At a glance the quick version
GCCF figures shared with the Turkish Van.
Coat and looks how to spot one
semi-long, single, silky coat
A large, muscular cat with a broad wedge head and well-feathered ears. The single coat feels silky to the roots, resists water and grows noticeably fuller in winter than in summer. The Vankedisi is the Turkish Van in pure white.12
Personality what they are like
Intelligent, affectionate and full of energy. It likes to be part of whatever is going on, follows its people around and usually prefers active play to lap time. Its voice is soft and has been likened to a sheep's bleat.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. Loves heights and climbing, so tall cat trees and daily play are important.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Weekly brushing is enough; the coat rarely tangles but sheds more in the seasonal change.12
Home where they are happiest
Needs room to climb and explore; high perches and sturdy cat trees suit it.1
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Needs a complete, balanced cat food built around animal protein, with fresh water always available; portion treats so the cat stays trim.1
Company who they like around
Bonds strongly with its family and likes being involved in household life.12
The story where it all began
Laura Lushington and Sonia Halliday brought Turkish cats to Britain from 1954, and the patterned Turkish Van gained GCCF championship status in 1969. The all-white cats from the same lines are recognised by GCCF under the separate name Turkish Vankedisi, which reflects the Turkish word for a Van cat.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its water-resistant coat goes with a real interest in water, from dripping taps to dunked toys.1
- 2
Its soft call can sound rather like a sheep.1
- 3
Turkish Vans can take 3-5 years to reach full maturity and may measure about a metre from nose to tail tip.2
- 4
Vankedisi can have one blue and one amber eye.1
Recognised by the official bits
- GCCF
- Recognised alongside the Turkish Van as its all-white form1
- GCCF
- Covered by the breeding policy for the Turkish group3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Turkish Vankedisi. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Nail trimevery 3 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Litter scoopevery day
- Litter changeevery week
- PlayDaily playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Turkish Van & Turkish Vankedisi - GCCF gccfcats.orgused for recognition, appearance, colours, temperament, size, lifespan, grooming, facts
- Turkish Van - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, coat, length, maturity
- GCCF breeding policy for the Turkish group gccfcats.orgused for recognition
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.