The Turkish Vankedisi: Everything You Need to Know
Published: 21 Mar 2025
The Turkish Vankedisi is a stunning cat breed recognized for its all-white coat and energetic personality. Originally from the Lake Van area in Turkey. They’re playful, smart, and super friendly, making them great companions for all families.
This might be the perfect choice if you want a cat with a unique look and fun personality. These cats are not just good-looking but also playful and loving. Imagine a cat that enjoys swimming and loves to follow you around the house – sounds great, right?
With their friendly nature and good looks, the Turkish Vankedisi can be a great addition to any family. They thrive in active environments and are perfect companions for people who love spending time with their pets.
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
The Turkish Vankedisi usually grows to be about 9 to 11 inches tall and weighs between 10 and 20 pounds. They can live for 15 to 17 years and are famous for their beautiful white coats. These cats are great for families with other pets, homes with older kids, and people who work from home.
Uniqueness
The Turkish Vankedisi is a special variety of the Turkish Van breed, also known as the “Van Kedi.” It is recognized for its stunning all-white coat, which sets it apart from the Turkish Van, which has colored markings on its head and tail. While their appearances differ, both breeds share the same loving, friendly nature. The Vankedisi is playful, curious, and extremely loyal to its family.
Characteristics
- Energy: High
- Trainability: High
- Health: Good
- Lifespan: Long
- Sociability: Very sociable
Turkish Vankedisi Kittens
Finding its kitten can be rare, as they are more uncommon than the Turkish Van. Given the few breeders, expect long waitlists if you hope to add a Turkish Van kitten to your home. Their kittens are often born unexpectedly within Turkish Van litter, as breeders do not intentionally breed them due to their susceptibility to deafness.
Turkish Vankedisi kittens are rare, but you may sometimes come across one available for adoption. Full of energy and a love for exploring, they’ll bring a lot of activity and curiosity to your home. To keep them safe, it’s important to kitten-proof your space, as they tend to get into everything. Providing things to climb, like tall cat trees, is a great way to help them burn off their energy and satisfy their natural climbing instincts.
Origin & History
The Turkish Van breed is ancient, with origins tracing back to central and southwest Asia, including present-day Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. They were initially referred to as “van cats” after the region of Van. The breed made its way to the UK in 1955, though it wasn’t until 1982 that it was introduced to the United States. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) officially recognized the breed in 1988.
Temperament & Intelligence
These cats are known for their intelligence and curiosity. They love to explore and learn, making them trainable and eager to engage with their environment. Their energetic and playful nature makes them ideal for owners who can match their activity levels. They quickly learn new tricks, and some Van Kedi even enjoy learning to walk on a leash!
These cats are also deeply affectionate, forming strong bonds with one or two family members. While they don’t typically lap cats, they show their love by following their favorite humans around the house and spending time with them. While these cats enjoy attention, They don’t handle being left alone for extended periods well. They thrive in homes where someone is around most of the time, making them perfect for people who work from home.
Are These Cats Good for Families?
These are excellent companions for families, especially those with older children. They are playful and energetic, making them great playmates. However, because they aren’t always fond of being handled or cuddled, teaching children how to interact with them gently and respecting their boundaries is essential. Having some high perches for the cat to retreat when it needs a break can also be beneficial, as this gives the cat a quiet place to rest without being disturbed.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Van Kedi cats are known to coexist peacefully with other pets, including cat-friendly dogs and other cats. However, their curious nature might make them less suited for homes with smaller pets like reptiles, birds, or mammals. Their innate curiosity could lead them to frighten or harm smaller animals unintentionally, so it’s essential to remember this when introducing them to the household.
Key Points for It’s Owners
As a proud owner of a Turkish Vankedisi, it’s essential to understand their unique dietary needs and lifestyle. Ensuring they have the right food and care will keep them healthy and active.
