Turkish Van

Overview

The Turkish Van is famously the "swimming cat" - a large, semi-longhaired Turkish breed that genuinely enjoys swimming. Bred from cats living in the Lake Van region of eastern Turkey, the breed has a distinctive coat pattern (white body with colour on the head and tail) and a strong, independent personality.

History & Origins

The breed has existed in eastern Turkey for at least a thousand years. Two British women - Laura Lushington and Sonia Halliday - imported the first dogs to Britain in 1955 after observing them swimming in Lake Van. The breed is considered a national treasure in Turkey. CFA recognition came in 1994.

Appearance

Large, athletic, semi-longhaired. Adults weigh 4-9 kg (9-20 lb). Slow-maturing - full size by age 5.

• Coat: medium-long, silky, single-coated, with cashmere-like texture. Water-resistant.
• Pattern: the iconic Van pattern - solid white body with colour only on the head and the full tail. White-only or solid-coloured variants exist but the patched "Van" is iconic.
• Eyes: large, almond, amber, blue, or odd-eyed (one of each - highly prized).
• Body: long, muscular, athletic.

Temperament & Character

Active, intelligent, independent. The Turkish Van bonds strongly with family but is not a typical lap cat - affectionate on its own terms. Athletic and playful. Generally good with children and other pets when raised together.

Care

Coat & Grooming

The silky single coat resists matting. 2-3 times weekly brushing.

Health & Lifespan

12-17 years.

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
• Deafness in white blue-eyed cats - BAER test.

Pros & Cons

Pros: athletic, intelligent, swims, beautiful pattern. Cons: independent (not a lap cat); deafness risk in white blue-eyed cats; uncommon.