How big will a
Turkish Van get? Cats
that have been altered will be bigger than those used for breeding.
Females will generally be about 10-12 pounds while males can easily
exceed 15 pounds.
How long
does it take for a Turkish Van to mature? Generally
it takes about three (and up to five) years to reach full maturity.
You will enjoy watching your Van go through its various growth stages as
it blossoms into a beautiful mature adult.
Are there
different coat types in the Turkish Van? yes.
There are generally two distinct coat types found in the breed.
Both can occur within a single litter and are dependent upon the lineage
of the parents. One coat type is sometimes called the
"Dutch" coat. This coat is generally relatively short
and even. It is very plush (like a rabbit) and extremely soft.
Sometimes called the "wash and wear" coat. The other
coat is sometimes called the "English" coat. This coat
is longer than the Dutch coat and much thicker. Kittens sporting
the English coat will look much furrier than those with the Dutch coat.
Neither of these should have evidence of a wooly undercoat.
Are
Turkish Vans a healthy breed? yes.
Introduction of cats imported from Turkey is necessary to maintain
genetic diversity and hybrid vigor. The breed is generally
extremely healthy and hardy. To date, we have encountered no
genetic defects peculiar to this breed.
Are
Turkish Vans active? yes.
They love to play, fetch and run. They are naturally inquisitive
and will readily detect anything new in your house. They like
feather teasers, milk bottle rings, and your toes. Some of them never
tire of fetching and retrieving and especially like little paper balls.
Do Turkish
Vans have good temperaments? generally,yes.
The Turkish Van is a very social cat and adapts well to small or large
households. They tend to relate to their humans more like a dog than a
cat and can be loyal companions for life. Each individual Turkish Van
cat has its own distinctive and unique personality, even when raised
under the same conditions. Depending upon how far back the Turkish
imports are in their lines, the Van can sometimes be timid and
introverted in new surroundings. If the cat is startled or
frightened, it is best to not try to restrain them but allow them to see
for themselves that everything is OK. They generally get along
with other animals (dogs, other cats, even birds!) although they prefer
the company of others of their breed. They often bond with one
member of the household and bestow most of their affection on their
human. They will tolerate more from their favorite human than they
will from others. Vans are opinionated (and very intelligent) and may
not like some of your friends. Recognize that Turkish Vans have
complex personalities and be patient when introducing one to your
household. Some older cats may require a several week adjustment
period, but can become very loving members of the family if given time.
Others will be the boss of the house within nanoseconds!
Are
Turkish Vans vocal?
Not unless they have something important to tell you.
