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Turkish Van

Alternative Name: Van Cat, Van Kedisi (in Turkish)
Nickname: Swimming Cat
Country of Origin: Turkey

Breed Profile

Coat Length: Longhair

Temperament: Agile, alert, lively companion, affectionate, highly intelligent, enjoys water

Coat: Long silky coat with a cashmere texture, long feathery tail

Head: Large broad wedge shaped head, triangular face, medium length nose, strong flat chin, large rounded close set eyes, large rounded tufted ears

Body: Medium sized long muscular body, broad chest, delicate bone structure, small round feet, medium length muscular legs, legs appear thicker than they are due to heavy fur, long full fluffy tail

Grooming: Twice weekly combing to remove dead hair and keep the coat in good condition, extra grooming may be required when the heavy winter coat is being shed

Litter Size: Average of four kittens

Common Faults: Underdeveloped musculature, round head, patches of colour on the body

Disease Predispositions

Linear Granuloma (eroded areas on the hindlimbs, oral cavity or lips)

Breeders

Turkish Van Breeders Directory

Web Links

Breed Standards:
CFA Turkish Van Standard
NZCF Turkish Van Standard
TICA Turkish Van Standard

Cat Clubs:
Classic Turkish Van Cat Association (UK)
Turkish Van Cat Club (UK)

References

Page S, The Complete Cat Owners Manual, Readers Digest, Australia, 1997

Taylor D, The Ultimate Cat Book, Dorling Kindersley, Great Britain, 1989

Tilley LP & Smith FWK, The Five Minute Veterinary Consult - Canine and Feline (2nd Edition), Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia, 2000

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