The Turkish Van (water cat) cat breed is an ancient breed that has existed in the mountainous area of the Eastern Anatolian region since the Middle Ages. It was only discovered in the mid-1950’s when Laura Lushington and Sonia Halliday were on tour in Turkey. On their travels they came across white cats with auburn markings on their heads and tails.
Two unrelated kittens were given to them and these kittens continued traveling with them. One day the two ladies stopped at a stream to cool down and rest and to their surprise, the kittens started splashing and playing around in the water. Returning to England, they took the kittens with them and started a program to promote this different cat breed.
The Turkish Van is a large cat breed that has a substantial, powerful body. Mature males weigh between 10-20 pounds and mature females weigh between 7-12 pounds.
All Turkish Van cats have what is called the “Van pattern” which is a combination of white and coloured patches with the coloured patches restricted to the tail and the head and the white being a gleaming chalk-white. The exception is the solid white Turkish Van, often referred to as the Van Kedi.
The coloured patches can be any traditional solid colour, but the first Turkish Van cats had a very rich red/auburn colour. The tail is a flowing plume that the cat will hold erect when it is running. The eyes range from amber, blue or odd-eyed colours.
The coat of the Turkish Van cat is semi-longhaired and there is no undercoat. As the cat gets older, the coat becomes even more luxurious with the unique cashmere-like texture repelling water and dirt.
In the winter the Turkish Van grows tufts of hair between its paws and the coat become longer and fuller. In the summer it sheds its long coat for a shorter one. The coat does not mat and tangle easily but it is important to brush the cat once a week to remove loose hair and to keep it in top condition. As these cats enjoy water and swimming, they enjoy a bath as well.
The Turkish Van cat breed is an affectionate and loyal companion that love to play games and can easily be taught how to play fetch. This is a highly intelligent and curious cat that will insist on helping you with your daily tasks.
As long as their dominance is respected, they get along well with other pets. A Turkish Van will cuddle on your lap for a short while but will not be overbearing and attention-seeking all the time.
Turkish Van cats simply adore running and water sports and you should create a place in your garden or home for your cat where he can run whilst splashing and jumping through puddles of water.
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