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
how to spot oneTurkish Vankedisi coat and colours
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
Comes inpure white (only)eyes amber, blue, or odd-eyed1
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Turkish Vankedisi. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayDaily playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
how busy a day looksTurkish Vankedisi exercise needs
High. Loves heights and climbing, so tall cat trees and daily play are important.12
where they are happiestTurkish Vankedisi at home
Needs room to climb and explore; high perches and sturdy cat trees suit it.1
who they like aroundTurkish Vankedisi with people and other pets
Bonds strongly with its family and likes being involved in household life.12
the hands-on bitsTurkish Vankedisi grooming and care
Weekly brushing is enough; the coat rarely tangles but sheds more in the seasonal change.12
what goes in the bowlTurkish Vankedisi food and feeding
Needs a complete, balanced cat food built around animal protein, with fresh water always available; portion treats so the cat stays trim.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
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.13
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.124
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. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days.12
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.4
How much play does a Turkish Vankedisi need?
Your Turkish Vankedisi has high activity needs and loves climbing and daily play. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily play sessions. Provide tall cat trees and interactive toys to keep it happy.12
How do I look after a Turkish Vankedisi's teeth and ears?
For teeth, daily brushing is ideal, and Pet Wiki'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.
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.
what to watchTurkish Vankedisi health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Turkish Vankedisi. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Deafness in white cats
White cats, especially blue-eyed or odd-eyed ones, can be born deaf in one or both ears, so ask for a BAER hearing test on kittens and breeding cats. The dominant white gene is linked with congenital deafness; GCCF requires hearing tests for white breeding cats and the Turkish Van record already lists it for the Vankedisi ↗
Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Turkish Vankedisi costs
Running costs for a Turkish Vankedisi, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Its water-resistant coat goes with a real interest in water, from dripping taps to dunked toys.1
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
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.
where it all beganTurkish Vankedisi history
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
Turkish Van
Turkish Angora