Food & Diet Requirements
Thses cats are generally healthy and thrive on a well-balanced, high-quality commercial cat food diet. Their active nature means they require a nutritious diet to keep them energized and healthy. Be sure to consult with a vet to determine the right portions and supplements, as they may benefit from omega fatty acids to maintain the softness and health of their luxurious coat.
Exercise
These energetic cats need plenty of exercise throughout the day. Engaging them in playtime with toys like cat wands and balls is a great way to keep them active. Since they love to climb, having a cat tree or a window ledge will also help satisfy their natural climbing instincts. For those who want to take their cat outdoors, some may even enjoy walking on a leash. Just remember to keep their time outdoors short, as they can be sensitive to sunburn, and provide shaded areas where they can rest.
Training
are incredibly intelligent, making them easy to train. They pick up on new tricks quickly, especially when training sessions are kept short and enjoyable. Offering tasty treats as rewards will make training even more effective, allowing your Turkish Vankedisi to develop an impressive collection of tricks over time.
Grooming
Despite their long, soft coat, Van Kedi requires minimal grooming. Their fur doesn’t mat easily, but weekly brushing will help manage shedding and prevent hairballs. During shedding seasons, you may need to brush them more often to reduce the amount of fur left around the house. Turkish Vans generally don’t require baths unless they become especially dirty or their coats become greasy.
Health and Conditions
They are usually healthy, but they can sometimes be born with deafness. The deafness can be mild or severe, with some cats losing part of their hearing and others becoming completely deaf. Apart from deafness, Van Kedi cats may face health issues similar to those of Turkish Vans as they age.
Minor Conditions
- Eye issues
- Respiratory issues
Serious Conditions
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Pneumonia
Male vs Female
| Gender | Weight | Personality/Behavior Differences | Temperament Influences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Up to 20 pounds | No significant personality or behavior differences | More influenced by genetics and environment |
| Female | Typically 7 to 12 pounds | No significant personality or behavior differences | More influenced by genetics |
3 Little-Known Facts
- Van Kedi love water
Many Van Kedi cats are known for their love of water, earning them the nickname “Swimming Cats.” These cats often rush toward the sound of running water, eager to engage in playful splashing. Their fascination with water is a defining characteristic, as they happily interact with it, whether it’s a dripping faucet or a nearby stream.
- Turkish Vankedisi vs. Turkish Angoras: The Key Differences
Due to their similar appearance, Van Kedi is frequently confused with their Turkish Angora cousins. However, the Vankedisi is typically more extensive and more muscular than the Angora.
- The CFA doesn’t recognize Turkish Vankedisi
Despite their unique characteristics and charm, it is not officially recognized by the CFA. Due to concerns about their health and the prevalence of deafness, they are excluded from cat shows.
Conclusion
The Turkish Vankedisi is a very special cat. They are playful, loving, and love being around people. These cats also love water, which makes them different from most other cats. With their pretty white coat, they’re not just pets—they’re part of the family.
If you want a cat that is fun, full of energy, and loves you a lot, the Turkish Vankedisi could be the perfect pet for you. They need playtime, care, and love. So, if you’re looking for a friendly and active cat, think about adopting a Van Kedi today! They’ll bring a lot of happiness into your home.
FAQs
How long do Turkish Vans live?
Turkish Vans typically live between 12 and 17 years, sometimes even longer, with proper care.
How much does a Turkish Vankedisi cat cost?
A Turkish Vankedisi cat usually costs between $800 and $1,500, depending on where you are and its family background.
Why are Turkish Vans so rare?
Turkish Vans are considered rare due to their limited geographic origin in the Van region of Turkey and their unique breeding history.
Are Turkish Vans high maintenance?
Turkish Vans aren’t extremely high maintenance, but their long coats require regular grooming to keep them looking their best.
What colour eyes do Turkish Van cats have?
Turkish Van cats are often known for their striking amber or blue eyes, with some having one of each, a trait called heterochromia.
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- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
