Cat
Breed Description:
The Turkish Van Breed of Cats are large and muscular and feature short necks. The Turkish Van is a large, semi-longhaired cat with a swimmer's body. Ideal types should feature broad shoulders with the center of gravity forward. The cat is moderately long and its back legs are slightly longer than its front legs but neither the cat itself nor its legs are so long to be disproportionate. The coat is the most fascinating trait on this cat. The climate change in Eastern Anatolia region throughout the year seems to have designed the cat's coat over time. Eastern Anatolia is mountainous, and Lake Van sits over 5,260 ft (1,600 m).) above sea level. The area faces such extreme temperatures during the summer and winter seasons that it is almost inhospitable. The semi–long haired, water resistant single coat is thick in winter but very soft; like rabbit fur or cashmere.
Temperament:
Turkish Vans breed of cats have been found to be very intelligent, and love to take over their home and owners. Turkish Vans are noticed to be people cats and desire nothing more then wanting to be surrounded by people wherever they go. These cats love to play and jump as well as explore everything possible. They are energetic cats and you will find that they rest as soundly as they can after playing with as high a level of energy as they may find. Turkish Vans love to play in the water and will join you in the tub for a dip or help you in the sink and are known as "the swimming cat." Many Vans are dedicated to fetching their particular object of interest, and many owners describe them as "dogs in a cat suit" because of their unusual personalities.
Weight:
Male Vans grow to about 16 pounds (7.3 kg).) while females tend to be a bit lighter in weight, 12 to 14 lb (5.4 to 6.4 kg).)
Health Problems:
A peril of the Turkish Van breed of cat is connected to the solid white cats; owners and breeders should be aware that due to the lack of pigmentation in the skin, all white cats are more sensitive to sunlight and are more likely to become sunburned and develop skin cancer. The solid white Angoras carry the epistatic (masking) white color (W-) dominant gene associated with white fur, blue eyes and deafness. The same are all white Van Kedisi. As Assistant Professor of Van University, Mr Hasan Koyun explained: "We are going to research, why they (Van Kedisi) have such eyes. And also we are going to study the connection between the eye-color and deafness, because often the odd-eyed cats are deaf". The problem of deafness in solid white cats is not new. In one 1997 study of deaf white cats, 72% of the animals were found to be totally deaf.
Living Conditions:
The Turkish Van breed of cats have been observed as excellent climbers, so don't be surprised if you find them sitting on top of the highest areas of your home. It is common for the Turkish Van breed of cats to be able to learn tricks and many have been taught to perform great somersaults. The female Turkish Van's tend to be much more independent and authoritative than the male; though exceptions are always there.
Grooming:
The coat of the Turkish Van will shed in the spring/summer leaving a soft fluffy inner coat, Brushing is preffered in order to control shedding indoors.
Origin:
The Turkish Vans breed of cats are a naturally occurring breed of cat. Although extremely rare and protected by the government, they can still be found in east Turkey, near Lake Van. Their numbers have diminished, and a 1992 survey found only 92 pure Turkish Van cats in their native area. All forms of Van cat are now under the protection of the Turkish government. There is a breeding program for the all-white Van Kedisi cats at the Van Cat House within the grounds of Van University. The Turkish Van breed of cats were first brought to England in 1955 as the Turkish cats, but this was later changed to Turkish Van to avoid confusion with the Turkish Angora. Although the breed has an ancient lineage, the Turkish Van is a relative newcomer to the United States, arriving in 1982. 