Lifespan	13 – 17 years
Height (at the withers)	Males and Females: 23cm – 28cm
Weight	Males: Up to 7kg, Females: 5kg – 6kg
Coat	Semi-long, soft, cashmere-like single coat
Colour	White with dark colouring on head and tail
Eye colour	Amber, blue
Common health issues	Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Other Names	Turkish Cat, Van

The fun-loving Turkish Van is an energetic, playful cat. These kitties require a lot of attention from their families, so they're best suited to people who can give a lot of their time to them. They're also pretty sprightly on their feet! In fact, the International Cat Association says that “Their powerful hind legs mean they are great jumpers and climbers so expect to find them atop the bookcase or in some other aery they have located as a great place to ensure they can see everything going on in their world.”

However, while the Van is highly energetic and athletic, they aren't the most graceful. In fact, the big and ungainly Van isn't a cat that'll always land on their feet! But show the Van some water, and they'll take to it like a duck... or, cat to water.

If the Turkish Van is properly socialised as a kitten, they can grow into social, affectionate cats that become particularly attached to one or two members of their family but on their own terms! This kitty doesn't like to be held or cuddled for too long (so you'll just have to play it like a cool cat).

An intelligent breed, the Turkish Van enjoys learning tricks, games and playing fetch. They also like teaser toys as they can act out pouncing on prey.

Like many cat breeds, no one knows about the Turkish Van's true origins. According to legend, the Turkish Van's ancestors sailed aboard Noah's Ark. As the boat arrived at Mount Ararat (a volcanic mountain in eastern Turkey and the vessel's mythical landing place), the cats jumped off and swam for dry land. God blessed these cats and his divine touch caused their white coats to develop their unique colouration; these cats became the forerunners of the Turkish Van breed.

In reality, the Turkish Van breed most likely developed in central and southwest Asia. It's thought that they've lived in Turkey's isolated Lake Van region – a mountainous area, home to the country's largest lake – for generations. Evidence of their existence comes from local legends, traditional folk songs and ancient artefacts that reference the Van and its unusual markings. The Turkish Van has also been spotted in neighbouring countries including Iran, Iraq and parts of the former Soviet Union.