The Turkish Van is a natural breed from the rugged, remote and climatically varied region of the Middle East. The breed is known for its unique, distinctive pattern...the term "van" has been adopted by a variety of breeds to describe white cats with colored head and tail markings. The Turkish Van is a solidly-built, semi-longhaired cat with great breadth to the chest. This breed takes a full 3 to 5 years to reach full maturity and development.
The coloration of the Turkish Van, which is considered by many to be the original breed to carry the piebald gene, calls for a white, semi-longhaired cat with colored markings restricted primarily to the head and tail. Other piebald cats that have been selectively bred for many generations to achieve similar markings are said to be "van-patterned" after the breed that originally sported it. The coat lacks an undercoat and has a very unique cashmere-like texture that makes it water-resistant.
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COAT LENGTH: Longhair
CHARACTERISTICS: Originated in Turkey; silky intermediate length coat; long body; several colors and patterns
PERSONALITY: Busy and curious
Turkish Vans are large and agile cat of substantial strength. They are very intelligent as well as curious and make very rewarding companions in the right home. They love water and in their native region they have been termed "the Swimming Cats."
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Breed Photo Credit: Copyright ©Chanan
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