turkish-vankedisi
Active, affectionate, pleasant, playful
Overview
Origin
Turkey
Life Span
15-16 years
Height
9"- 11"
Weight
7-19 pounds
Group
Large long-haired
Price
$800 - $1500
History
Turkish Vankedisi cats - known as Van Kedi in their native Turkey - share the same history as Turkish Van cats. The breed originates in Eastern Turkey; specifically, it was first noted in the Van region. In fact, the name “Vankedisi” translates to “cat from Van” in Turkish.
The breed is a naturally occurring variety of landrace cat, meaning that individuals breed freely among one another, and distinguishing them from standardized cat breeds that were developed through human intervention and selective breeding.
Most feline registries make no distinction between the Turkish Van vs. the Turkish Vankedisi. Instead of classifying these pure white cats as a distinct breed, they’re shown and judged alongside their van-marked cousins.
In Turkey, the opposite is true. There, locals only classify all-white individuals as Van cats, even though the marked variety shares all traits but coat color.
Because of a genetic predisposition to deafness, white Turkish Vankedisi cats are rarely bred to one another. Instead, breeders tend to pair a Van cat with a Vankedisi. The resulting litters may contain both Turkish Van and Vankedisi cats.
Count yourself fortunate if you’re able to adopt one of these amazing kitties! Both Van and Vankedisi cats are rare, even in their native Turkey.
Care
Nutrition
Turkish Vankedisi cats have no special nutritional needs. If you're not interested in feeding your cat fresh food, we recommend offering them a high-quality commercial brand that relies on real meat or real fish as the number one ingredient. Consider choosing a brand with supplemental omega fatty acids for healthy skin and a healthy, shiny coat.
Grooming
The Turkish Vankedisi might look like a cat that requires lots of maintenance, but the opposite is true. A quick daily brushing will help keep their coat feeling cashmere-soft and free from tangles.
Exercise
Turkish Vankedisi cats like to nap just as much as other felines, but they tend to be highly active between snooze sessions. These kitties have a natural appreciation for the highest vantage point they can find, so consider treating your pet to a tall cat condo and don't be surprised if they routinely make their way onto other high places in your home. A well-stocked basket of toys is a must have; without plenty of approved playthings, these kitties will quickly find alternatives and make their own fun.
Health
Turkish Vankedisi cats are exceptionally healthy in general, however they can suffer from communicable diseases just as members of other cat breeds can.
Breed Standard
Body
The Turkish Vankedisi cat should appear balanced and well-proportioned, with a sturdy, broad, muscular, and deep-chested body. Females often appear more delicate than males.
Head
The head should be a broad wedge, with gentle contours and a medium-length nose. The muzzle should be rounded, the chin should be firm, and the cheekbones should be prominent.
Eyes
The eyes should be moderately large, rounded, and set at a slant. Amber, blue, and odd eye colors are acceptable. Blue eyes and odd eyes are often seen as more desirable than amber eyes.
Ears
The Turkish Vankedisi cat should have moderately large ears that are set high on the head and spaced far apart. The tips should be slightly rounded and the interior should be well furnished.
Color
Turkish Vankedisi cats should be pure white. Nose leather and paw pads should be pink.
Coat
The coat should be semi-long, with no undercoat. The summer coat appears shorter and less dense than the winter coat; some individuals may appear nearly shorthaired during the summer months.
Tail
The Turkish Vankedisi should have a long, well-proportioned tail with a full plume that flows well with the remainder of the cat’s coat.
Legs & Paws
The legs should be moderately long, with strong musculature. The feet should be moderately large, and should be well-proportioned to the rest of the cat’s anatomy.
Personality & Temperament
Stunning white cats with silky coats, Turkish Vankedisi cats offer more than just great looks: These kitties are friendly and personable, but not quite so clingy as some other breeds such as the Oriental Shorthair.
Turkish Vankedisi cats are incredibly intelligent. They are fond of attention and one of their favorite ways to get it is by encouraging their human friends to play. Don't be surprised if your kitty presents you with a favorite toy in hopes of getting you involved in a game of fetch!
Turkish Vankedisi cats have a tendency to pick a single family member as their favorite, however they are likely to make friends with everyone in the house, including other pets.
Although these kitties look as if they'd rather not muss up their coats, they are athletes at heart. Turkish Vankedisi cats are renowned for their jumping and climbing abilities, and they are exceptional hunters when given the opportunity. In addition, there one of the few breeds that takes very well to leash training. If you've ever wanted to walk your cat through the neighborhood, a Turkish Vankedisi will be happy to accompany you.