How to Care for a Turkish Van

Co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Last Updated: May 2, 2023 References

Turkish Vans are easy to care for. This agile, intelligent, and active breed of cat needs to be groomed regularly. You can help your Turkish Van maintain its health through weight management, vaccinations, and regular dental care. Make sure you also provide ample attention to keeping your cat’s body and mind active and engaged.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Caring for a Turkish Van’s Coat

A Turkish Van is a semi longhaired cat that needs regular grooming. You will need to brush your cat’s beautiful white coat at least once a week. Weekly brushing will prevent the Turkish Van’s coat from becoming matted and tangled.^{[1]
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Start by brushing the Turkish Van’s abdomen and legs, softly combing the hair toward the cat’s head. Then comb the cat’s neck fur upward toward its chin. Next, make a part down the middle of the cat’s tail and brush the fur on each side.^{[2]
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It is important that you brush your Turkish Van’s coat regularly. In order to make your cat accustomed to regular brushing, you will need to make sure you begin brushing its coat while it is young. If you wait until the Turkish Van is older, it may be harder to get the cat into a regular brushing routine.^{[3]
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Part 2

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Keeping a Turkish Van Healthy

It is important that your Turkish Van is up to date on its vaccinations. Make an appointment with your vet to ensure your cat is properly vaccinated. If your Turkish Van needs additional vaccinations, schedule them as soon as possible.^{[4]
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Protect your Turkish Van from parasites. Make sure that you give your Turkish Van heartworm, flea, and tick preventative medications regularly in order to keep them as healthy as possible. If you aren’t sure what medications to give your cat or how often to give them to your cat, see your veterinarian.^{[5]
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Have your cat desexed once it has reached 5-6 months of age. Spaying your female Turkish Van or neutering your male Turkish Van has many health benefits. Desexing eliminates the possibility of your cat getting several different kinds of cancers and diseases. Additionally, spaying prevents pregnancy, and the complications that may come along with it.^{[6]
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- Desexing also tends to have a positive impact on cats’ behavior. For females, this means less stress and for males, this means a minimized competitive drive, which keeps them from getting into a lot of fights with other male cats.
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Help your Turkish Van maintain a healthy weight. Turkish Vans can be prone to obesity. Help your cat stay within a healthy weight range by feeding them no more than 35 calories for each pound of body weight. You should also make sure they get regular exercise through playing, walking, and even swimming.^{[7]
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- A female should weigh between seven and twelve pounds, while a male should weigh between ten and twenty pounds.
Brush a Turkish Van’s teeth daily. Turkish Vans can have dental problems, and need their teeth brushed at least once each day. This will reduce plaque and buildup on your cat’s teeth. If your Turkish Van does not cooperate when you brush its teeth, talk to your vet about special foods, water additives, or sprays that can be used instead.^{[8]
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Part 3

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Keeping a Turkish Van Active and Engaged

Turkish Vans are intelligent, agile, and active cats that love to play. Make sure you set aside at least half an hour each day to play with your cat. Try tossing toys for the cat to catch in mid-air or playing with a fishing pole toy.^{[9]
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The Turkish Van is intelligent and a natural problem-solver. Keep your cat mentally engaged by giving it puzzle toys. Try toys that reward the cat with a treat once it learns to manipulate them. You can also give your cat a treat after it solves a puzzle toy.^{[10]
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Turkish Vans love to climb. Try putting a climbing tower made specifically for cats in your house. This will provide opportunities for your Turkish Van to climb and get exercise on a daily basis.
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Let your cat play with water. Turkish Vans love water and are known for their superb swimming capabilities. If you have a pond, lake, or pool nearby, give your cat an opportunity to swim. You can also let your cat play with faucets and running water.^{[11]
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- Never let your cat swim unsupervised.
- Never let your cat swim in moving water, such as a creek or river.
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Are Turkish Van cats rare?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Turkish Van cats are unusual, rather than rare. There are breeders out there, but finding one might take a bit of a search.

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Are Turkish Van cats friendly?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Turkish Vans are inquisitive, intelligent, playful, and, yes, friendly. This beautiful cat is a lively outgoing character, rather than a sedate sleepy lap cat.

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Question

How long do Turkish Van cats live for?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

The life expectancy of the Turkish Van is around 12-15 years, so reaching their early teens is not unusual.

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