Pet Wiki

Turkish Vankedisi

Also called Vankedisi, White Turkish Van

Recognised breedShort profile

From Developed in the United Kingdom from Turkish cats brought over from 1954; the all-white sister variety of the Turkish Van.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male4.5 to 9.1 kg1
Weight, female3.2 to 5.4 kg1
Lengthup to 100 cm2
Lifespan12 to 14 years1
Sizelarge

GCCF figures shared with the Turkish Van.

loyal and loving
athletic climber
often fascinated by water
1

Coat and looks how to spot one

semi-long, single, silky coat

A large, muscular cat with a broad wedge head and well-feathered ears. The single coat feels silky to the roots, resists water and grows noticeably fuller in winter than in summer. The Vankedisi is the Turkish Van in pure white.12

Colourspure white (only)eyes amber, blue, or odd-eyed1

Personality what they are like

Intelligent, affectionate and full of energy. It likes to be part of whatever is going on, follows its people around and usually prefers active play to lap time. Its voice is soft and has been likened to a sheep's bleat.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Loves heights and climbing, so tall cat trees and daily play are important.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Weekly brushing is enough; the coat rarely tangles but sheds more in the seasonal change.12

Home where they are happiest

Needs room to climb and explore; high perches and sturdy cat trees suit it.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Needs a complete, balanced cat food built around animal protein, with fresh water always available; portion treats so the cat stays trim.1

Company who they like around

Bonds strongly with its family and likes being involved in household life.12

The story where it all began

Laura Lushington and Sonia Halliday brought Turkish cats to Britain from 1954, and the patterned Turkish Van gained GCCF championship status in 1969. The all-white cats from the same lines are recognised by GCCF under the separate name Turkish Vankedisi, which reflects the Turkish word for a Van cat.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its water-resistant coat goes with a real interest in water, from dripping taps to dunked toys.1

  2. 2

    Its soft call can sound rather like a sheep.1

  3. 3

    Turkish Vans can take 3-5 years to reach full maturity and may measure about a metre from nose to tail tip.2

  4. 4

    Vankedisi can have one blue and one amber eye.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Vankedisi' comes from the Turkish words 'Van' (referring to Lake Van in eastern Turkey) and 'kedisi' (meaning cat), literally translating to 'cat from Van'. The breed is also called 'Turkish Vankedisi' to distinguish it from the patterned Turkish Van.1

Name ideas for your new friend

PamukKarBeyazAslanZeytinMaviCeylanRüzgarSuBoncukLeylaOya

A day in the life told by a Turkish Vankedisi

I wake up before the sun and stretch on my favorite perch, watching the world from above. My human stirs, and I trot over for a soft 'baa' greeting. I follow them from room to room, always curious. After breakfast, I race up the cat tree, then pounce on a feather toy. I love being part of everything. When they sit, I curl beside them, not on their lap, just close enough. In the afternoon, I chase sunbeams and climb higher. At dusk, I sing my gentle song. Then, as they read, I settle on the windowsill, dreaming of the birds outside. It's a good life, full of love and heights.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

GCCF
Recognised alongside the Turkish Van as its all-white form1
GCCF
Covered by the breeding policy for the Turkish group3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Turkish Vankedisi. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

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

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. 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.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

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 Vankedisi, and at what times?

Feed your Turkish Vankedisi a complete, balanced cat food built around animal protein, with fresh water always available. Portion treats so your cat stays trim. For exact amounts and timing, check the food label and ask your vet.1

What should a Turkish Vankedisi eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Your Turkish Vankedisi needs a complete, balanced cat food built around animal protein. Dangerous foods include alcohol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, chives, and xylitol. Always avoid these and ask your vet for a full list.14

Does a Turkish Vankedisi need baths?

Baths are rarely needed for a Turkish Vankedisi. Bathe only if the coat is very dirty or sticky. Weekly brushing keeps the silky coat in good condition.125

How often does a Turkish Vankedisi need brushing?

Weekly brushing is enough for a Turkish Vankedisi. The single coat rarely tangles but sheds more during seasonal changes. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Turkish Vankedisi's claws, and how often?

Trim your Turkish Vankedisi's claws every 21 days as a starting plan. Use proper cat nail clippers and trim only the tip, avoiding the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Turkish Vankedisi need?

Your Turkish Vankedisi has high activity needs and loves climbing and daily play. Furry Diary's plan suggests daily play sessions. Provide tall cat trees and interactive toys to keep it happy.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Turkish Vankedisi's teeth and ears?

For teeth, daily brushing is ideal, and Furry Diary's plan suggests cleaning every 2 days. For ears, check weekly and gently clean with a vet-recommended solution if needed. Ask your vet for specific guidance. Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Turkish Vankedisi live?

A Turkish Vankedisi typically lives between 12 and 14 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy diet, your cat can enjoy a long, happy life.1

Is a Turkish Vankedisi good with children and other pets?

Yes, the Turkish Vankedisi is intelligent, affectionate, and bonds strongly with its family. It enjoys being involved in household life and usually gets along well with children and other pets when properly introduced.12

Can a Turkish Vankedisi be left alone?

This breed bonds strongly with its family and likes to be part of whatever is going on. It can be left alone for reasonable periods, but it thrives with company and daily interaction. Provide toys and climbing structures to keep it entertained.12

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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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Turkish Van & Turkish Vankedisi - GCCF gccfcats.orgused for recognition, appearance, colours, temperament, size, lifespan, grooming, facts
  2. Turkish Van - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, coat, length, maturity
  3. GCCF breeding policy for the Turkish group gccfcats.orgused for recognition
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.