How do I know if I have a Turkish van kitten?
You can tell whether a cat is a Turkish Van by carefully examining the animal’s tail. A Turkish Van has a full, brush-like tail. The tail will also be colored. For example, a Turkish van might have a brown, red, gray, or black tail that contrasts with its white coat.
Are Turkish Van cats lap cats?
While Turkish vans are affectionate to their family members, these are not normally lap cats. They may lay next to you and will happily allow themselves to be petted, but this is not a breed that tolerates being picked up and often wants to be near you, not on you.
Are Turkish Van cats hypoallergenic?
No, Turkish Angora cats are not considered hypoallergenic. They can trigger allergic reactions just as much as any other non-hypoallergenic breed. They are a poor choice for those with severe cat allergies, but they can be an option for those with mild cat allergies.
How old do Turkish Van kittens have to be?
In general, the breed is quite healthy and long-lived. Breeders generally keep kittens with the mother until 12 to 16 weeks of age, at which time they are ready to go home to their new families. Because the Turkish Van is already a large cat, it’s especially important not to overfeed.
How did the Turkish Van cat get its name?
A special gene causes the Turkish Van’s unique mix of white fur with patches of color on the head and tail. This gene is called the piebald gene, after the black and white magpie that bears the name. It’s believed that this breed was the first in the cat world to carry the mutation which later spread to other cat breeds.
Do you need to brush a Turkish Van?
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. You might need to brush your Turkish Van more during this shedding period, but throughout the rest of the year weekly brushing is all that’s needed to keep the coat looking sleek and feeling soft.
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.
In general, the breed is quite healthy and long-lived. Breeders generally keep kittens with the mother until 12 to 16 weeks of age, at which time they are ready to go home to their new families. Because the Turkish Van is already a large cat, it’s especially important not to overfeed.
When did the Turkish Van cat come to America?
At least a few probably made their way to Europe as “souvenirs” in the past millennium. It wasn’t until the 1970s, though, that a Turkish Van was first brought to the United States. The International Cat Association recognized the breed in 1985, and the Cat Fanciers Association began registering it in 1988.
What kind of coat does a Turkish Van cat have?
The Turkish Van cat is recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association and The International Cat Association. The texture of the Turkish Van’s semi-long, soft coat has been likened to cashmere. Because the breed developed in a region that experiences temperature extremes, the Turkish Van’s coat changes according to the season.
Are there any other breeds of Turkish Vans?
Imported Vans have no human breeding intervention and are quite robust. No other breed is allowed to be mixed into the breeding schedule, and all registered Turkish Vans can trace their ancestry back to imported cats of Laura Lushington.