All about Van cat breed
Description
Appearance
Origin
Temperament
English
Description
Appearance
Origin
Temperament
Description
Appearance
Origin
Temperament
English
Description
Appearance
Origin
Temperament

Van cat

The Van cat, also known as Van kedisi in Turkish, is a unique natural breed of domestic cat found around Lake Van in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. There is potential confusion among cat lovers outside Turkey regarding the terminology of the Van cat and the Turkish Van breed. The naturally occurring Van cat type is often considered the foundation of the Turkish Van breed, but they are actually different cats in the Western world. Moreover, some organizations use the term 'Turkish Vankedisi' to refer to all-white specimens of the standardized Turkish Van breed, adding to the confusion.
country of origin
breed origin

Appearance

Purebred Van cats are known for their distinctive white coat and often have mismatched eyes. The most prized individuals have one amber-green eye and one blue eye. Newborn Van kittens typically have greyish eyes, but after 25 days, their eye colors begin to differentiate. By 40 days old, their eye colors become clear, revealing the unique combination that makes these cats so special.
Coat type
Eye colour
Fur colour
Ears
Eyes shape
Coat type
Eye colour
Fur colour
Ears
Eyes shape

Origin

Van cats have been reported living around the city of Van and Lake Van area for centuries, although the exact duration is uncertain. Genetic studies have shown that the domestic cat's ancestor, the African wild cat (Felis lybica), was domesticated around 9,000 years ago in the Near East for rodent control as people shifted from hunting and gathering to settled farming. Van cats are considered a landrace, not a standardized breed, and can still be found in eastern Turkey near Lake Van, though their population has decreased (a 1992 survey found only 92 pure Van cats in their native region). Armenians, Kurds, and Turks, who have inhabited the area at different times, all consider the Van cat a cultural symbol. In Turkish, they are called Van kedisi (plural kedileri), while in Western and Eastern Armenian they are referred to as Vana gadu (Վանայ կատու) and Vana katu (Վանա կատու) respectively. In Kurdish, they are known as pisîka Wanê.
Parent animals
Breed origin
Origin countries

Temperament

Van cats are known for their intelligence, sociability, and kindness. They enjoy receiving attention from their human companions, playing with them, and may even bring a favorite toy to engage in a game. They are a friendly breed that typically gets along well with all family members, including other pets. These cats are quite curious and enjoy climbing and exploring their surroundings. They are also skilled hunters. One unique trait of Van cats is their fascination with water. They are excellent swimmers and are sometimes referred to as "swimming cats" due to their ability to dive into Lake Van in their home country. This trait may have developed as an adaptation to the hot summers in the area. Overall, Van cats are a special breed with a combination of intelligence, sociability, and a unique affinity for water that sets them apart from other feline companions.
Activity Level:
Active

Keeping conditions

Diet preferences
Reproduction
Grooming
Common health issues
Diet preferences
Reproduction
Grooming
Common health issues
Van cats, also known as Turkish Van cats, do not require any unique or specialized nutrition compared to other cat breeds. However, it is essential to provide them with a balanced diet to ensure their health and well-being. In addition to natural food sources, such as meat and fish, you can also feed them high-quality commercial cat food that is rich in proteins and fats. It is crucial to offer both dry and wet food options to meet their dietary needs. Providing fresh and clean water at all times is also essential for their hydration and overall nourishment. By maintaining a proper diet and ensuring access to water, you can help keep your Van cat healthy and happy.
Van cats typically go into heat three times a year, in February-March, June, and then again during the rest of the year if they are living in an artificially lit and heated home environment. This heat period lasts for up to 10 days, and the gestation period for Van cats is about 62 days. During the first month of pregnancy, the female's belly will begin to swell, and she may become protective of her belly, not letting anyone touch it. As the pregnancy progresses, the Van cat, like other cats, will start looking for secluded and dark places to give birth. After giving birth, the mother cat will nurse her kittens for about 50-60 days, although this period can vary.
The fur of Van cats needs to be brushed several times a week to prevent hair loss and to keep their fur in good condition. If your Van cat is older, the number of brushing sessions may need to be increased, as older cats tend to have denser fur. This water-loving cat breed also enjoys taking baths and can be bathed in hot weather starting at around 2 months old. In addition to regular brushing and bathing, other grooming routines for Van cats include nail trimming and ear cleaning. It is important to brush their teeth regularly to prevent any gum problems.
Grooming intencity:
Requires lots of grooming
The Van cat is generally a healthy breed; however, they should be taken to the vet for regular checkups. This way, you can keep your pet's health under control and prevent serious health conditions.

References

  1. Van Wikipedia article https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_cat