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Personality of the Van

 

Vans very active and playful 

Make sure to have plenty of toys around the house.  Some actually enjoy fetching and retrieving. This skill often spontaneously develops between 6 months and a year old.  One day they just drop something, a piece of paper, a toy, a feather, at your feet and look expectantly up at you, waiting for you to throw it for them.  You may have other things to do with your evenings, but they may not agree that they are more important than throwing the toy for them.  One cat of mine loved to play fetch with a particular piece of paper, she brought this wad of paper back to me for 3 months with it getting a little bit smaller each time! When Vans play with all their heart and soul, and sleep just as soundly when they are done.

Daisy loves to fetch her paper towel for you

Vans as Einstein.

Vans are probably the most intelligent of the Long hair breeds.  They are very curious and have to inspect everything in the house.  When you get in a new kitten, you might as well let them into every nook and cranny because they won't be happy until they have seen it all.  You can also watch Vans learning new tricks, and then teaching any other feline companion in the house.  They are almost to the level of tool users!.  Because of their intelligence, they like to be in control of their environment.  They like to have all four feet on the ground, so they don't like to be picked up and carried or cuddled.  But once you sit down, they become Lap Leeches, they love to curl up on a warm lap.

Vans are devoted friends.  

Vans want to be with you all the time, on the arm of the chair, on top of the computer, on the kitchen chair watching you cook.   We often compare Vans to dogs because of their devotion to their companions (owners).  Vans sometimes bond with one or two members of the household, with those who spend the most time with them initially.  This "imprinting" turns into lifelong loyalty with you being "their person".  

Vans are very Adaptable 

Turkish Vans get along very well with other creatures.  After they get to know the other animals, they get along quite well with them.  They often go into the relations with the attitude of "I never met a another creature that didn't like me".  With this type of confidence, other animals rarely challenge them and all is peaceful.   Vans often bond with other creatures and seem to like dogs in particular.  We have often seen very close friendships between the family dog and the Van.  It isn't uncommon to see your Van and the other family pets sleeping together, grooming each other and even caring for each other if one doesn't feel well.

Vans are Affectionate 

Vans are very affectionate to "their" people, while ignoring the rest of the household.  This affectionate nature is often displayed quietly by wanting to be with you, holding conversations with you and sharing your pillow.  They also like to head butt, an experience comparable to being loved by a Sherman Tank.   If you do it regularly, they loved to be combed.  So keep a good quality pet comb on the lamp table and do a quick 5 minute groom when they are dozing in your lap.  They will consider this comparable to a late evening massage.


 


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© 2008 D. Hayes, Ph.D & K. Hooker, Ph.D Pairodocs Turkish Vans, All Rights Reserved.