About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 36-43 cm

Height range  : 23-28cm

Weight range : 3.2-8.2kg

Coat : Semi-long|single coat|soft cashmere-like texture|no undercoat|seasonal coat variation|water resistant or waterproof feel

Life expectancy years : 12-18

Colors: white with Van pattern on head and tail|red and white|cream and white|black and white|blue and white|tabby and white|parti-color and white|pure white.

Activitity Level : High

Origin: Turkey

Similar Breeds : Turkish Angora

 

History

The breed developed in the Lake Van region and broader central and southwest Asia , including Turkey. Modern breed history describes British photographers bringing a pair to England in 1955 and later imports helping establish the breed in Europe and the United States. CFA notes recognition in 1988 and championship status in 1994 while other text notes championship status in 1979 through TICA.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

Playful

Personality

Loyal|loving|affectionate|intelligent|active|playful|fun-loving|mischievous|social|energetic|companionable|vocal

Needs

Needs regular exercise , interactive toys , climbing areas , high vantage points , space and attention. Because of strong activity and intelligence , enrichment and supervised safe outdoor or indoor play may be helpful.

Social Needs

Social and loyal with owners , often good with dogs if introduced properly , but may do best with older children and homes that understand they dislike prolonged holding or rough handling. Some sources say they may not get on well with very young children.

Grooming 

The coat is easier to care for than it looks because there is no undercoat and matting is uncommon. Weekly combing is often enough , though the heavier winter coat may need more frequent attention. Routine nail trimming , tooth brushing , ear care and general hygiene are advised.

Nutrition

Good-quality wet or dry food and fresh clean water are recommended. Portion control matters because the breed can become overweight if under-exercised. Some guidance suggests keeping water away from food and using fountains to encourage drinking.

 

Breed Standard

The Turkish Van is a natural semi-longhaired cat from a rugged region with a substantial , broad , muscular body and a distinctive Van pattern. Adults should appear balanced and well proportioned with no undercoat , strong chest and legs , and maturity reached at 3 to 5 years.

Did you know?

The Turkish Van is often called the swimming cat and may voluntarily play with water or swim. Some cats have a small neck or shoulder marking called the thumbprint of Allah or thumbprint of God and the breed can continue growing until about five years of age.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Congenital sensorineural deafness, Obesity and related complications, Feline dental disease, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Kidney disease

 

Symptoms

1. Complete unresponsiveness to sound , very loud meow , easy startling when touched and heavy sleeping may occur.

1. Loss of waist , inability to feel ribs , belly fat pad , reduced activity and difficulty grooming may occur.

1. Bad breath , red inflamed or bleeding gums , visible tartar , drooling , pawing at the mouth and eating changes may occur.
2. Excess salivation , blood in saliva , loose teeth , pain on mastication , weight loss and poor grooming might occur.

1. Heart murmur or gallop rhythm , increased resting respiratory rate , lethargy and open-mouth breathing may occur.
2. Sudden hind-limb paralysis might occur in severe cases.

1. Increased thirst , increased urination , weight loss , poor appetite , nausea , vomiting , lethargy , poor coat and chemical-smelling breath may occur.

Onset of symptoms

 

Congenital sensorineural deafness

1. Present from birth.
2. It may be noticed around 3 to 4 weeks.

Probability Of Onset:

1. Risk may be high only in specific cats.
2. All-white Vans with two blue eyes may have 60-80% probability , odd-eyed white Vans 30-40% , all-white Vans with amber or green eyes 10-20% , while traditionally patterned Vans may have much lower risk.

Obesity and related complications

1. Can begin around 1 to 2 years after maturity slows and after spay or neuter.

Probability Of Onset:

1. Probability may be very high without portion control and enrichment.

Feline dental disease

1. Mild gingivitis may begin at 1 to 2 years.
2. Significant disease is common by 4 to 6 years and many cats over 3 years may need intervention.

Probability Of Onset:

1. Probability may be very high and over 85% of cats over age three may have some form of dental disease.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

1. Usually diagnosed in adults from 2 to 8 years.

Probability Of Onset:

1. Risk may be low to moderate.

Kidney disease

1. Signs usually become apparent in senior cats after about 7 to 10 years.

Probability Of Onset:

1. Probability may be high in senior cats because many domestic cats develop some degree of disease with age.

Reasons

Congenital sensorineural deafness       

 1. No chemical deficiency is indicated because this is genetic.

 

Feline dental disease:

1. No chemical deficiency is indicated because plaque , tartar and bacterial inflammation are emphasized.

 

Congenital sensorineural deafness       

 1. No chemical deficiency is indicated because this is genetic.

 

Feline dental disease:

1. No chemical deficiency is indicated because plaque , tartar and bacterial inflammation are emphasized.

 

Obesity and related complications

 1. No deficiency is indicated because this is linked to excess calories though chronic inflammation may occur.

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

1. No daily lack is indicated though taurine is noted as essential for feline heart health.

 

Kidney disease

  1. 1. Potassium , B-vitamins and water may become low as kidney function declines.

Normally Treament Methods

Congenital sensorineural deafness:

  1. 1. There is no cure.
    2. Management may require indoor-only living , visual or vibrational cues and gentle approaches.

 

Obesity and related complications:

  1. 1. Dietary management may include calorie restriction , prescription weight-loss diets and increased wet food use.
    2. Increased activity through scheduled play and environmental enrichment may be helpful.

 

Feline dental disease

  1. 1. Daily tooth brushing and home oral hygiene may help.
    2. Professional periodontal therapy under general anaesthesia , scale and polish , root surface debridement , oral radiography , extraction or surgery might be needed.

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:

  1. 1. Echocardiogram screening may help diagnosis.
    2. Management may include diuretics , blood thinners and medicines to help the heart relax.

 

Kidney disease:

  1. 1. Management may include prescription kidney diet , encouraging water intake , wet food , subcutaneous fluids and medicines for blood pressure , nausea and related signs. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Congenital sensorineural deafness :

  • 1. No supplement can,might be helpful because hearing cannot be restored.
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Obesity and related complications

  • 1. L-carnitine can,might be helpful for fat metabolism support.
    2. Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for inflammation support.
    3. Probiotics can,might be helpful for weight management support.
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Feline dental disease

  • 1. VOHC-approved water additives , dental treats or oral gels can,might be helpful for reducing plaque or tartar.
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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

  • 1. Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for anti-inflammatory support.
    2. Coenzyme Q10 can,might be helpful for heart cell energy support.
    3. Taurine and L-carnitine can,might be helpful for heart muscle function.
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Kidney disease

  • 1. Potassium supplements can,might be helpful for low potassium.
    2. B-vitamin complex can,might be helpful for losses through urination.
    3. Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for kidney support.
    4. Phosphate binders can,might be helpful when phosphate is high.
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