With fluffy and cottony fur, a captivating look and a sociable character, Turkish Van cats have many characteristics that make them unique and especially desirable. If you have adopted a Turkish Van cat or are thinking of doing so, in this breed file on our site we show you everything you need to know about these magnificent felines, explaining in detail the origin, character, characteristics physical or he alth of the Turkish van
If you are passionate about the Turkish van cat, don't hesitate, keep reading and discover everything about this peculiar feline, you will love it!
Origin of the Turkish van cat
These cats are endemic to Lake Van in Anatolia, Turkey, after which they are named. The origin of the Turkish van cat dates back millennia, accompanied by a beautiful legend. He says that these cats arrived at Lake Van after the Universal Flood, through Noah's ark, which is why they are among the oldest cat breeds in the world.
Depending on the religion, the legend has two versions, which aim to clarify the causes of the curious and characteristic markings on the fur of these cats. According to the Jewish version of that story, the different colored markings on the Van Turk were caused by the hand of God Himself, who touched the first cat in those areas of the body, which would be the head and tail. In the Islamic story, however, it is Allah who is responsible, since it is established that it was he who once again touched the first cat on the back, leaving it marked. That is why the mark that these felines have in that area is popularly called "the footprint of Allah".
The truth is that it is a race that was already present in the Time of the Hittites (XXV BC - IX BC) because it appears represented in many of the findings of that civilization. This feline spread to multiple places, beginning with Iran or Armenia and ending in the United States, since in the 1950s it was exported to the New World by a breeder English, becoming quite a popular breed among Americans.
Characteristics of the Turkish van cat
The Turkish van cat is considered to be medium - large size, as its weight ranges between7 kilos that the males usually weigh and the 5 or 6 kilos of the females. The main features of your body are as follows:
- Robust and muscular.
- Strong and slightly elongated body: there are specimens that have reached up to a meter in length if measured from the nose to the tip of the tail.
- Hind limbs somewhat longer than the forelimbs.
- Triangular head with a slight downward slope.
- Oval and large eyes: very expressive and usually presenting shades ranging from amber to blue, although there are many cases of heterochromia.
Cat Colors Go Turkish
Probably, the most characteristic feature of Van Turk cats is their fur, as they have a dense coat of semi-long, silky hair. They only have a layer of hair, without showing a woolly layer. Although they have medium long hair, this hair does not tangle easily. Its base color is always white and the markings that form the van, that is, the typical pattern of the breed, are usually reddish markings, although other colors such as brown, blue, cream or tortoise are also accepted.
Turkish van cat character
These graceful felines are famous for their passion for water, which they enjoy unceremoniously, whether in a bathtub, lakes or rivers near the home. Van Turkish cats are very playful and sociable, as long as time has been spent puppy cat socialization So they will have a great time if we spend time with them, we prepare games for them or give them toys that keep them active and entertained.
It is a cat that can fit in very well with children, since they really enjoy the company of the little ones in the house. We can create joint games that delight both the pet and the children. We can encourage them through stalking or hunting games, so toys such as mice that move, fishing rods or others that come to mind will be ideal to enjoy watching our kitty playing non-stop.
We must be aware that, like many other cats, the Turkish van breed likes climbing high places, without keep in mind that to reach the top of that shelf they must hang from the curtains or move the objects on our furniture. We must be patient and, in no case, scold them for this attitude, but reinforce those behaviors that are positive for us.
In addition, it is important to keep them stimulated with toys or scratchers of various heights, so they can climb and climb without fear of breaking or damaging any of the furniture, or themselves of course. When it comes to dealing with people, Turkish vans are really sociable and affectionate, thus enjoying the cuddles and the company of the whole family, as well as that of other animals.
Turkish van cat care
As we have commented previously, Turkish van cats have a dense and semi-long coat. However, this cloak does not have a high tendency to tangle, nor does it shed excessively. Therefore, brushing every two or three days, and even once a week, will be enough to keep his coat in the best condition. Baths are not necessary, although if we deem it appropriate, we must do so using specific products for cats and drying well at the end of the process.
As for the game, as we have said, these felines are quite playful and active, so it would be convenient for them to enjoy daily game sessionsto stay fit and balanced. In addition, it will be necessary to follow the care that any cat may need, such as oral, eye and ear hygiene, in addition to providing them with a he althy and balanced diet.
Turkish Van Cat He alth
Turkish van breed cats usually he althy However, as with many other feline breeds, inbreeding has been a method recurrent among breeders, which has favored a greater predisposition to the development of congenital diseases typical of the breed. One of them is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which consists of an alteration of the heart muscle or myocardium, due to the fact that the left ventricle is larger and thicker than is convenient. The breed also usually presents hearing disorders, since the predisposition to deafness of white cats has affected the breed, which is why it is common to find copies with deafness total or partial.
To maintain optimal he alth, we must pay special attention to the schedule of vaccinations and regular deworming, as well as not neglecting veterinary check-upsRegular, every 6 or 12 months, to guarantee a positive state of he alth and ensure prompt detection of any pathology. The life expectancy of the Turkish van cat is around 13 and 17 years
Where to adopt a Turkish van cat?
Before adopting a Turkish van cat, it must be clear that a lot of time must be dedicated to it, as well as preparing games that keep it active and entertained. In addition, as we have previously mentioned, the Turkish Van breed likes to climb high places. If after considering it, you think that you are suitable to have a cat of this breed, you can start looking for a Turkish Van for adoption. The first thing is to do an exhaustive search in shelters or shelters near your home.
You can also search the internet to find associations of this breed where you could find a copy of the Turkish Van cat for adoption.
