Affiliate disclosure: Dog Product Picker is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we believe in.
The Van is a distinct cat breed found mainly in the Van lake area of Turkey.
What sets these cats apart from the rest is their ability to swim, and you can observe them swim in the Lake Van if you ever get a chance to visit it.
Vans usually come with a chalky white coat, blue eyes (or odd-colored), and a ruddy coloration on the head and back legs.
Van History
The Van is believed to be living in the Turkish city of Van near the Van lake for centuries.
Their ancestors (The African Wild cat) were identified through genetic testing.
These wild cats were believed to be domesticated around 9000 years ago to control the rodent population.
This was around the time when the agricultural revolution was taking place, and the hunter-gatherers started farming instead of relying on their hunting for food.
The white spots on this cat are a testament to early selective breeding and can be traced back to when they were being domesticated.
But keep in mind that there is no evidence of this cat’s presence in the Van Area the entire time after domestication.
Van Key Facts
The Van is an interesting breed because most cats don’t even go near the water forget about swimming.
But the Van is fearless and likes to swim.
As to why they do this, we have no idea of that.
These cats usually have a small imprint between their shoulder blades that is known as “the imprint of God” and is believed to be a sign of good luck.
This marking may be linked to the piebald gene, the same gene that gives the white-colored cats a tuxedo pattern.
The Van’s eyes have just 3 colors, blue, gold, and odd-colored.
Their peach-pit-shaped eyes look amazing with these distinct colors.
This, along with their other features, makes this breed one of the most beautiful in the cat world.
How Big Do Vans Get?
The Van is a medium-sized cat.
They can weigh between 4.5 kg and 8 kg, and their average height is between 9 – 11 inches.
This makes the Van perfect for families with small children, as large cats can harm children unintentionally.
But this calm, relaxed, and medium-sized cat is ideal for houses with children.
Van Lifespan
The Van is a healthy breed known to live between 12 and 17 years.
You can ensure that your cat lives towards the upper end of this scale by taking proper care of them.
This includes taking care of their diet, activity, and health.
Keep reading to find all the right ways to care for your furry fellow.
How Much Does A Van Cost?
The Van is a rare cat, as you can’t find them everywhere.
So, it might be a little hard to find them, and when you do, you might have to pay around $800 – $1,500 for this beautiful cat.
Some breeders may charge even more and may also provide accessories like food, litter, and beds.
Van Personality
The Van is not a cute and cuddly cat; instead, it’s a naughty little devil that likes to form deep bonds with its owners.
Vans are very affectionate and loving but do not like being carried around and cuddling.
They are also quite playful and intelligent; this makes it easy to teach them new ways of playing and doing tricks.
Their intelligence can be challenging because they can get bored easily.
The Van is usually good with other pets and children.
But keep in mind that you have to socialize them from an early age to prevent them from becoming aggressive.
Caring For A Van
The Van is easy to care for as they don’t have extensive caring needs.
Remember a few things to remember if you want your cat to live a happy, thriving, and happy life.
These include an adequate diet, proper exercise, and good grooming.
In the next section, we will talk about these things in detail.
Van Nutrition
The Van is a fairly active breed, requiring more food and calories to maintain their normal body weight.
Your cat’s exact amount of energy depends on the resting metabolic rate, and there is no direct way of measuring that.
But you can rely on their current weight to estimate their food requirements.
When selecting cat food for your cat, remember to select food with high proteins and adequate micronutrients.
Your cat needs the protein to maintain and grow its muscles, tendons, and cartilages.
The micronutrients are important in various functions of the cat’s body.
Without these micronutrients, your cat’s immune system can grow weak, which can lead to all kinds of diseases.
How To Groom A Van?
The Van has an easy-to-groom single coat.
At first look, it might seem that they require a lot of grooming to maintain, but that’s not the case.
Brushing them with a metallic or hard-bristled comb twice weekly is enough to remove any mats and loose hair from the coat.
Brushing will also stimulate blood flow to the scalp, which provides all the necessary nutrients that the hair needs to be healthy, shiny, and strong.
Bathing the Van might sound like a good idea.
After all, they are one of the few cats not bothered with water.
But that’s not the case, and you want to avoid bathing them frequently and bathe them only when you feel they have become too dirty.
Brushing their teeth and clipping their nails should be a part of their weekly grooming routine.
Van Activity Levels
The Van is an active, energetic, and curious breed.
They love swimming, playing with toys, and performing new tricks.
They are also highly intelligent, which makes it easy to teach them.
But their high curiosity and activity levels can be problematic if you don’t engage with them regularly.
