Large breeds
Turkish Van: personality, life span and weight
The Turkish Van is famous for the van pattern: a white body with colour only on the head and tail. Its love of water earned it the nickname "the swimming cat".
- Likes water
- Active
- Independent
Turkish Van at a glance
- Adult weight
- 4–8 kg
- Life span
- 12–17 years
- Shedding
- moderate
- Activity
- active
- Origin
- Lake Van region, Türkiye
- Coat
- Semi-long coat as soft as cashmere with no undercoat. The "van pattern": a white body with colour only on the head and tail
Turkish Van personality
Full of energy and clever. It likes high places, and many come running at the sound of running water. It is deeply affectionate but tends not to enjoy being held for long.
Coat care and daily care
With no undercoat it rarely mats, so brushing once or twice a week is enough. Mind the sink, the toilet lid and glasses of water, and give it room to run. It takes three to five years to mature.
Health problems Turkish Van keepers should know
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)A generally healthy breed, but regular heart checks are recommended.
These are problems reported relatively often in the breed. It does not mean every cat will have them. If a symptom worries you, see a vet.
Real Turkish Van photos from cat keepers
Photo tip Shoot from behind or from the side so the colour on the head and tail appear together. Water play makes a good record too.
There are no public records yet. Your cat could be the first.
Add my cat and start a diaryTurkish Van questions and answers
- How long do Turkish Van cats live?
- An indoor Turkish Van typically lives about 12–17 years. Weight control, regular check-ups and indoor living all make a difference.
- How much does an adult Turkish Van weigh?
- A fully grown Turkish Van usually weighs 4–8 kg. Males tend to be larger than females, and a body shape where the ribs can be felt lightly matters more than the number.
- Do Turkish Van cats shed a lot?
- Shedding is moderate. Semi-long coat as soft as cashmere with no undercoat. The "van pattern": a white body with colour only on the head and tail. With no undercoat it rarely mats, so brushing once or twice a week is enough. Mind the sink, the toilet lid and glasses of water, and give it room to run. It takes three to five years to mature.
- What is the Turkish Van personality like?
- Full of energy and clever. It likes high places, and many come running at the sound of running water. It is deeply affectionate but tends not to enjoy being held for long.