Immature male red tabby Turkish Van (after a romp in the fireplace)Black and White Turkish Van female (right) and Red Tabby and White Turkish Van male (left) in a windowMale red tabby Turkish Van sleeping in a sink
Discover great deals on the many hard to find and one of a kind items available only on ebay!

This site contains sponsored affiliate links.

Turkish Van

The Turkish Van (Turkish: Van Kedisi) (also known as the Turkish Swimming Cat) is a rare, naturally occurring breed of cat originally found in the Lake Van region of southeastern Turkey. more...

HomeHome
AmphibianAmphibian
ArthropodArthropod
BirdBird
CatCat
AbyssinianAbyssinian
American BobtailAmerican Bobtail
American ShorthairAmerican Shorthair
AngoraAngora
Angora CatAngora Cat
Australian MistAustralian Mist
BalineseBalinese
Balinese CatBalinese Cat
Bengal CatBengal Cat
BirmanBirman
Birman CatBirman Cat
BombayBombay
British ShorthairBritish Shorthair
BurmeseBurmese
BurmillaBurmilla
Calico CatCalico Cat
California Spangled CatCalifornia Spangled Cat
Chantilly CatChantilly Cat
ChartreuxChartreux
Colorpoint ShorthairColorpoint Shorthair
Cornish RexCornish Rex
CymricCymric
Devon RexDevon Rex
Don SphynxDon Sphynx
Egyptian MauEgyptian Mau
European ShorthairEuropean Shorthair
Exotic CatExotic Cat
Foldex CatFoldex Cat
Havana BrownHavana Brown
HimalayanHimalayan
Himalayan CatHimalayan Cat
Japanese BobtailJapanese Bobtail
JavaneseJavanese
KittenKitten
KoratKorat
LapermLaperm
Longhair CatLonghair Cat
Mackerel Tabby CatMackerel Tabby Cat
Maine CoonMaine Coon
Maltese CatMaltese Cat
ManxManx
Munchkin CatMunchkin Cat
NebelungNebelung
Norwegian Forest CatNorwegian Forest Cat
Oriental LonghairOriental Longhair
Oriental ShorthairOriental Shorthair
PersianPersian
Persian CatPersian Cat
PeterbaldPeterbald
Ragdoll CatRagdoll Cat
Russian BlueRussian Blue
SavannahSavannah
Scottish FoldScottish Fold
Selkirk RexSelkirk Rex
Serengeti CatSerengeti Cat
Shorthair CatShorthair Cat
Siamese CatSiamese Cat
SiberianSiberian
Snowshoe CatSnowshoe Cat
SokokeSokoke
Somali CatSomali Cat
SphynxSphynx
Sterling CatSterling Cat
Tabby CatTabby Cat
TonkineseTonkinese
Turkish AngoraTurkish Angora
Turkish VanTurkish Van
UssuriUssuri
York Chocolate CatYork Chocolate Cat
DinosaurDinosaur
DogDog
FishFish
MammalMammal
MythologicalMythological
ReptileReptile


The word van refers to their color pattern, where the color is restricted to the head and the tail, and the rest of the cat is white. It is the maximum expression of the piebald white spotting gene that makes the van pattern. A chart of the effects of the gene can be seen here. The spotting gene appears in many different species (like the horse and ball python). It also shows up in the common house cat, so a cat that shows this color pattern but is not registered or from the Van region, is called a "Vanalike".

Characteristics

The coat on a Van is considered semi-longhaired. While many cats have three distinct hair types in their coat, guard hairs, awn hairs and down hairs, the Turkish Van only has one. This makes their coat feel like cashmere or bunny fur, and the coat dries quickly when wet. Lake Van is a region of temperature extremes and the cats have evolved a coat that grows thick in the winter with a large ruff and bottlebrush tail for the harsh winters and then sheds out short in the body for the warm summers. The full tail is kept year round.

The Van is one of the larger cat breeds. The males can reach 20 lb (9 kg) and the females weigh about half of that. They have massive paws and rippling hard muscle structure which allows them to be very strong jumpers. Vans can easily hit the top of a refrigerator from a cold start on the floor. They are slow to mature and this process can take 3-5 years. Also, their fetching skills are quite good and they are quick to learn.

Another interesting trait is their fascination with water (rare among cats). Vans are also called the "Swimming Cats" since they have been known to take a dip in Lake Van in their native country. They may have acquired this trait due to the very hot summers and have extremely waterproof coats that make bathing them a challenge. Most Vans in the US are indoor cats and do not have access to large bodies of water but their love and curiosity of water stays with them. Instead of swimming they stir their water bowls and invent fishing games in the toilet.

