Turkish Van at a glance
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 4.5–8 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one cat. Not assessed yet: Other cats.
Is the Turkish Van right for you?
Like every breed, the Turkish Van is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- This would be your first cat and you are ready to learn.
- You have a calm, cat-friendly dog and can introduce them slowly.
- You are out at work for part of the day.
- You would enjoy an active, playful cat and have time to play every day.
Consider another breed if…
- You cannot offer any safe outdoor space.
- You have young children at home.
How would the Turkish Van fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Turkish Van
The Turkish Van is a large, muscular yet elegant cat with a soft, silky, semi-long coat. It is best known for its "van" pattern: a chalk-white body with coloured markings on the head and a coloured, bushy tail. Its eyes may be amber, blue or one of each. It is typically loyal, loving and intelligent, and often called the "swimming cat" for its unusual love of water.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual cat.
- Size
Large
Among the largest cat breeds.
- Coat length
Semi-long
A semi-long coat.
- Activity level
Lively
Lively and playful; needs daily play.
- Grooming
Weekly
The coat usually needs brushing about once a week.
- Shedding
Low
Tends to shed little, though every cat sheds some hair.
- Vocal
Tends to be quiet
Usually a fairly quiet cat.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other cats
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Good with dogs
Often fine
Often gets on with a cat-friendly dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Often
Often suits first-time cat owners.
- Time alone
Copes alone
Often copes well alone during the day.
- Indoors and outdoors
Some outdoor space
Benefits from some safe outdoor space, such as a cat-proofed garden.
The breed comes from the region around Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey, in the far east of the country, where summers are hot and winters can fall to minus 12°C or lower. It has been kept as a domestic pet there for centuries and is considered a national treasure in Turkey. Its UK story began in 1954, when journalist Laura Lushington and photographer Sonia Halliday were given two kittens while travelling in Turkey. The female went on to have kittens with the same head and tail markings, and a second pair was brought back in 1959. Originally called the Turkish Cat, the breed was renamed the Turkish Van to distinguish it from the Turkish Angora, and gained GCCF championship status in 1969.
The GCCF recognises the Turkish Van together with the Turkish Vankedisi, a pure white form with the same characteristics and temperament. Both are minority breeds, which means they are rare in the UK.
Turkish Van temperament
Turkish Vans are usually loyal, loving, intelligent and affectionate, and can be very dog-like, often following their owner around. The GCCF notes that temperament depends a lot on upbringing, on the mother and on the cats a kitten is raised with, and that a Turkish Van becomes a devoted companion once its loyalty and confidence have been won.
They have a quiet voice that can sound rather like a sheep. They can be sensitive to certain noises and strong smells, and if frightened or caught unawares they may react by coming forward.
Size and appearance
The Turkish Van is a large, powerful cat with a substantial body and legs, a broad wedge-shaped head, moderately large feathered ears, large oval eyes with pink rims and tufted paws. It often does not reach full maturity until three years or older. Adults typically weigh about 4.5 to 8 kg, with males considerably heavier than females.
The fur is long, soft and silky to the roots, with no woolly undercoat. It is noticeably shorter in summer and much thicker in winter, and the ruff becomes more pronounced with age. The traditional colour is white with auburn markings, and newer, rarer varieties include cream, black, blue, tortoiseshell and several tabby colours. The Vankedisi is all white.
How active is the Turkish Van?
These are very active, agile cats that love heights: it is rare to see one walking on the floor, and they often settle on top of doors or along curtain rails. They love games with balls or scraps of paper, which they will retrieve endlessly. Purina UK recommends plenty of high vantage points, play equipment, time spent playing together and food-dispensing toys that mimic hunting.
Their love of water is unusual: many enjoy dripping taps, dunk toys in water bowls or join their owners in the bath or shower. Their quick movements and intelligence also mean they can wreak havoc among ornaments.
Turkish Van grooming
The GCCF rates grooming as weekly. The semi-longhaired coat does not tangle easily, but regular brushing removes loose, dead hair and helps prevent furballs; Purina UK suggests daily grooming to keep the coat tangle-free and check for bumps or scrapes. The coat repels dirt well, so Turkish Vans do not need much bathing, though many enjoy it. Shedding is fairly low.
Indoors and outdoors
The Turkish Van enjoys some time outdoors, ideally in a secure garden or purpose-built cat run. Purina UK warns that its striking looks make it a target for thieves and that its active nature can get it into trouble if it roams. The coat is fairly water-resistant and copes with cold and wet weather, but Turkish Vans dislike strong winds, so shelter is important. Purina UK says they can be left alone all day.
Living with a Turkish Van
Purina UK notes that Turkish Vans like to steal small toys, dunk them in water, knock over ornaments and sleep in high places, so they may not suit homes with very young children or very busy people.
Whatever the breed, young children should be supervised around cats and shown how to stroke them gently and let them walk away.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Dogs
Often gets on with a cat-friendly dog.
Indoors and outdoors
Benefits from some safe outdoor space.
Being left alone
Often copes well alone during the day.
First-time owners
Often suits first-time cat owners.
Other cats and pets
The GCCF says Turkish Vans get on very well with dogs.
Turkish Van health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own cat’s health.
The GCCF describes the Turkish Van and Vankedisi as robust and healthy, as are most natural breeds, and Purina UK reports no common disorders in the breed. Turkish Vans typically live for about 12 to 14 years. As with all cats, regular vaccination, parasite control and an annual health check are recommended.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Turkish Van home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Kittens should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, cats must be microchipped and registered by 20 weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a kitten was raised.
How much does a Turkish Van cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Turkish Van home, and looking after one well. Kitten prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, litter, scratching posts and toys, and a cattery or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the cat’s life, typically 12–14 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Turkish Van
If you have decided the Turkish Van suits your life, take the same care choosing where your cat comes from. Meet the kitten in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Turkish Van
Turkish Vans do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the cat. An adult cat arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the cat’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a cat once, well.
Turkish Vans looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no Turkish Van adverts at the moment.
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Turkish Van FAQs
Is the Turkish Van good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual cats vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the cat you are considering.
Can the Turkish Van be an indoor cat?
Benefits from some safe outdoor space. Indoor cats need daily play, places to climb and scratch, and a window to watch from.
How active is the Turkish Van?
Lively and playful. Short play sessions every day help any cat stay fit and settled.
Does the Turkish Van shed?
Tends to shed little.
How much grooming does the Turkish Van need?
Typically: about once a week.
Can the Turkish Van be left alone?
Often copes well alone during the day. Every cat needs company, play and someone to check on it each day.
Is the Turkish Van a talkative cat?
Tends to be quiet. Individual cats vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the cat you are considering.
Is the Turkish Van good with dogs?
Often gets on with a cat-friendly dog. Individual cats vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the cat you are considering.
How long does the Turkish Van live?
Typically 12–14 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Turkish Van get?
Adults typically weigh 4.5–8 kg.