Turkish Vans

The Turkish Van cat is a real beauty that enjoys its independence and exploring the great indoors of its owner’s home! The breed is fiercely loyal to loving owners, but if overlooked or neglected, Turkish Vans have been known to abandon owners in search of more appreciative home.

Snapshot
Turkish Vans are long-haired beauties, beloved because of their long white coats and amber markings around their heads and tails. The tails also have a distinctive ring marking along them. The Van is sometimes referred to as the ‘swimming cat’ because of its apparent love for water. Vans have been spotted swimming for pleasure and enjoy an active lifestyle.

History
This breed was ‘discovered’ by two English women, Sonia Halliday and Laura Lushington, in the 1950s while they were travelling near Lake Van, Turkey. Lushington was given a (non-related) male and female and discovered after breeding them that the cats were thoroughbreds. However, it was another four generations before the Governing Council of Cat Fancy in England officially recognised the breed, in 1969.

Although amber coat markings (and eyes) are traditional, and known as ‘Van Colouring’, some recent variations ranging from blacks to creams have been accepted.

These cats have been domesticated for a long time and generally prefer the comforts of home to the outdoors. However, they still retain their natural independence and instincts — they are highly active and great hunters, but also enjoy human relationships. It is said that these cats originally came down from the mountains around Van in search of food and shelter in the cold winter months and over time they stayed with their human companions.

There is a certain amount of folklore and mystery surrounding the Turkish Van’s past. According to legend, when Noah’s Ark came to rest on Mount Ararat, the cats left the Ark and made their way down the mountain slopes into nearby Van. As for the unique amber markings, it is said that the mark that is usually found around the left shoulder comes from when Allah accidentally touched the cats while blessing all the animals as they were leaving the Ark.

Recent archaeological findings of figurines showing women playing with cats with the distinctive Van markings suggested that the Turkish Van breed dates back some 7000 years, which calls into question the widely held belief that Egypt is the origin of the domesticated cat.

Personality
Turkish Vans are even tempered and generally well suited to families. They are very active and playful and enjoy human interraction, and have even been known to enjoy a game of fetch with their owners. These cats are also extremely smart and have been able to figure out how to open doors and cabinets. This means boredom can be a problem, but keeping an abundance of toys and a scratcher will often negate potential destructive behaviour. They are also fiercely loyal and typically bond with one, maybe two, people. They are content to follow their beloved owner around all day as they go about their daily routines, but prefer being patted or stroked for attention rather than being cuddled for extended periods.

Turkish Vans are extremely social cats and have been known to adapt easily in multi-pet households. They are generally laid back and don’t feel the need assert themselves as the dominate animal.

Health
The pale pink skin on the ears and noses of Turkish Vans is susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer, so caution should be taken when letting them outside. Furballs can also develop, particularly when the weather warms up and they shed their winter coats. Overall, Turkish Vans are a hardy, strong and healthy breed. They are easily adaptable, due to the ever-changing Turkish climate.

These cats are a long-hair type, so require a good brush a couple of times a week. Due to the lack of an undercoat, their coat is relatively snarl-free, but still requires attention to keep it healthy. Increased brushing when these cats are shedding will also ensure a lack of white hairs popping up on furniture and clothing.

For More Information & Breeders visit:
Cats of Australia
Classic Turkish Van Cat Association
The Turkish Van Cat Site