Turkish Van vs German Rex - Breed Comparison | MyCatBreeds

Turkish Van vs German Rex - Breed ComparisonTurkish Van is originated from Turkey but German Rex is originated from Germany. Both Turkish Van and German Rex are having almost same weight. Both Turkish Van and German Rex has almost same life span. Both Turkish Van and German Rex has same litter size. Both Turkish Van and German Rex requires Low maintenance.

History

turkish van - historyHailing from Turkey, the Turkish Van was brought to the UK in 1955 by 2 British women, Laura Lushington and Sonia Halliday.

These cats were used as the foundation stock of the breed. They were brought to the United States in 1982 and accepted into championship with the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1994.

They are a very rare breed and no other breed is allowed to be mixed into the cat's breeding schedule. All registered Turkish Van cats can have their ancestry traced back to the imported cats of Laura Lushington.

german rex - historyThe cat originates from Germany and was developed in about the 1950s. Dr. Rose Scheuer-Karpin found a frizzy-haired black and white cat and chose to breed her.

So as to fix the frizzy hair gene, it was decided to mate the cat further and this was the start of the German Rex.

It was later crossed with the Cornish Rex. The cats were recognized by the International Feline Foundation, but the Cat Fanciers' Association still associates the breed with the Cornish Rex.

Description

turkish van kitten - descriptionThis is a medium to large-sized cat weighing roughly 3 to 8kg. It’s a semi-long-haired domestic cat breed that was actually developed in the United Kingdom with a selection of cats from Turkey.

The breed is distinguished by the Van pattern where the color is restricted to the head and tail. So the cat is white with color on the head and the tail. The Turkish Van has no undercoat and the cat has a sleek appearance.

The cat is quite long and its back legs are slightly longer than its front legs. The paws are large and they are strong jumpers.

Temperament:

These cats are playful, active, and independent and they are also excellent hunters. They are affectionate and form strong bonds with their human families.

They get on well with kids as well as with other pets. Energetic and agile, they love to leap up onto high places. For a cat, they also have this fascination with water and may well follow their human into a swimming pool or lake.

german rex kitten - descriptionThis is a medium-sized, muscular domestic cat with a well-developed chest. The cat can weigh between 3 and 6kg.

The legs are fairly long and slender but strong and the tail is thick and furry with a rounded tip. The head is round and the ears are large. The eye colors are always related to the coat color. The coat is short and silky and in many colors and it has a tendency to curl.

Temperament:

These are friendly cats that form a strong bond with their human owners, although they are friendly towards strangers too.

They’re intelligent, lively, and playful too and will fit in well to homes with children.

Because of their playful nature, you want to ensure you provide them with lots of entertaining, stimulating toys.

They’ve got balanced personalities and are known for being sociable, adapting to the lifestyles they find themselves in. They will also get on well with other pets in the home, and enjoy being both indoors and outside.

Characteristics

turkish van cat - characteristicsLively, social, and intelligent, the Turkish Van is going to make you a wonderful pet and companion.

He is an active cat and will require you to play with him and provide some form of exercise for him.

He likes to leap up onto perches so getting him a climbing tree will serve him well as he is a cat that loves perching on high up places.

These cats are also low maintenance which simply adds to them being such perfect pets for single people, couples, families and seniors, just so long as he is provided with lots of love and care.

german rex cat - characteristicsYour German Rex is everything you want in a pet. He is a cat that loves his human family and is prepared to offer loyalty and love in exchange for the same.

He is adaptable and undemanding. Before you invest in such a cat, understand that interaction from you is highly important, so if you don’t have time for an adult pet, it would be kinder not to get this particular cat breed as they crave lots of attention,

Health Problems

Always get vet help for your Turkish Van if you notice these signs -

Discharge or redness of the eyes

Scratching or shaking the head

Battling to urinate

Extreme and ongoing lethargy

Heavy breathing

Have your cat vaccinated against the deadly cat diseases there are.

Have your cat spayed or neutered.

turkish van kittens - health problemsYour Turkish Van counts on you to ensure his health and wellbeing. This will ensure he lives a long and healthy life.

Obesity is a major disease that contributes to many illnesses in cats. Excess weight is one of the factors for the development of arthritis and diabetes as well as some life-threatening diseases.

All kinds of parasites can invade your Turkish Van’s body. . Many types of parasites can be detected with a fecal exam, so a trip to your vet may be necessary.

german rex kittens - health problemsWith excellent care and lots of love and attention, your German Rex can reach up to 17 years of age. They aren’t prone to any particular diseases, but diet plays a massive role in their health.

Remember that obesity is a major disease and it in itself can contribute to a host of other illnesses in cats and shorten its life. Excess weight contributes towards arthritis and diabetes and just losing a bit of weight can contribute towards increased mobility.

Dental disease is a common, chronic problem and you need to ensure your pet’s diet promotes dental health. It can be extremely stressful for your cat to have his teeth brushed, but in the case of chronic dental infection, get your pet to a vet.

Caring The Pet

turkish van cats - caringOne of the most important things with a cat is diet. The cat is a carnivore. Watch his diet, and make sure he gets plenty of meaty food.

Check with your vet if you aren’t sure how to feed your cat. There must always be a constant supply of fresh, cool water available and both food and water bowls must be washed regularly.

Regularly brush your cat’s coat gently and at the same time check the body over for any unusual lumps. If you discover a new lump, get your cat to the vet.

Be sure to schedule in your cat’s vaccinations as without these your cat can die from some of the more dangerous ones.

Another wise move, if at all possible, is to sign up for pet health insurance as then you won’t dread it financially when your vet requests medical tests be done on your cat.

There are simple things you can do to ensure the longevity of your beloved cat. Good food, exercise, fresh water, and plenty of love and attention.

Turkish Vans can have problems with their teeth. Teeth brushing can be massively traumatic and uncomfortable for your pet, but the best diet and vet care will ensure healthy teeth.

Have the nails trimmed.

Cats are meticulous about hygiene so ensure the litter box is kept clean. Remove the cat’s feces every single day.

german rex cats - caringThe German Rex is a shorthaired breed so a gentle brush once a week will be quite adequate.

As you groom your German Rex, feel for any unusual lumps and make sure there are no signs of sores or rashes on your cat.

Check inside his ears for wax and dirt buildup and signs of redness for infection. If you don’t like to clean the inside of your cat’s ears, there are professional cat groomers and your local vet who will do this for you.

Make sure you feed your Rex the best cat food there is. When you look at the commercially cat manufactured foods there are, you’ll notice that there is dry kibble for cats as well as wet-type foods.

Through trial and error, you’ll learn what your cat likes, but your vet can offer valuable information on what is essential in a cat’s diet. Cats are carnivores so that means their diets have to be high in meat – protein – and low in carbohydrates.

Check out the best cat foods there are – the ones that have all the vitamins and minerals your cat requires to remain healthy.

Provide fresh, cool water for your cat around the clock.

Provide your cat with a litter box and keep it meticulously clean, scooping out the cat droppings every day and changing the actual sand or grit regularly.

Provide your cat with a warm bed, food and water bowls, toys, collar, and tag, climbing tree and scratching post.

Have your pet neutered or spayed to avoid unwanted kittens.

Your kitten must start their first vaccines between 8 and 12 weeks of age. Your kitten will also be dewormed.

Take your cat to the vet when he is sick.

Basic Information

Origin:
Turkey
Germany
Weight Male:
3 - 8 kg
6 - 18 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 8 kg
6 - 18 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 17 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
The Swimming Cat
The Rex
Colors Available:
brown, White with other colors - red, black
All colors
Coat:
Semi long haired
Short, dense, silky and curly
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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