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!]

Vintage Cat Lovers Limited Collectable Coffee Mug Turkish Van Chartreaux BlackVintage Cat Lovers Limited Collectable Coffee Mug Turkish Van Chartreaux Black $4.99 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 3 Orange and Blue Background Holographic OrnamentTurkish Van Cat 3 Orange and Blue Background Holographic Ornament $14.95 Chartreux and Turkish Van Cat Coffee Mug Cat Lovers Collectable Cats GiftChartreux and Turkish Van Cat Coffee Mug Cat Lovers Collectable Cats Gift $11.50
Turkish Van Cat Snowboarding Fun Snowboarder HoodieTurkish Van Cat Snowboarding Fun Snowboarder Hoodie $54.99 Turkish Van Cat By the Christmas Tree Flag Canvas House Size Dac7268ChfTurkish Van Cat By the Christmas Tree Flag Canvas House Size Dac7268Chf $42.99
Loving Turkish Van Cat 3D Illusion Led Night Light Sign Nightstand Desk LampLoving Turkish Van Cat 3D Illusion Led Night Light Sign Nightstand Desk Lamp $19.99 Lifelike Turkish Van Cat by Piutre, Made in Italy, Plush Stuffed Animal NwtLifelike Turkish Van Cat by Piutre, Made in Italy, Plush Stuffed Animal Nwt $259.00
Houston Harvest Cat Lovers Limited Collectable Mug Chartreux Turkish Van CatsHouston Harvest Cat Lovers Limited Collectable Mug Chartreux Turkish Van Cats $30.58 New ListingGot Turkish Van? Cat Graphic Decal Sticker Art Car WallNew ListingGot Turkish Van? Cat Graphic Decal Sticker Art Car Wall $2.24 to
Cat lover Limited collection cats cup coffee mug Turkish Van Cat& Chartreux CatCat lover Limited collection cats cup coffee mug Turkish Van Cat& Chartreux Cat $11.99 Cat lover Limited collection cats cup coffee mug Turkish Van Cat& Chartreux CatCat lover Limited collection cats cup coffee mug Turkish Van Cat& Chartreux Cat $14.99
Turkish Van Cat Keychain Handmade Charm Key Tag OrnamentTurkish Van Cat Keychain Handmade Charm Key Tag Ornament $18.00 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
Cat Lovers Ltd Chartreaux and Turkish Van Cat Coffee Mug Houston HarvestCat Lovers Ltd Chartreaux and Turkish Van Cat Coffee Mug Houston Harvest $10.95 Turkish Van #41 2016 Aspca Pets & Creatures Trading Cards Cat Kitten Rspca Lb7Turkish Van #41 2016 Aspca Pets & Creatures Trading Cards Cat Kitten Rspca Lb7 $2.99
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 Turkish Van Cat Portrait CardTurkish Van Cat Portrait Card $5.31
Turkish Van Vintage Street Sign cat breed feline kitty kitten| Indoor/OutdoorTurkish Van Vintage Street Sign cat breed feline kitty kitten| Indoor/Outdoor $12.99 to Turkish Van Cat 2 Blue Background Holographic OrnamentTurkish Van Cat 2 Blue Background Holographic Ornament $14.95
Cat Lovers Limited Collectable Cats Chartreux & Turkish Van Cat Mug Cup CoffeeCat Lovers Limited Collectable Cats Chartreux & Turkish Van Cat Mug Cup Coffee $10.97 Cat Lovers Limited Collectable Cats Coffee Mug, Chartreux and Turkish Van, 8ozCat Lovers Limited Collectable Cats Coffee Mug, Chartreux and Turkish Van, 8oz $12.00
Turkish Van Cat in Fall Leaves Greeting Cards Envelopes Pack of 8 Dac7183Gca7PTurkish Van Cat in Fall Leaves Greeting Cards Envelopes Pack of 8 Dac7183Gca7P $16.99 Turkish Van Cat Collectible 8x10 Art Print Signed by Artist Ksams KittiesTurkish Van Cat Collectible 8x10 Art Print Signed by Artist Ksams Kitties $24.00
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 Cat Brooch Enamel Animal Pin Turkish Van Persian Kitty Kitten Statement VintageCat Brooch Enamel Animal Pin Turkish Van Persian Kitty Kitten Statement Vintage $19.94
✿ Original Oil Cat Portrait Painting Turkish Van Artist Signed Artwork Art Kitty✿ Original Oil Cat Portrait Painting Turkish Van Artist Signed Artwork Art Kitty $95.00 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 $19.54
