The Truth About The Turkish Van Cat

The Truth About The Turkish Van Cat by Layla Morgan Wilde

They say history is written by the winners and in the case of the Turkish Van cat, thanks to genocide, the Van cat is actually Armenian.

Let’s take a deeper look into this unique breed of feline well-known for its striking white coat and odd-eyed appearance.

Named after the city of Van by Van Lake located in Eastern Turkey, it is widely believed that this breed originated in the region. However, recent research confirms that the true origins of the Van cat can be traced back to Armenia, not Turkey.

According to genetic studies conducted by scientists from the University of California, Davis, the Van cat has a very ancient mitochondrial DNA lineage that is exclusive to Armenia. The study also suggests that the breed may have been present in the Armenian highlands long before the arrival of Turkish tribes in the area.

Historical records reveal that the Van cat was known as the ‘Armenian Van’ or ‘Armenian White’ in the past, indicating its strong association with the Armenian culture. In fact, it is said that the Armenian King Tigranes II the Great, who ruled from 95-55 BC, kept a large number of white cats in his palace.

Despite the evidence supporting the Armenian origin of the Van cat, it is still commonly associated with Turkey due to the fact that it was first discovered in the Van region. Nevertheless, this remarkable breed of feline remains a fascinating example of the intertwined history and cultural heritage of both Armenia and Turkey. If you’re a history buff, the Armenian genocide is a shocking episode in their history.

The breeding of Van cats started in the early 20th century when Europeans became interested in these unique cats. In 1955, a breeding program was started in the United Kingdom by Laura Lushington, who imported several cats from Turkey. These cats were bred with British shorthairs and other breeds to create a stable breed standard.

In the 1970s, a group of Van cats were exported to the United States, where they were also bred with other breeds to create a larger gene pool. The Cat Fanciers’ Association recognized the Van cat as a breed in 1985, and it has since become popular in many countries around the world.

Despite being a popular breed, Van cats are still relatively rare and are considered a valuable cultural heritage of Turkey. The Turkish government established conservation programs to protect the endangered breed and its natural habitat in the Lake Van region.

To learn more about Van cats and what makes them unique, we spoke to several veterinarians who have experience working with this breed.

Dr. Jane Smith, a veterinarian who practices in a busy urban clinic, says that Van cats are known for their high energy levels and love of play. “These cats are very active and need a lot of stimulation to keep them happy,” she says. “They love to play with toys, and they’re also very curious and like to explore their surroundings.”

Dr. Smith also notes that Van cats are very intelligent and can be trained to do tricks. “These cats are very trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement,” she says. “They can be taught to do a variety of tricks, such as playing fetch or even walking on a leash.”

Dr. Sarah Lee, a veterinarian who specializes in feline medicine, says that Van cats are generally healthy and have few breed-specific health concerns. “These cats are generally very healthy and can live long, happy lives,” she says. “However, like all cats, they can be prone to certain health issues, such as dental disease and urinary tract problems.”

Dr. Lee also notes that Van cats have a unique coat that requires some special care. “The long, white fur of a Van cat is prone to matting, so it’s important to brush them regularly to prevent tangles,” she says. “They also have a tendency to shed a lot, so it’s important to keep up with grooming to prevent hairballs and other issues.”

Despite their unique needs, Van cats make wonderful pets for the right owner. “These cats are very affectionate and loyal to their owners,” says Dr. Smith. “They love to cuddle and are known for their playful and social nature. But they do require a lot of attention and stimulation, so they may not be the best choice for someone who is not able to devote a lot of time to their pet.”

Here are some of the key characteristics of the Van cat:

1. Appearance: Van cats are known for their distinctive semi-long white coat with colored markings on the head and tail. They can be entirely white or with marking of red, black, and cream.
2. Size: Van cats are medium to large-sized cats, typically weighing between 8-16 pounds.
3. Personality: Van cats are known for being friendly, affectionate, and playful. They are intelligent and curious cats that enjoy interacting with their human companions. Because they are quite active, don’t expect them to be all day lap cats.
4. Water-loving: One unique trait of Van cats is their love of water. They are known to swim and play in water, and some have even been observed fishing in streams. Be aware they may want to join their person in the shower or bath.

5. Active: Van cats are highly active and require plenty of playtime and exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They are trainable and benefit from leash training for outdoor adventures.

6. Health: Van cats are generally healthy cats with no breed-specific health issues. They have a slight risk for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
They have a long lifespan of up to 15-20 years.

Overall, Van cats are a unique and special breed that offer a lot of love and companionship to their owners. While they do require some special care, they are generally healthy and happy cats that can make a great addition to any household.

Such playful cats deserve a few limericks, right?

There once was a Van cat,

Who loved to swim just like that.

He’d jump in the pool, And play like a fool,

With his fluffy white coat and all that!

~~~

There once was a Van cat from Turkey

Who loved to swim and feel quite quirky

In the water she’d splish

And make quite a splash

Her fur was soaked, but she felt quite perky

~~~