Breed standards

Breed standards allow for one or more body spots as long as there is no more than 20% color and the cat does not give the appearance of a bicolor. Although red tabby and white is the classic van color, the color on a van's head and tail can be one of the following: Red, Cream, Black, Blue, Red Tabby, Cream Tabby, Brown Tabby, Blue Tabby, Tortoiseshell, Dilute Tortoise, Brown Patched Tabby, Blue patched Tabby and any other color not showing evidence of hybridization with the pointed cats. (Siamese, Himalayan etc...)

Preservation

Turkish Vans are a naturally occurring breed of cat. They can still be found in east Turkey, near Lake Van. Their numbers have diminished, but both the Vans and the Turkish Angora, (which is a separate breed with different characteristics from central Turkey) are under the protection of the Turkish government and are bred at the Ankara Zoo. The genetic traits of the cats have not been modified from their originals and breeding programs seek to preserve their unique combination of athleticism and loyalty.

Read more at Wikipedia.org


[List your site here Free!]

Chartreux and Turkish Van Cat Coffee Mug Cat Lovers Collectable Cats GiftChartreux and Turkish Van Cat Coffee Mug Cat Lovers Collectable Cats Gift $10.93 Turkish Van Cat Please Keep Loo Lid Down Toilet Laminated Sign Suzanne Le GoodTurkish Van Cat Please Keep Loo Lid Down Toilet Laminated Sign Suzanne Le Good $4.42
Turkish Van Cat Collectible 4x6 Art Print Signed Artist Ksams Kitty PostcardTurkish Van Cat Collectible 4x6 Art Print Signed Artist Ksams Kitty Postcard $13.49 Got Turkish Van? Cat Graphic Decal Sticker Art Car WallGot Turkish Van? Cat Graphic Decal Sticker Art Car Wall $2.24 to
Turkish Van Cat Snowboarding Fun Snowboarder HoodieTurkish Van Cat Snowboarding Fun Snowboarder Hoodie $54.99 Spoiled Rotten Turkish Van Cat Garden Yard Porch Lawn Spring Vertical Home FlagSpoiled Rotten Turkish Van Cat Garden Yard Porch Lawn Spring Vertical Home Flag $24.99
Cat Lovers Limited Collectable Cats Coffee Mug, Chartreux and Turkish Van, 8ozCat Lovers Limited Collectable Cats Coffee Mug, Chartreux and Turkish Van, 8oz $6.99 Turkish Van & Chartreux Cats 10 oz Mug Cat Lovers Limited CollectableTurkish Van & Chartreux Cats 10 oz Mug Cat Lovers Limited Collectable $9.98
Loving Turkish Van Cat Temporary Tattoo Water Resistant SetLoving Turkish Van Cat Temporary Tattoo Water Resistant Set $9.99 Lot 2 Cat Mugs Chartreux Turkish Van Brown Mackerel Tabby Siberian AbyssinianLot 2 Cat Mugs Chartreux Turkish Van Brown Mackerel Tabby Siberian Abyssinian $19.79
✪ Original Oil Cat Portrait Painting Turkish Van Artist Signed Artwork Art Kitty✪ Original Oil Cat Portrait Painting Turkish Van Artist Signed Artwork Art Kitty $90.25 Aceo Turkish Van Cat Miniature Art Print 2.5 x 3.5 | Collectible Trading CardAceo Turkish Van Cat Miniature Art Print 2.5 x 3.5 | Collectible Trading Card $8.49
Turkish Van Cats by Conley, KateTurkish Van Cats by Conley, Kate $10.03 Turkish Van Cats: A Complete Turkish Van Cat Owner's Guide (Paperback or SoftbacTurkish Van Cats: A Complete Turkish Van Cat Owner's Guide (Paperback or Softbac $17.41
Christmas Turkish Van cute kittens red Mug cup, Watercolor cat lover's mug giftChristmas Turkish Van cute kittens red Mug cup, Watercolor cat lover's mug gift $16.90 Turkey 1997 Mnh Turkish Van Cat Ms 3306Turkey 1997 Mnh Turkish Van Cat Ms 3306 $5.36
