Turkish Van

Temperament

The Turkish Van is an athlete. It leaps onto wardrobes, jumps straight up from a standstill, brings you toys to throw and can play fetch longer than many dogs. Water fascinates it: it climbs into the shower, plays with the faucet, and some cats happily swim. It is intelligent and sharp, and it quickly learns to open doors and cupboards. It is devoted to its family and likes to be close, but on its own terms; it usually cannot stand being carried or held. It is reserved with guests. It gets along with other animals once its position is clear, and it often dominates. Children who understand that the cat must not be grabbed can find it a great playmate. A bored Van will quickly find something to do, and not necessarily something its owner approves of.

Energy

calmvery energetic

Affection

independentvelcro pet

With children

not idealgreat

With other pets

difficultgreat

Trainability

stubborneager to learn

For first-time owners

for experienced ownersyes

With strangers

waryoutgoing

Playfulness

dignifiedeternal puppy

Shedding

minimalheavy

Grooming

easydemanding

Being left alone

strugglescopes well

Apartment living

needs a house and yardgreat in a flat

Talkativeness

quietchatterbox

Indoor-only life

needs outdoor accessgreat

Scores of 1–5 compare the breed with other breeds of the same species, based on the sources at the bottom of the page. Every animal is different. How we score traits

Who is the Turkish Van for?

The Turkish Van suits active people who like to play with their cat and accept that nothing on a shelf is safe. It is happiest in a larger apartment or a house with a cat-proofed yard or an enclosure. It is not a good choice for someone looking for a calm lap cat, for a family with small children who like to hug animals, or for a small studio.

Size and looks

Care and exercise

The Turkish Van's coat has no undercoat and a cashmere-like texture, so it rarely mats and dries quickly. In summer, when the coat is shorter, combing once a week with a steel comb is enough; the longer, thicker winter coat needs a little more attention. Baths are not necessary, but many Vans tolerate them better than other cats. Activity is key: this cat needs space, floor-to-ceiling cat trees, wall shelves and at least two vigorous play sessions a day. Fetch, wand toys and water toys in a shallow bowl all work well. It grows slowly and reaches full maturity at 3–5 years. Match its portions to its activity level to prevent weight gain.

Health and breed-related conditions

The Turkish Van is considered a healthy, long-lived breed: TICA gives 13–17+ years, and the CFA notes that no specific genetic problems are known. Blood type is worth knowing about, though. In a Turkish study of Van cats, about 60% had type B, a very high figure compared with other populations. A type B queen has antibodies in her colostrum that can destroy the red blood cells of type A kittens, so breeders should blood-type cats before breeding, and vets before a transfusion. Because the study looked at cats in Turkey, the rate in show lines may differ. A large, active cat that does not get enough exercise gains weight easily, and the extra weight strains its joints.

• blood type B and neonatal isoerythrolysisIn a Turkish study of Van cats, about 60% had type B blood; blood typing is recommended before breeding and transfusions.
• obesityA large, active cat without daily play gains weight easily.
• no known breed-specific diseasesThe CFA and TICA list no specific genetic diseases; standard preventive care applies.

This is general breed information, not a diagnosis. If something worries you, talk to your veterinarian.

Breed history

White cats with red markings have lived for centuries around Lake Van in eastern Turkey, where local stories describe them as swimming cats. The breed's modern history began in 1955, when two British photographers brought a pair of unrelated cats from Turkey to England. They, together with more cats imported from Turkey, became the foundation of British breeding. In the United States, the breed was popularized by, among others, Barbara and Jack Reark of Florida. The CFA recognized the Turkish Van in 1988 and granted it championship status in 1994. In Turkey itself, the name van kedisi tends to refer to the all-white cats of the region, which are distinct from the show breed.

Fun facts

• The breed is named after Lake Van in eastern Turkey.
• Under the CFA standard, colored patches on the body may not cover more than 15% of it.
• The van pattern, with color only on the head and tail, is named after this breed and appears in other cats too.
• The first Turkish Vans came to England in 1955 as a travel souvenir of two photographers.

Frequently asked questions

This breed also appears in

• Long-haired cat breeds
• Largest cat breeds

Sources

1. 1TICA – Turkish Van breedtica.org
2. 2CFA – Turkish Vancfa.org
3. 3PMC – Feline blood groups review (Turkish Van type B frequency)pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4. 4Blood type A and B frequencies in Turkish Van and Angora cats in Turkeyacikerisim.kku.edu.tr
5. 5FIFe – Breedsfifeweb.org
6. 6WCF – Breed standards semi-longhairwcf.de

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.