Turkish Van Cat, also known as TurkishVan, originated from the Van Lake region of Turkey. It is a natural breed that evolved from the Turkish Angora Cat rather than being artificially bred. It is considered a national treasure in Turkey and was recognized as an independent breed in 1969.
Turkish Van Cat is a semi-longhair cat with usually amber or blue eyes, which are very beautiful. However, due to genetic influences, the ears on the side of blue eyes are prone to hearing impairment. Its coat is bright and shiny and is white, very smooth. The whole body, except for the head, ears, and tail, has creamy yellow or light brown markings and is pure white.
It has a lively and clever personality, likes to play in the water, and is friendly towards people and close friends. It is very suitable as a family companion.
Turkish Van Cat is an ancient breed, said to have originated from the Van Lake region of Turkey. The mountainous, rugged terrain and cold climate of the region undoubtedly contribute to the Turkish Van Cat's cashmere-like coat and robust physique.
The Turkish Van Cat is a natural breed that may have existed in Turkey for centuries. Legend has it that they arrived on land from Noah's Ark, which landed on Mount Ararat in Turkey, not far from Lake Van.
One reason why Turkish Van Cats have markings is that both Jewish and Islamic traditions believe they were bestowed with their original white fur by a divine touch. It is said that a slamming door turned the cat's tail red, and when God reached out and touched the cat's head, he left a mark. In the Islamic version, Allah touched the cat's back, thus leaving a fingerprint, so the spots seen on the back of a Turkish Van Cat are called Allah's thumbprint.
Whatever its history, over the years this breed has always attracted many visitors. For the past thousand years, some have even brought them to Europe as "souvenirs." However, it wasn't until the 1970s that the first Turkish Van Cat was brought to the United States. The International Cat Association recognized this breed in 1985 and began registering it in 1988. In Turkey, these cats are considered national treasures, and their conservation efforts are overseen by the Turkish Agricultural Institute and the Ankara Zoo.
If you like to travel in a camper van or drive with your cat, it is not recommended to choose a Turkish Van Cat, as they often vomit, urinate, or defecate in the car.
However, they have a strong attachment to their family members and may even choose one or two as their favorites, so they are more suitable for family raising. Turkish Van Cats that are well socialized are most comfortable with children because children like to run around with toys, throw balls for the cat, or teach them some tricks. However, parents need to supervise young children and ensure that they pet the cat gently and do not pull its fur or tail.
Turkish Van Cats are very active and enjoy exercise. Even in old age, they are still mischievous and always on the move, so they need owners who can play with them for a long time. It is not suitable for working people to raise them.
1. Feline Distemper
Symptoms: Cats with feline distemper may have fever, depression, gradually decreasing body temperature, weakness, dehydration, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Solution: Choose a good pet hospital to vaccinate on time, keep the house clean and hygienic, and isolate appropriately. Rabies vaccine can be given at 3 months of age; the cat's triple vaccine can generally be given at 2 months of age, with a monthly interval.
2. Feline Rhinotracheitis
Symptoms: Fever, excessive nasal mucus, frequent sneezing, accompanied by conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and excessive tearing.
Solution: Once discovered, seek medical treatment in a timely manner. This virus can be transmitted through the air, so isolate your cat in a timely manner.
3. Hairball
Symptoms: Cats may vomit, lose appetite, and have hairballs in their excrement.
Solution: Regularly feed your cat hairball paste and it is best to plant some cat grass at home.
4. Gastrointestinal discomfort
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Solution: Fast your cat first, then feed some probiotics for conditioning. If the condition is serious, seek medical attention in a timely manner. Prevention: 1. Maintain a light diet; 2. Do not change cat food frequently. Follow the seven-day food changing method when changing cat food.
The Turkish Van Cat is very intelligent and can learn tricks and games, so they like to imitate or pounce on toys as if they were a prey. If you can't find your Turkish Van Cat, it's best to look up because it's likely to be right above your head, as it always climbs as high as it can.
When keeping a Turkish Van Cat, it's best not to put fragile items in high places because it has a wicked sense of humor and likes to push things off shelves just to see what happens. But sometimes it might be because it's clumsy.
The Turkish Van Cat's obsession with water can sometimes get it into trouble. Therefore, it's best for owners to put down toilet lids at home, stay away from swimming pools and hot springs when going out, and if you don't supervise it and let it discover a dripping faucet, it can easily learn to turn on the tap, so it can drink or play in the sink with them. For it, lying in water is a normal thing, especially in hot summers.
The Turkish Van Cat doesn't like to be held or restrained, so it's best for owners to let it cuddle up next to you or sleep by your side. Because if you touch a Turkish Van Cat without knowing its mood, it will become very angry and its nose will turn from pink to dark red. At this time, you must not disturb it, or it may attack you.
Turkish Van Cat has a soft and silky coat. Because it has no undercoat, there is no matting of the fur, so the owners only need to groom or brush it every week. Except for the frequent shedding in spring and autumn, it rarely sheds at other times. However, older cats may have difficulty grooming themselves thoroughly, so it is best for owners to help them groom regularly.
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