Turkish Van Cat Bathroom Canvas Art Print Home Decor Gift Cat Lover Wall AccentTurkish Van Cat Bathroom Canvas Art Print Home Decor Gift Cat Lover Wall Accent $48.45 to Turkish Van cat art print from original canvas painting mounted Suzanne Le GoodTurkish Van cat art print from original canvas painting mounted Suzanne Le Good $13.88
Personalized Turkish Van Cat Sleeping Angel Wings Ornament Christmas Gift DecorPersonalized Turkish Van Cat Sleeping Angel Wings Ornament Christmas Gift Decor $19.54 Turkish Van Cat Splash Canvas Print Bathroom Decor Wall Art Gift Cat LoversTurkish Van Cat Splash Canvas Print Bathroom Decor Wall Art Gift Cat Lovers $48.45 to
Turkish Van Cat 1 Orange Background Holographic OrnamentTurkish Van Cat 1 Orange Background Holographic Ornament $14.95 Turkish Van Vintage Street Sign cat breed feline kitty kitten| Indoor/OutdoorTurkish Van Vintage Street Sign cat breed feline kitty kitten| Indoor/Outdoor $28.99
Turkish Van Cat By the Christmas Tree Cards Envelopes Pack of 8 Dac7268Gca7PTurkish Van Cat By the Christmas Tree Cards Envelopes Pack of 8 Dac7268Gca7P $16.99 Turkish Van Cat By the Christmas Tree Pair of Pot Holders Dac7268PthdTurkish Van Cat By the Christmas Tree Pair of Pot Holders Dac7268Pthd $24.99
Turkish Van Cat Snowboarding Snowboarder Crewneck SweatshirtTurkish Van Cat Snowboarding Snowboarder Crewneck Sweatshirt $50.99 Houston Harvest Chartreux Turkish Van Cat Lovers Mug CupHouston Harvest Chartreux Turkish Van Cat Lovers Mug Cup $8.49
Turkish Van Cats Hardcover Kate A. ConleyTurkish Van Cats Hardcover Kate A. Conley $10.43 Set 4 Cat Lovers Collectable Mug Abyssinian & Tabby and Chartreux & Turkish VanSet 4 Cat Lovers Collectable Mug Abyssinian & Tabby and Chartreux & Turkish Van $19.99
The Swimming Cats: The Turkish Van Chronicles - Paperback - GoodThe Swimming Cats: The Turkish Van Chronicles - Paperback - Good $4.24 Turkish Van Cat Collectible 8x10 Art Print Signed by Artist Ksams KittiesTurkish Van Cat Collectible 8x10 Art Print Signed by Artist Ksams Kitties $18.00
Cat Lovers Limited Collectable Coffee Mug Turkish Van Cat & Chartreux Cat MugCat Lovers Limited Collectable Coffee Mug Turkish Van Cat & Chartreux Cat Mug $12.77 Houston Harvest Cat Lovers Limited Coffee Mugs Set of 2 Turkish Van Abyssinian +Houston Harvest Cat Lovers Limited Coffee Mugs Set of 2 Turkish Van Abyssinian + $9.99
Cat Lovers Limited Mug Turkish Van Cat And Chartreux Cat Coffee TeaCat Lovers Limited Mug Turkish Van Cat And Chartreux Cat Coffee Tea $6.40 Cat Lovers Limited Collectible Cats Turkish Van Chartreux Coffee Tea Mug CupCat Lovers Limited Collectible Cats Turkish Van Chartreux Coffee Tea Mug Cup $11.75
Turkish Van Cat Christmas Lights Ornament, Ornament Cat Lovers Holiday GiftTurkish Van Cat Christmas Lights Ornament, Ornament Cat Lovers Holiday Gift $18.39 Cat Lovers Limited Collectible Turkish Van Cat / Chartreux Cat 12 oz. Coffee CupCat Lovers Limited Collectible Turkish Van Cat / Chartreux Cat 12 oz. Coffee Cup $19.88
Turkish Van Cat Graphic Halloween Skull Costumes T-Shirt, Cat Halloween T-shirtTurkish Van Cat Graphic Halloween Skull Costumes T-Shirt, Cat Halloween T-shirt $15.99 to Cat Lovers Limited Collectible Cats Coffee Mug Chartrelux Cat , Turkish Van CatCat Lovers Limited Collectible Cats Coffee Mug Chartrelux Cat , Turkish Van Cat $5.99