Van Health Concerns
The Van is generally a healthy breed.
But they may have some health concerns, especially if you buy from a low-quality breeder.
Dental carries and skin infections are most commonly seen is this breed.
However, proper grooming and cleanliness helps avoid such issues.
Sources
Recommended Reading
- 10Best Cat Litters of 2022
- 10Best Cat Toys of 2022
- 10Best Cat Beds of 2022
- 10 Best Cat Accessoriesof 2022
- 10Best Automatic Litter Boxes of 2022
- 10Best Cat Anti Scratch Spray of 2022
- 10 Best Cat Backpacks of2022
- 10Best Cat Collars of 2022
- 10Best Cat Drinking Fountains of 2022
- 10 Best Cat Harnesses & Leashes of 2020
Additional Recommended Reading:
About the author
Natural Flea Treatments for Dogs That Help Keep Pests Away
Fleas can quickly turn a happy, healthy dog into an itchy and uncomfortable one. If you’ve ever noticed your dog scratching more than usual, you already know how frustrating flea problems can be. Many dog owners prefer natural flea treatments because they avoid harsh chemicals while still helping keep pests under control. There are many natural flea treatment products available for dogs on the market. In this guide, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best natural flea treatments for dogs, covering a wide range of options so dog owners can find something that fits their dog’s size, lifestyle, and sensitivity. Want to Boost Your Dog’s Flea Protection Naturally? Choosing the best natural flea treatment for dogs is a great first step, but many dog owners find that combining a few natural approaches works even better. For example, plant-based sprays and […]
10 Best Natural Dewormer for Dogs
A natural dewormer is essential for your furry friend. The dewormer will eliminate all types of intestinal worms and parasites (like Giardia Intestinalis, and other) and keep your dog healthy. In this article, we have listed down the 10 best natural dewormers for dogs that are available on the market: 1.NaturPet D Wormer Homeopathic Medicine This is homeopathic medicine and is manufactured by NaturPet. NaturPet is one of the best dog medicine brands on the market. The NaturPet D Wormer Homeopathic Medicine comes in a liquid form and will eliminate all the parasitic worms from your furry friend’s stomach. This 100 % natural wormer is made of papaya leaf, fennel seed, sage, cumin seed, black walnut hull, and wormwood. This homeopathic medicine eliminates roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and pinworms from the dog's digestive tract. The NaturPet D Wormer Homeopathic medicine will […]
Can Cats Eat Roses?
As cat owners, this should be common knowledge for us that our furry friends are obligate carnivores and anything other than animal protein is not the best thing for your cat's health. So, giving your beautiful feline flowers, outdoor plants, indoor plants, garden plants, or any plant material is not a good idea. However, the good news is that there are a few parts of plants that your feline friend can enjoy, and are rose plants one of them or not? Let's find out. Is Rose Plant Poisonous to Cats? We know cats are curious creatures, and if their owner's attention is not on them, you will find them in a flower garden looking for their prey and playing with beautiful flowers. However, this is dangerous for them as there are toxic flowers, different sprays, and other things in the […]
Cat Cats Eat Raw Bacon?
Many believe that since cats are obligate carnivores, cat food must include raw foods like raw meat, raw bacon, turkey bacon, pork bacon, and other human foods. However, that is not the case with your feline friend, a cat's health can be affected if given raw foods because these human foods may contain harmful bacteria that can cause health issues. So, can our furry friend eat raw bacon? Is Bacon Good or Bad for Cats? Giving you cat bacon is fine, but what about the bacon grease, too much salt, and other ingredients in regular bacon? Because of these ingredients, bacon can be given to your feline friend as an occasional treat. However, passing your cat bacon regularly harms them as too much bacon can cause digestive issues and other health problems. So, if your furry friend needs animal protein, […]
Cat Cats Eat Raspberries?