A Beginner's Guide to Turkish Van Cats: Expert Tips for Training, Caring, and EnA Beginner's Guide to Turkish Van Cats: Expert Tips for Training, Caring, and En $17.15 Turkish Van Cat Snowboarding Snowboarder Crewneck SweatshirtTurkish Van Cat Snowboarding Snowboarder Crewneck Sweatshirt $50.99
Piutre Turkish Van Cat Playing. Lifelike Top End Plush Made In Italy!Piutre Turkish Van Cat Playing. Lifelike Top End Plush Made In Italy! $193.20 Ruslana Shurpatenko Turkish Van (Paperback)Ruslana Shurpatenko Turkish Van (Paperback) $15.33
Spoiled Rotten Turkish Van Cat Glass Cutting Board Kitchen Chopping CheeseSpoiled Rotten Turkish Van Cat Glass Cutting Board Kitchen Chopping Cheese $40.69 to New Listing'Turkish Van Kedisi Cat' Unisex T-Shirt - 100% Cotton (S-Xxl) (Ta046150)New Listing'Turkish Van Kedisi Cat' Unisex T-Shirt - 100% Cotton (S-Xxl) (Ta046150) $19.94
Turkish Van Cat Snowboarding Fun Snowboarder T-ShirtTurkish Van Cat Snowboarding Fun Snowboarder T-Shirt $30.99 Turkish Van: Cat Breed Complete Guide by Ruslana Shurpatenko Paperback BookTurkish Van: Cat Breed Complete Guide by Ruslana Shurpatenko Paperback Book $21.05
Vtg Cat Lovers Limited Turkish Van Chartreux Coffee Mug Cat Lady Vibes Cup CuteVtg Cat Lovers Limited Turkish Van Chartreux Coffee Mug Cat Lady Vibes Cup Cute $11.69 Turkish Van Cat By the Christmas Tree Fabric Decorative Pillow Dac7268Pw1414Turkish Van Cat By the Christmas Tree Fabric Decorative Pillow Dac7268Pw1414 $37.99
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 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
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 Turkish Van Cats Hardcover Kate A. ConleyTurkish Van Cats Hardcover Kate A. Conley $10.72
Houston Harvest Pair Cat Lovers Limited Turkish Van Cat Chartreux Cat 11 oz CupsHouston Harvest Pair Cat Lovers Limited Turkish Van Cat Chartreux Cat 11 oz Cups $26.88 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 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 $16.80 Cat Lovers Limited Mug Turkish Van Cat And Chartreux Cat Coffee TeaCat Lovers Limited Mug Turkish Van Cat And Chartreux Cat Coffee Tea $7.99
Kelly C Baldwin A Beginner's Guide to Turkish Van Cats (Paperback)Kelly C Baldwin A Beginner's Guide to Turkish Van Cats (Paperback) $15.33 Cat Lovers Limited Collectible Cat Mug Chartreux Cat & Turkish Van Cat MugCat Lovers Limited Collectible Cat Mug Chartreux Cat & Turkish Van Cat Mug $4.00
Turkish Van Cat sleeping In Angel Wing Christmas Ornament, Cat Memorial GiftTurkish Van Cat sleeping In Angel Wing Christmas Ornament, Cat Memorial Gift $19.54 Turkish Van Cat Collectible 5x7 Art Print Signed Artist Ksams KittiesTurkish Van Cat Collectible 5x7 Art Print Signed Artist Ksams Kitties $15.99
Turkish Van Cat 1 Orange Background Holographic OrnamentTurkish Van Cat 1 Orange Background Holographic Ornament $14.95 2 Cat Lovers Limited Coffee Mugs Breeder Turkish Van/Chartreux Collectable2 Cat Lovers Limited Coffee Mugs Breeder Turkish Van/Chartreux Collectable $9.99
Steiff Turkish Van Cat Niki Children’s Soft White & Orange Plush AnimalSteiff Turkish Van Cat Niki Children’s Soft White & Orange Plush Animal $63.71 Turkish Van Cat - Crystal With A Cat Image, Image In Glass, Modern CutterTurkish Van Cat - Crystal With A Cat Image, Image In Glass, Modern Cutter $135.19
Houston Harvest Chartreux Turkish Van Cat Lovers Mug CupHouston Harvest Chartreux Turkish Van Cat Lovers Mug Cup $8.49 Turkish Van Cat by Water Watercolor Painting Print 8x10Turkish Van Cat by Water Watercolor Painting Print 8x10 $20.00
Click to see more Turkish Van items at www.ebay.com
Prices current as of last update, 05/16/25 1:41am.

Home Contact Resources Exchange Links eBay