Turkish Van Cat 2 Blue Background Holographic OrnamentTurkish Van Cat 2 Blue Background Holographic Ornament $14.95 Vintage Cat Lovers Limited Collectable Coffee Mug Turkish Van Chartreaux BlackVintage Cat Lovers Limited Collectable Coffee Mug Turkish Van Chartreaux Black $4.99
Cat Coffee Mugs Cat Lovers Limited Collectable Turkish Van Brown Tabby 10 ouncesCat Coffee Mugs Cat Lovers Limited Collectable Turkish Van Brown Tabby 10 ounces $19.79 Turkish Van Cat Water Splash Canvas Print Colorful Bathroom Art Gift Wall DecorTurkish Van Cat Water Splash Canvas Print Colorful Bathroom Art Gift Wall Decor $48.45 to
Turkish Van Cat, 5X7" Note Card W/Envelope And Glassine, Free Shipping!Turkish Van Cat, 5X7" Note Card W/Envelope And Glassine, Free Shipping! $9.00 Loving Turkish Van Cat Engraved Wood Square Keychain Tag CharmLoving Turkish Van Cat Engraved Wood Square Keychain Tag Charm $9.99
Ornament Turkish Van Cat Hanging Christmas, Cute Cat Holiday Decor GiftOrnament Turkish Van Cat Hanging Christmas, Cute Cat Holiday Decor Gift $19.54 White Cat With Tabby Tail, Turkish Van Cat Watercolor Art Print by P. TarlowWhite Cat With Tabby Tail, Turkish Van Cat Watercolor Art Print by P. Tarlow $18.00
New! Large Turkish Van Cat Santa art Glittery Christmas Card By Suzanne Le GoodNew! Large Turkish Van Cat Santa art Glittery Christmas Card By Suzanne Le Good $4.42 Turkish Van Cat Collectible 5x7 Art Print Signed Artist Ksams KittiesTurkish Van Cat Collectible 5x7 Art Print Signed Artist Ksams Kitties $15.99
Loving Turkish Van Cat Square Rubber Stamp for Stamping CraftingLoving Turkish Van Cat Square Rubber Stamp for Stamping Crafting $9.99 to Turkish Van Cat Sleeping Angel Car Ornament Turkish Van Cat Angel Wings OrnamentTurkish Van Cat Sleeping Angel Car Ornament Turkish Van Cat Angel Wings Ornament $16.99
Turkish Van Cat By the Christmas Tree Flag Garden Size Dac7268GfTurkish Van Cat By the Christmas Tree Flag Garden Size Dac7268Gf $16.99 Playful Turkish Van Cat Lily Pond Flowers Canvas Oil Painting Wall Art DecorPlayful Turkish Van Cat Lily Pond Flowers Canvas Oil Painting Wall Art Decor $48.45 to
Turkish Van Cat Snowboarding Fun Snowboarder T-ShirtTurkish Van Cat Snowboarding Fun Snowboarder T-Shirt $30.99 Turkish Van Cat Illustrated Card Ld13Turkish Van Cat Illustrated Card Ld13 $5.03
Turkish Van = Scottish Fold = Cats = Picture Postage Mnh Canada 2016 p16/08dc2Turkish Van = Scottish Fold = Cats = Picture Postage Mnh Canada 2016 p16/08dc2 $28.00 Turkish Van Cat 3 Orange and Blue Background Holographic OrnamentTurkish Van Cat 3 Orange and Blue Background Holographic Ornament $14.95
Turkish Van: Cat Breed Complete Guide by Ruslana Shurpatenko Paperback BookTurkish Van: Cat Breed Complete Guide by Ruslana Shurpatenko Paperback Book $16.16 Cat Lovers Limited Chartreux Turkish Van Collectable Ceramic Coffee Tea Cup MugCat Lovers Limited Chartreux Turkish Van Collectable Ceramic Coffee Tea Cup Mug $5.75
Watercolor Animal Gaming Mouse Mat Pad Rectangle Mousepad For Computer LaptopWatercolor Animal Gaming Mouse Mat Pad Rectangle Mousepad For Computer Laptop $8.99 Turkish Van Cat By the Christmas Tree Fabric Decorative Pillow Dac7268Pw1414Turkish Van Cat By the Christmas Tree Fabric Decorative Pillow Dac7268Pw1414 $37.99
Vintage Cat Lovers Limited Collectable Cats Mug Cup Turkish Van Chartreux KittenVintage Cat Lovers Limited Collectable Cats Mug Cup Turkish Van Chartreux Kitten $12.42
Click to see more Turkish Van items at www.ebay.com
Prices current as of last update, 12/14/24 4:21pm.

Home Contact Resources Exchange Links eBay