing to keep their fur healthy and free of mats.
Activity
Turkish Vans also need plenty of exercise. A couple hours of playtime each day should be enough to keep them happy and healthy. Make sure you provide plenty of toys for them to play with, too; apart from swimming, they love to chase and play with balls, feathers, and other small objects. These cats do best when they have plenty of toys and climbing surfaces to keep them occupied, and they need a lot of attention from their human companions. If you’re up for the challenge, a Turkish Van kitten can make a great addition to your family.
Diet
Finally, be sure to feed your Turkish Van a high-quality diet. This breed is prone to obesity if they are not given the proper diet, so be sure to monitor their weight and adjust their food as necessary. A happy and healthy Turkish Van is a beautiful creature!
Cost of Turkish Van Kittens
Turkish Van kittens typically cost between $800 and $1500. They are a relatively rare breed, so you may have to search for a breeder who has them available. As with any kitten, be sure to ask the breeder about the health and temperament of the parents and grandparents of the kitten you’re considering buying. Doing your research in advance will help ensure that you’re getting a healthy, well-adjusted kitten. If you’re looking to adopt, be sure to check with local rescue organizations to see if they have any Turkish Vans in need of a home.
History of Turkish Van Cats
The Turkish Van is a breed of domestic cat that is believed to have originated in the eastern Lake Van region of Turkey. The breed is named for this region, and for their characteristic propensity to swim in water. They are one of the oldest known breeds, and are thought to be descendants of the cats that were brought to central Asia by the ancient Egyptians. In 1955, Laura Lushington and Sonia Halliday, two British cat fanciers, imported the first Turkish Vans to England. The Turkish Van has been recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) since the mid nineties. They are not currently as popular as some of the other breeds, but are gaining in popularity.
Why Do Turkish Van Cats Love Water?
Turkish Van cats are a unique breed of cat in that they love water. While most cats shy away from getting wet at all cost, Turkish Vans enjoy playing in water and even swimming. Some people believe that this love of water is due to the fact that Turkish Van cats are native to an area where there are many lakes and rivers. Others believe that it is simply part of their nature.
Fun Facts
- Turkish Van cats love water. The name “Turkish van” comes from Lake Van in Turkey, where these cats love to swim!
- Turkish Vans make good therapy pets. The Turkish van has an affectionate nature that makes it an excellent therapy pet for children.
- They love the water and will happily play in the bathtub or jump into swimming pools.
- Turkish Vans are very popular in Turkey and are often considered to be a precious cat of their country.
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