The Turkish Van originated centuries ago around the Lake Van area that is now part of Turkey.  What is best known about this breed is its distinctive van pattern.  A van-patterned cat is an all-white cat with colored markings restricted primarily to the head and tail.

These cats are known by numerous names that include:

• Turkish Vans
• Vancats
• Swimming cat

A husband and wife from Florida imported Turkish Vans from France and later from Holland in 1983.  Other breeders imported more cats from England and from their original homeland in eastern Turkey.

In 1988, the CFA began registering the Turkish Van cat breed.  It was granted Provisional status in 1993 and was advanced to Championship status in February 1994.

The following appearance description is offered to help you decide if the Turkish Van is right for you, your family and lifestyle.

Appearance Description

• Full brush-like tail
• Soft cashmere fur
• Strong muscular body
• Patterns include the tuxedo, bicolor and harlequin
• Semi-long haired cat with the color of the van pattern in red, black, brown, tabby, patched tabby, or with the dilute versions of blue and cream of those colors
• A white blaze from the nose to past the ears is most desirable
• Woolly undercoat
• Wide body
• This cat is among the largest of all domestic breeds a

The following personality description is offered to help you decide if the Turkish Van is right for you, your family and lifestyle.

Personality Description

• Graceful
• Action-packed comedians
• Like interactive games with their humans
• Love toys made of natural materials like feathers or fur on a string
• Enjoys games of fetch
• Ability to climb the cabinets
• Not much on being carried or held, however, do enjoy the laps of their humans for resting times

Grooming Tips

• Low-maintenance cats
• Coat is easy to maintain
• Combing occasionally is recommended
• They do not need daily grooming
• These are extremely clean cats, regular bathing is not necessary

Follow the link in the resource box of this article to find pictures and more information about many different breeds of cats.

Written by:  Connie Limon.  Visit “Adopting Kittens” at http://smalldogs2.com/AdoptingKittens to find a complete online reference for choosing and caring for the perfect kitten, which matches you and your lifestyle.  Learn about litter box training at http://smalldogs2.com/LitterBoxTraining

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved Connie Limon