The key difference between Turkish Van and Turkish Angora is that Turkish Van cats have larger and more robust bodies while Turkish Angora cats have smaller and more elegant bodies.
Both these cat breeds originate from Turkey, with the Turkish Van from the region around Lake Van and the Turkish Angora from Ankara (formerly Angora).
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. Turkish Van
3. Turkish Angora
4. Similarities – Turkish Van and Turkish Angora
5. Turkish Van vs. Turkish Angora in Tabular Form
6. FAQ – Turkish Van and Turkish Angora
7. Summary – Turkish Van vs.Turkish Angora
Turkish Van
The Turkish Van cat, known for its distinct appearance and gentle temperament, is a breed with a rich history. Originating from the region around Lake Van in Turkey, these cats are characterized by their semi-longhair coat, bushy tails, and striking color patterns. Typically, they have a predominantly white coat with colored markings on the head and tail. These cats have captivating eyes that can range from amber to blue, adding to their distinctive appearance. Moreover, they have an average height of 10 to 14 inches and a weight ranging from 10 to 20 pounds.
Renowned for their love of water, Turkish Vans are often referred to as “swimming cats.” This unique trait is attributed to their dense, water-resistant fur and a fondness for playing in water. Despite their playful nature, Turkish Vans are known to be intelligent and independent cats. They form strong bonds with their owners and are generally sociable, but they may also display a degree of aloofness.
In terms of grooming, their semi-longhair coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting. Turkish Vans are generally robust and healthy cats with an average lifespan of around 12-17 years. However, they can develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is a common heart condition in cats.
While Turkish Vans are not as vocal as some other breeds, they may communicate through gentle chirps and trills. Due to their adaptable nature, they can thrive in various living environments, making them suitable companions for individuals or families.
Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora cat, originating in Turkey, particularly around Ankara, exhibits a graceful and slender build complemented by a plume-like tail. Known for its semi-longhair coat, the Turkish Angora comes in various colors, including black/ebony, blue/gray, lavender/silver, red/orange, and white, with white being the most common. They have large, almond-shaped eyes that can be blue, amber, or mismatched. These cats typically stand at heights ranging from 9 to 14 inches and weigh between 8 to 15 pounds.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Turkish Angoras are recognized for their playful and affectionate nature, forming strong bonds with their human companions. Intelligent and curious, they exhibit a keen interest in their surroundings and communicate with soft and melodic vocalizations. Regular brushing is essential for maintaining their coats and preventing matting.
Despite their elegant appearance, Turkish Angoras are generally hardy and adaptable to various living environments. With a lifespan ranging from 12 to 18 years, they prove to be devoted and enduring companions, bringing a touch of charm and sophistication to any household fortunate enough to welcome them.
What are the Similarities Between Turkish Van and Turkish Angora?
- Both breeds originate from Turkey.
- These breeds are known for their social and affectionate behavior.
- Both breeds are energetic and playful, requiring regular playtime to expend their energy.
What is the Difference Between Turkish Van and Turkish Angora?
The Turkish Van has a large and muscular body. Their semi-longhair coat, often compared to the softness of cashmere, is predominantly white. However, their faces and tails can often be different colors, such as red, brown, and cream. Mature Turkish Van cats will have a brush tail along with lots of neck ruff. The Turkish Angora, when compared to the Van, is much more elegant and smaller in appearance. They have a medium-length and silky coat. Original Turkish Angora cats are all white in color with distinct blue or green eyes, but over the years, they have evolved to exhibit more colors in their coats. Thus, this is the key difference between Turkish Van and Turkish Angora.
Turkish Vans are recognized for their love of water, often referred to as “swimming cats.” This unique trait is attributed to their dense, water-resistant fur. Unlike Turkish Vans, Turkish Angoras are not particularly known for their love of water.
Below is a summary of the difference between Turkish Van and Turkish Angora in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
FAQ: Turkish Van and Turkish Angora
How do I know if I have a Turkish van cat?
To identify if you have a Turkish Van cat, look for characteristics such as a large and muscular body, a semi-longhair coat (usually predominantly white with different face and tail colors), and a brush tail with a substantial neck ruff in mature cats.
Can Turkish van cats be left alone?
Turkish Van cats are social and prefer not to be left alone for extended periods. They thrive on human interaction and may become bored or engage in mischief when left alone for too long.
How do I know if I have Turkish Angora?
To identify a Turkish Angora, look for a smaller and more elegant cat with a medium-sized and muscular body. They have a silky, medium-length coat that may come in various colors. Original Turkish Angoras are all white with distinct blue or green eyes.
Summary – Turkish Van vs. Turkish Angora
The Turkish Van is known for its large, muscular body, and semi-longhair coat, while the Turkish Angora is characterized by a smaller, more elegant frame and silky coat. So, this is the summary of the difference between Turkish Van and Turkish Angora.
Reference:
1. “Turkish Van.” Daily Paws.
2. “Turkish Angora.” Daily Paws.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Turkish Angora in Ankara Zoo (AOÇ)” By Ankarakediler – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Black and white Turkish Van” By BabybirdOli – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia