Turkish Van
Last verified
| type | cat |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Türkiye |
| Size | big · medium |
| Life expectancy | About 13-17 years |
| Habit | Smart and playful · Likes to climb and jump high · Loves water and especially likes playing in the water, earning the nickname Swimming Cat · Be yourself I don't like being held for a long time. |
| Thailand weather | The Turkish Van's semi-long coat has no undercoat, so it's better at cooling than other double-coated cats. But the fur grows thicker in cold weather and can still feel hot in homes without air conditioning. There should be a fan or good ventilation. And light-haired cats should avoid the hot sun at noon because their skin gets sunburned easily. |
| fur care | Comb the fur 1-2 times a week. The fur rarely gets tangled even though it is long. |
| exercise | Need an area to climb and play in, such as a shallow tub or dripping faucet. Because it is a species that likes a lot of water unusually. |
| Common diseases in the breed | Overall strong There are no clear breed-specific hereditary diseases. · Be careful of obesity because they are large cats with lots of muscle. · Cats with light-colored fur are at risk for sunburn around the nose and ears. |
| suitable for | Lots of energy · Can get along with children |
Frequently asked questions
Is a Turkish Van suitable for living in a condo?
Not ideal. The Turkish Van's semi-long coat has no undercoat, so it's better at cooling than other double-haired cats. But the fur grows thicker in cold weather and can still feel hot in homes without air conditioning. There should be a fan or good ventilation. And light-haired cats should avoid the hot sun at noon because their skin gets sunburned easily.
How long does a Turkish Van last?
Generally around 13-17 years (according to veterinary sources)
What breed diseases do Turkish Vans have?
Overall strong There are no clear breed-specific hereditary diseases. · Be careful of obesity because they are large cats with lots of muscle. · Cats with light-colored fur are at risk for sunburn around the nose and ears.
Can Turkish vans withstand the hot weather in Thailand?
The Turkish Van's semi-long coat has no undercoat, so it's better at cooling than other double-coated cats. But the fur grows thicker in cold weather and can still feel hot in homes without air conditioning. There should be a fan or good ventilation. And light-haired cats should avoid the hot sun at noon because their skin gets sunburned easily.
Sources: cfa.org · www.hillspet.com · www.petmd.com — Last checked 2026-07-25
Other cat breeds
Korat (Sisawat)
Korat
Siam (Wichianmat Sai Show)
Siamese
British Shorthair
British Shorthair