Is there such a thing as a Turkish Van cat?
It is an ancient natural breed with relics in the area that are 5000 years old bearing cats resembling the Turkish Van. Although they likely made their way through Europe as a result of the Crusades and various visitors to Turkey, they have never been well known outside of their home country.
Where did the Turkish Van get its name?
Origin of the Turkish Van. These felines are endemic to Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey (to which they owe their name). Turkish Van origin dates back thousands of years, accompanied by a beautiful legend, which claims that these cats came to Lake Van after the Universal Flood, on Noah’s ark.
What kind of heart disease does a Turkish Van have?
One of the most common among Turkish Vans is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is defined as an alteration of the cardiac muscle or myocardium, caused by a larger and thicker left ventricle. The breed is also more prone to developing auditory affections, as white cat breeds generally have a higher predisposition to deafness.
What kind of coat does a Turkish Van have?
The winter coat also has feathering on the ears, legs, feet and belly, but the hair on the face remains short. Mature Turkish Vans also have a full neck ruff and brush tail. The Turkish Van experiences a seasonal heavy shed to reveal its summer coat, which is much shorter to help the cat stay cool in the warm months.
It is an ancient natural breed with relics in the area that are 5000 years old bearing cats resembling the Turkish Van. Although they likely made their way through Europe as a result of the Crusades and various visitors to Turkey, they have never been well known outside of their home country.
When did the Turkish Van come to America?
Neither city is anywhere near Van Province. Turkish Vans were first brought to the United States in 1982 and accepted into championship for showing in the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1994. Since then, CFA has registered approximately 100 Vans born each year in the US, making them one of the rarest cat breeds.
What kind of body does a Turkish Van have?
The coat is uncommonly water repellant, which makes bathing these cats a challenge, though the coat dries quickly. The Turkish Van is one of the larger cat breeds. Ideal type should feature broad shoulders with a body that is “top-heavy”, that is, a cat with its center of gravity forward.
What kind of game does a Turkish Van play?
Many Turkish Vans will play fetch, and may bring a toy to their owner to initiate play. The native Van cat landrace of Turkey have been nicknamed the “swimming cats”, due to an unusual fascination with water.