Raspberry is a human food that contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and other essential vitamins and has a more excellent nutritional value for human beings. However, that does not mean that this fresh fruit completes your feline friend's dietary needs and can be included regularly in your cat's diet. You can give your cat raspberries in small amounts as it is not great for your cat's health. So, what should a cat's diet include? What Should Be a Cat’s Diet? When it comes to a cat's diet and health, cat owners giving your feline friend new foods is not a good idea. Your furry friend might get digestive issues, allergic reactions, and other health issues. So, in simple words, human foods are not an excellent option for your feline friend as cats are obligate carnivores, and the cat's digestive system […]
Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
Cats have sensitive digestive tracts, and giving them anything other than the cat’s regular food can damage your cat's health. Human foods have many health benefits. A few such foods can be significant for your feline friend's health, but changing a cat's diet entirely to human foods can cause digestive issues and affect your furry friend's overall health. So, the question arises can adult cats eat fresh pumpkin or raw pumpkin seeds? Benefits of Feeding Pumpkin to Cat The short answer is yes. You can give your feline friend some plain pumpkins because it has many nutritional benefits for your furry friend and is even part of some good quality cat food. They are suitable for cats' body, as it provides them with healthy skin and coat. Even though cats are obligate carnivores, the high fiber content in the pumpkin […]
Related
The Best Houseplants for Cats
Adding new plants to your home isn’t always as easy as it sounds when you live with a furry friend like a cat. Luckily, there are a few common houseplants that are safe for cats, so you can place them indoors around your home without worrying about whether they’re chewed on from time to time. In this article, we share the best houseplants for cats so you can rest easy knowing that your home is full of greenery that is safe for cats. Why Look for Non-Toxic Plants? Unfortunately, a lot of plants are toxic to cats but at the same time, many cats also like eating plants which is why it’s important to look for a safe houseplant to add into your home. However, just because a plant is deemed “non-toxic” doesn’t mean it won’t cause an upset stomach […]
Can Cats Eat Raspberries?
Apart from being one of the most nutritious fruits available on the market, raspberries have many health benefits for our bodies. Still, their bright red color may be too irresistible for your feline friend, and they may end up begging you to feed them these human foods. If you’re tempted to throw them some, you might be wondering, “Can cats eat raspberries?” Here, we’ll provide you with answers and explore all you need to know about feeding this to your cats. Can Cats Eat Raspberries? Cats can be pretty persistent when begging to be given human food; in many cases, your little friend will meow for raspberries out of hunger. Sometimes, it could be just out of their feline curiosity but either way, you’ll find yourself wondering whether or not raspberries are safe for cats. The short answer is yes […]
Best Dry Food for Cats with Sensitive Stomachs
New cat owners may not always be aware that cats have sensitive stomachs and that a cat’s food is the key when it comes to keeping them happy and healthy. A cat’s diet will need to specifically address their needs; while there are various kinds of cat food that you can look into, there are only a few kinds that are suitable for a sensitive cat. Here, we discuss the best dry food for cats with sensitive stomachs and why cats suffer from digestive issues. What are Digestive Sensitivities in Cats? Much like humans, our cats can have an allergic reaction to certain foods or ingredients and when this happens, we will need to choose the right food for them to ensure they don’t develop worse medical conditions. Unfortunately, many people will often confuse food intolerance with cat food allergies […]
How to Introduce a Puppy to an Aggressive Cat?
Everyone loves to see pictures of cats and dogs coexisting in peace — it’s like watching a Disney movie become reality and there’s nothing cuter than such a scene. But can we really expect a new dog to instantly become best friends with an adult cat during their first meeting? Unfortunately, this won’t always be the case, especially with a senior cat that may want nothing to do with a puppy — here’s how you can introduce a puppy to an aggressive cat. How to Introduce a New Pet to Cats As pet owners, we need to understand that cats and dogs can sometimes be the total opposites of each other. While a confident cat may not see new animals as a threat and instantly become friends with them, older pets may not be as welcoming to new family members. […]
The 8 Best Cat Food for Kidney Disease
While kidney problems may seem like a debilitating condition for cats, they can often be managed through prescription diets. Using a therapeutic kidney diet is the most important thing you can do to limit the progression of kidney disease. But because there are so many options available in the market, looking for the best diet for your cat can be overwhelming. Be sure to work with your vet to get the right food for your feline friend, and read below to find out more about the 8 best cat food for kidney disease. What is Feline Kidney Disease? Before we jump straight to the best cat food that can help support your cat’s kidney function, let’s first discuss what this disease means for cats. Just like in humans, healthy kidneys play a vital role in cats, and are responsible for […]
What is the Biggest Maine Coon Cat?
While we find the average house cat entertaining even when it completely ignores us, there’s something about the beloved Maine Coon cat that captures our hearts. These stunning cats come with a distinctive appearance and impressive size that has cemented their reputation as the largest domestic cat breeds today. While they can certainly grow to a massive size, this article discusses the biggest Maine Coon cats to ever exist and where you can find them. What are Maine Coon Cats? Maine Coons are among the largest cats in the world, along with Norwegian Forest Cats. These felines come with long hair, large size, shaggy coat, and bushy tail which gives them a formidable appearance. Even so, they’re known to be gentle giants, which contributes to their overall appeal; they also have long, muscular-looking bodies with proportionately long legs, creating a […]
