The cat known in the United States as the Turkish Van is
a rare and ancient breed that developed in central and
southwest Asia, which today encompasses the countries of
Iran, Iraq, southwest Soviet Union and eastern Turkey. “Van”
is a common term in the region that has been given to a
number of towns, villages and even a lake - Lake Van - so it
is no surprise that the uniquely patterned cat native to the
region was named the “Vancat” by the residents.
They were first brought to England in 1955 as the Turkish
cats, but this was later changed to Turkish Van to avoid
confusion with the Turkish Angora. Although the breed has an
ancient lineage, the Turkish Van is a relative newcomer to the
United States, arriving in 1982. They are considered regional
treasures in their homeland, and are not readily available for
export to other countries. Even in areas where the breed has
been known for centuries, they are still relatively rare.
The breed was first brought into Europe from the Middle
East by returning crusaders, and has been known by a variety
of names over the centuries such as the white ringtail and
the Russian longhair. A common misconception is that the
Turkish Van is simply a color variation of the better known
Turkish Angora. In reality, the Van and the Angora are distinct
breeds that developed in geographically distant regions of
Turkey. When seen together, the differences in type, size,
boning and coat are readily apparent.
The coloration of the Turkish Van, which is considered by
many to be the original breed to carry the piebald gene,
calls for a white, semi-longhaired cat with colored markings
restricted primarily to the head and tail. Other piebald
cats that have been selectively bred for many generations
to achieve similar markings are said to be “van-patterned”
after the breed that originally sported it. The coat lacks an
undercoat and has a very unique cashmere-like texture that
makes it water-resistant. This brings us to another interesting
feature of this breed - they love water and in their native
region they have been termed “the Swimming Cats.”
The Turkish Van takes three to five years to reach full maturity
and is a large and agile cat of substantial strength. They are
very intelligent as well as curious and make very rewarding
companions in the right home. The breed is a healthy one
and the unique coat does not lend itself to matting, so they
require little grooming.
Pricing on Turkish Vans usually depends on type, applicable
markings and bloodlines distinguished by Grand Champion
(GC), National Regional winning parentage (NW or RW)
or of Distinguished Merit parentage (DM). The DM title
is achieved by the dam (mother) having produced five CFA
grand champion/premier (alter) or DM offspring, or sire
(father) having produced fifteen CFA grand champion/
premier or DM offspring. Usually breeders make kittens
available between twelve and sixteen weeks of age. After
twelve weeks, kittens have had their basic inoculations and
developed the physical and social stability needed for a
new environment, showing, or being transported by air.
Keeping such a rare treasure indoors, neutering or spaying
and providing acceptable surfaces (e.g. scratching posts)
for the natural behavior of scratching (CFA disapproves of
declawing or tendonectomy surgery) are essential elements
for maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life. For more information, please send
inquiries to CFA at cfa@cfa.org.