The Turkish Van is a breed that always attracts attention, even if there are dozens of other cats around. Its appearance is unique: a white silky body and colored “cap” on the head and tail, usually of a red or cream shade. But the main feature of this breed is not in the coloring, but in its exceptional love of water. The Turkish Van is one of the few cats in the world that is not only not afraid of bathing, but also enjoys it.
Origin and appearance
The history of the Turkish Van reaches deep into Anatolia, a region near Lake Van in Turkey. Here, amidst mountainous landscapes and clear waters, the breed was formed naturally, without the active intervention of breeders. This has made it hardy, sturdy and well adapted to different conditions.
Adult cats impress with their size: males can weigh from 6 to 9 kg, females – 4.5-6.5 kg. The body is elongated, muscular, paws of medium length, the tail is fluffy, reminiscent of a pompon. The coat is semi-long but light, with a unique water-repellent structure that does not bunch up and dries easily. It is thicker in winter and becomes almost short in summer.
The Turkish Van is an athlete in the cat world. He jumps, runs, loves to explore heights and loves active play. Unlike many furry breeds, he is not prone to laziness or constant lounging on the couch. This breed has retained the instincts of a hunter, so its representatives like to chase toys, play “hunting” and even dive into the water for a ball.
Another difference from other cat breeds is high intelligence. Turkish Van quickly learn, memorize words and intonations, easily adapt to new conditions. But at the same time they are very independent, and if the cat decides that now it does not want attention, it will be difficult to make him change his mind.
Character and behavior
This breed is ideal for active people who are ready to give the pet a lot of time and attention. The Turkish Van gets attached to the owner, but does it in his own way: he will not sit on his hands all the time, but will always stay close by, watching, commenting “meow” and sometimes bringing toys to start a game. He gets along well with children, especially if they respect his space, and can live with other animals, although he sometimes tends to dominate.
If the house has access to a safe garden or balcony, the Turkish Van will enjoy spending time there, observing the world and perhaps planning another “hunt”. This cat needs play and activity, so interactive toys, tunnels and climbers are a great solution.
Grooming the Van cat breed
This breed’s coat has a unique silky texture with no undercoat, making it virtually impossible to pile up. This means that brushing is enough to be done 1-2 times a week, and during seasonal shedding – every other day to reduce the amount of hair in the house and maintain a healthy shine. Metal combs with sparse teeth and slicker brushes with soft protection on the tips are best for the Van.
Given their natural love of water, bathing is a pleasure rather than a stressful experience for most Turkish Van’s. However, it is worth remembering that frequent washing can dry out the skin, so it is optimal to bathe him once every 1.5-2 months or as needed. Use only shampoos for long-haired or semi-long-haired breeds with gentle formulas that emphasize the natural shine of the coat and retain its water-repellent properties.
Because of their active lifestyle, Turkish Vanes often need more energy in their diet. A quality food high in protein, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids will help keep their muscles toned and their coat shiny.
For owners who want their Turkish Van always looked flawless, it is worth at least a few times a year to visit a professional grooming salon. In Kiev the best choice will be V.O.G DOG SALON, where work masters who know the peculiarities of care specifically for semi-long-haired breeds. We will choose individual means, remove excess hair during shedding, provide comprehensive hygiene and return your Pet the look of a real representative of its majestic breed.
