Turkey
Natural
Semi-longhair
9-11 in
8-20 lbs
12-17 years
Meet the Turkish Van
The Turkish Van is one of the oldest natural breeds, originating in the Lake Van region of Turkey. These cats are famous for their love of water and are often called "swimming cats." They have a beautiful semi-long coat that is mostly white with colored patches on the head and tail. Recognized by TICA in 1985.
Where It All Began
The Turkish Van comes from eastern Turkey, around Lake Van. Locals noticed these cats loved to swim and were different from other cats in the region. Breeders worked to preserve this natural breed, and it was recognized internationally by TICA in 1985.
Personality
🏃 An Active Lifestyle
This breed needs daily, vigorous exercise — long walks, runs, or active play — to stay happy and well-behaved.
- ✓ 60+ minutes of exercise daily
- ✓ Fenced yard or open space preferred
- ✓ Mental enrichment / training games
✂ Grooming Needs
Moderate grooming keeps their beautiful coat healthy.
- ✓ Brush 2-3 times per week
- ✓ More during shedding season
- ✓ Check behind ears regularly
- ✓ Bath only when necessary
❤ Keeping Healthy
A balanced diet and regular vet care help keep your Turkish Van happy and healthy.
- • Regular vet checkups
- • High-quality protein diet
- • Maintain healthy weight
- • Dental care is important
- • Provide plenty of exercise
$ Cost of Ownership
Turkish Vans are moderately priced with ongoing care costs.
Purchase Price: $800 - $2,000+
Monthly Cost: $40 - $100
First Year Cost: $700 - $1,400
Lifetime Cost: $12,000 - $18,000+
👍 Pros
- Unique and beautiful
- Loves people and water
- Intelligent and playful
- Great with families
👎 Cons
- Needs regular playtime
- Can be vocal
- Not ideal for very small spaces
💡 Did You Know?
Turkish Vans are famous for their love of swimming, earning them the nickname "the swimming cat" - a rarity among cat breeds!
Compare Turkish Van
See how the Turkish Van stacks up against other breeds to find your perfect match.
