Personality:
- Highly intelligent, independent, and loyal.
- Active and playful.
- Fascinated by water, some Vans enjoy swimming.
History:
Rare and ancient natural breed that developed in the Lake Van region of Turkish Armenia. Considered as valuable treasures in their homeland. In 1955, two English women traveling in Turkey obtained two pairs of Vans and began a breeding program in England, from where the breed was exported to other countries throughout the world. Accepted for championship in the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1994.
Body Type:
- Large and sturdy, with a deep chest, long body, and dense-muscle tone.
- Head is refined, with a small muzzle and high cheekbones.
- Ears are large, and set high and well apart.
- Eyes are large, rounded, almond shaped and can be amber, blue, or odd eyed.
Coat:
- Semi-long, non- matting coat has a cashmere like texture.
- Coat has water repellent quality.
- Predominantly white with colored markings restricted to the head and tail.
- Colored markings can be auburn, cream, black, blue, tortoiseshell, or blue cream with tabby patterns and should not cover more than 20% of the cat’s body.
Health and Wellness:
- Some lines have had problems with pectus excavatum, a malformation of the skeletal structure in the upper body. Severity will vary. Cats with this defect are frequently fine as pets, but should not be used in breeding programs.
- Temperament can be unpredictable.
What you should know:
- Vans do not reach full maturity until they are three to five years of age.
- Completely separate breed from the Turkish Angora.
- Overall, Vans do not appreciate grooming.
- Pets need to be taught to be combed or brushed, and need to be introduced to the bath at a young age.
- Temperament is unpredictable.
- Spend time with kittens before selecting your pet.
