Also called Swimming Cat, Turkish cat (former name), Van Kedi / Turkish Vankedisi (all-white form)
Recognised breedDeep profile
From Named after the Lake Van region of eastern Turkey, where the Van cat landrace lives. The pedigree breed was developed in the United Kingdom from the 1950s using cats brought from several Turkish cities (Iskenderun, Istanbul, Antalya and Burdur), not only the Lake Van area.1234
GCCF and TICA give 10-20 lb (4.5-9.1 kg) for males and 7-12 lb (3.2-5.4 kg) for females; Hill's gives the narrower 10-12 lb for males and 7-10 lb for females, and Purina UK 4.5-8 kg overall. Slow to mature, reaching full size at 3-5 years.
Famous love of water and even swimming
Clever, playful and dog-like, often learning to fetch
Easy-care coat that resists tangles and repels water
semi-long, single coat with no undercoat, cashmere-like texture
A big, strong, athletic cat with a long sturdy body, broad chest and a well-furred tail. The single-layer coat feels like cashmere or rabbit fur, lies smooth and is remarkably good at shedding water and dirt. It changes with the seasons: short and light in summer, noticeably longer in winter with a fuller neck ruff and tail brush. Most cats wear the classic 'Van pattern', a white body with colour limited to the head and tail, and eyes may be amber, blue or one of each.432716
ColoursVan pattern: white with auburn (red) markings (traditional)white with creamwhite with blackwhite with bluetortoiseshell and blue tortiebrown, blue, red and cream tabbytortie tabbyall white (Vankedisi / Van Kedi, where recognised)2431
Personality what they are like
A lively, bright and loyal cat with a clownish streak. Vans like to stay close to their people and follow them around, but most prefer sitting beside you to being picked up or held for long, and they like affection on their own terms. They are chatty in some lines and soft-voiced in others (GCCF likens the voice to a sheep's bleat). Curious and quick to learn, they enjoy fetch and interactive games, and they usually get on well with dogs and with respectful older children once settled.432751
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Very high. Vans love to climb, leap, run and play, and are rarely found at floor level for long. They catch toys in mid-air, retrieve, and enjoy water play. Daily interactive play, puzzle feeders and plenty of high perches help channel their energy.3256
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Easy for a semi-longhair: a weekly comb is usually enough, with a few extra sessions in winter when the coat is fuller and during seasonal shedding. The coat does not tangle easily. Regular nail trims, ear checks and tooth brushing round out the routine; baths are rarely needed, though many Vans do not mind water.4325
Home where they are happiest
A home with lots of vertical territory, such as tall cat trees and shelves, plus plenty of toys. Vans like to be up high and may clear items from shelves in play, so fragile things are best put away.526
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced cat food as part of a regular routine. Puzzle and food-dispensing toys are a good way to add mental exercise to mealtimes for this busy breed.56
Company who they like around
Strongly attached to its family and likes to be near them, though not usually a lap cat. Generally friendly with dogs and other pets; with young children, an introduction and supervision are advised, as Vans prefer gentle, respectful handling.7543
The story where it all began
Longhaired cats with white bodies and coloured heads and tails have lived for centuries around Lake Van in the mountains of eastern Turkey, where locals value them highly and the all-white form is seen as the true Van cat. The pedigree breed began in 1955 (GCCF says 1954), when British photographers Laura Lushington and Sonia Halliday were given two unrelated kittens while working in Turkey. Lushington took them to England, and when their kittens came out looking just like the parents, with chalk-white bodies and dark head and tail markings, she set about building a breed; the founders later turned out to come from several Turkish towns rather than Lake Van itself. The GCCF granted full status in 1969 under the name 'Turkish cat', later changed to Turkish Van to avoid confusion with the Turkish Angora. Barbara and Jack Reark brought Vans to the USA from France and the Netherlands in 1983; CFA accepted the breed in 1988 and gave it championship status in 1994, and TICA had already granted championship status earlier. The breed remains fairly rare, even in Turkey.124378
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Known as the 'Swimming Cat': Vans often paddle in water, turn on taps or hop into the bath, and the founding kittens were seen paddling in a stream.3
2
Many have a small coloured spot between the shoulder blades, called the 'thumbprint of God' (or of Allah) and seen as a sign of good luck.3
3
The coat has a cashmere-like texture that sheds water and dirt, helping the cat dry off quickly.3
4
It is a slow developer, taking three to five years to reach full adult size.4
5
GCCF notes a quiet voice that can sound a little like a sheep.2
6
Some large Vans measure about 1 m from nose to tail tip.1
7
Van Yüzüncü Yıl University runs a Van Cat House, home to around 350 cats and kittens in 2018, and the city of Van greets visitors with a large statue of a cat and kitten.8
8
Shed Van fur can be spun into a soft yarn nicknamed 'cat-gora'.1
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed is named after the Lake Van region in eastern Turkey, where it originated as a natural breed.3
I start my day by following my human to the kitchen. I sit beside them, not in a lap. I prefer to be close but on my own terms. After breakfast, I race to the cat tree. I love to climb and leap. I catch a toy in mid-air and bring it back for another throw. In the afternoon, I explore every high shelf. When my human works at a desk, I perch on the corner, watching. In the evening, I play fetch again, this time with a crinkly ball. I end the day by curling up near my human's feet, purring softly.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
GCCF
Championship status 1969 (first as the 'Turkish cat'); the all-white Turkish Vankedisi is recognised alongside it2
CFA
Accepted for registration 1988, championship status 1994; Van pattern only4
TICA
Championship status; TICA gives June 1979, Wikipedia gives 1985. Solid white (Van Kedi) also accepted3
These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.
You need
1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
1 egg, beaten
250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
Extra water as needed
How
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
Allow to cool completely before storing.
How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Turkish Van, and at what times?
Feed a complete, balanced cat food as part of a regular routine. Puzzle and food-dispensing toys are a good way to add mental exercise to mealtimes for this busy breed. For specific amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.56
What should a Turkish Van eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete, balanced cat food is best. Dangerous foods include alcohol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, chives, and xylitol. Always avoid these and ask your vet for a full list.5610
Does a Turkish Van need baths?
Baths are rarely needed, though many Vans do not mind water. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 3 days and bathing only when very dirty or sticky, as per general cat care guidance.432511Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Turkish Van need brushing?
A weekly comb is usually enough, with a few extra sessions in winter when the coat is fuller and during seasonal shedding. The coat does not tangle easily. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 3 days.4325Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Turkish Van's claws, and how often?
Regular nail trims are needed. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests trimming every 21 days. General guidance recommends trimming no more than two claws per session at first. Ask your vet or a good breeder for technique tips.432511Pet Wiki plan
How much play does a Turkish Van need?
Very high activity needs. Daily interactive play, puzzle feeders and plenty of high perches help channel their energy. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests about 40 minutes of play a day.3256Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Turkish Van's teeth and ears?
Regular tooth brushing and ear checks round out the routine. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily tooth brushing is ideal, and ear checks as needed. Ask your vet for specific techniques.4325Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Turkish Van live?
Turkish Vans typically live 12 to 17 years. Senior years usually start around age 11, so regular vet check-ups are important.256Pet Wiki plan
Is a Turkish Van good with children and other pets?
Yes, they usually get on well with dogs and respectful older children once settled. They prefer gentle, respectful handling, so supervision with young children is advised.7543
Can a Turkish Van be left alone?
They are strongly attached to their family and like to be near them, so they may not enjoy long periods alone. Provide plenty of toys and vertical territory to keep them entertained. For specific advice, ask your vet or a good breeder.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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