Difference Between Turkish Van & Turkish Angora Cats

The Turkish Angora cat and the Turkish Van both hail from Asia, taking their names from the country of Turkey. The two breeds are distinct, however, and do not share the same genetic heritage. Both have silky coats of medium length, but the similarity ends there. The breeds come in different colors, with different body types and temperaments.

  1. History

    • The Turkish Angora is thought to have originated in the mountainous region of Turkey, where its soft, dense coat protected it from the cold weather. It was first imported to America in the 1950s, and different color variations were accepted by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1968 and 1978. The Turkish Van was developed over a much wider area of central and southwest Asia, and did not arrive in America until 1982. It is a relatively rare breed outside of its native area.

    Body Type

    • The Turkish Angora is a slender, fine-boned cat. Its medium-to-long coat is fine and silky, requiring less grooming than many other long-haired breeds. Turkish Angoras are graceful and athletic. By comparison, the Turkish Van is a large, slow-maturing breed that does not reach full size until 3 to 5 years of age. While still agile, the Turkish Van's heavier bone structure gives an accurate impression of power and strength compared to the smaller Turkish Angora.

    Color

    • White Turkish Angoras were the first color to be recognized by the CFA, but colored Angoras were accepted a decade later and have since gained popularity among fanciers. All colors and patterns are now considered acceptable except for those associated with genetic crossbreeding, such as lavender and chocolate. The Turkish Van, on the other hand, is white with colored markings occurring only on the head and tail. The breed is thought to be the first to exhibit this color pattern, known as piebald.

    Behavior

    • Turkish Angora cats are often described as dog-like. Their friendly and outgoing temperament makes them adaptable pets. They are generally tolerant of humans and other animals, though they often exhibit dominant behavior. The Turkish Van is an intelligent, curious breed that exhibits an interesting quirk. Because of its dense, moisture-resistant coat, many individuals within the breed love to swim and play in water, lending them the "Swimming Cat" nickname.