More Frequently Asked Questions about the Turkish Van cat

How big will a Turkish Van get? Cats that have been altered will be bigger than those used for breeding. Females will generally be about 10-12 pounds while males can easily exceed 15 pounds.

How long does it take for a Turkish Van to mature? Generally it takes about three (and up to five) years to reach full maturity. You will enjoy watching your Van go through its various growth stages as it blossoms into a beautiful mature adult.

Are there different coat types in the Turkish Van? yes. There are generally two distinct coat types found in the breed. Both can occur within a single litter and are dependent upon the lineage of the parents. One coat type is sometimes called the "Dutch" coat. This coat is generally relatively short and even. It is very plush (like a rabbit) and extremely soft. Sometimes called the "wash and wear" coat. The other coat is sometimes called the "English" coat. This coat is longer than the Dutch coat and much thicker. Kittens sporting the English coat will look much furrier than those with the Dutch coat. A purebred Van will NEVER have a wooly undercoat nor will it ever be a short haired cat.

Are Turkish Vans a healthy breed? yes. Introduction of cats imported from Turkey is necessary to maintain genetic diversity and hybrid vigor. The breed is generally extremely healthy and hardy. To date, we have encountered no genetic defects peculiar to this breed.

Are Turkish Vans active? yes. They love to play, fetch and run. They are naturally inquisitive and will readily detect anything new in your house. They like feather teasers, milk bottle rings, and your toes. Some of them never tire of fetching and retrieving and especially like little paper balls.

Do Turkish Vans have good temperaments? generally,yes. The Turkish Van is a very social cat and adapts well to small or large households. They tend to relate to their humans more like a dog than a cat and can be loyal companions for life. Each individual Turkish Van cat has its own distinctive and unique personality, even when raised under the same conditions. Depending upon how far back the Turkish imports are in their lines, the Van can sometimes be timid and introverted in new surroundings. If the cat is startled or frightened, it is best to not try to restrain them but allow them to see for themselves that everything is OK. They generally get along with other animals (dogs, other cats, even birds!) although they prefer the company of others of their breed. They often bond with one member of the household and bestow most of their affection on their human. They will tolerate more from their favorite human than they will from others. Vans are opinionated (and very intelligent) and may not like some of your friends. Recognize that Turkish Vans have complex personalities and be patient when introducing one to your household. Some older cats may require a several week adjustment period, but can become very loving members of the family if given time. Others will be the boss of the house within nanoseconds!

Are Turkish Vans vocal? Not unless they have something important to tell you.


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