Turkish Van vs Traditional Siamese - Breed Comparison

Turkish Van vs Traditional Siamese - Breed ComparisonTurkish Van is originated from Turkey but Traditional Siamese is originated from Thailand. Both Turkish Van and Traditional Siamese are having almost same weight. Turkish Van may live 5 years less than Traditional Siamese. Both Turkish Van and Traditional Siamese has same litter size. Turkish Van requires Low maintenance. But Traditional Siamese requires Moderate 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.

traditional siamese - historyThere are now three types of Siamese cats. The Traditional Siamese is said to be the original cat imported from Thailand.

The Classic was the type that was common in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. The original Siamese cat became one of the most popular breeds in Europe and North America in the 19th century.

The Traditional Siamese is also called an applehead Siamese.

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.

traditional siamese kitten - descriptionThe Traditional Siamese cat is medium-sized, lean, and muscular and weighs between 3 and 6kg. The coat is short and he is considered a medium shedder.

The kittens of these cats are born white and the coloring comes in over the next days and weeks. The head of the Traditional Siamese is well proportioned to its body size.

The medium size ears are slightly rounded at the tip and the eyes are large and bright blue in color.  

The coat is short, sleek, and soft and accepted colors are cream with chocolate, brown, lilac, red, tortie or blue points.

Temperament:

The personality of the Traditional Siamese is loud, vocal, and demanding. These cats let you know precisely what they want and it is almost like having a human companion in the house.

They love to give their human owners lots of attention as well. They’re intelligent, curious, playful, and energetic.

The Traditional Siamese cat isn’t really recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) anymore as the breed’s temperament has changed so much.

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.

traditional siamese cat - characteristicsThe Traditional Siamese cat is such an amazingly intelligent animal and sometimes they can become quite human.

These are not your traditional cool, independent, sleep all day kind of felines and people liken them to having a dog as a pet. They love to play, and they are so active you could even put a leash on one and take it for a walk.

They are energetic, local, and lively. They are such affectionate cats too and they get on well with children and with other pets.

When you bring a Traditional Siamese cat into your life, it is like you are bringing in a human companion, except that the Traditional Siamese is far more amicable than many humans.

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.

These are robust cats and you won’t find many health issues with it.

traditional siamese kittens - health problemsAvoid obesity. Siamese cats are prone to obesity and these slim cats can’t afford weight gain. Extra weight can put a whole lot of pressure on the cat’s joints and they can also develop other problems such as diabetes. The label of the commercial cat food you give your Traditional Siamese will indicate how much food your cat should get a day based on your cat’s weight.

Diet plays a massive role in the health of a cat, and inferior cat foods can mean you spending more money at the vet because of digestive issues.

If you are in any kind of doubt as to what to feed your cat, rather speak to your vet about what and how much to feed him. Your cat is a carnivore and it is most important to feed your cat foods high in protein.

Take your cat to the vet whenever he is sick and also just for a general check-up. You want to make sure that your Traditional Siamese is free from any health problems as well as parasites.

Also, make sure your cat is always up to date with his vaccinations as there are some cat illnesses such as feline panleukopenia, also known as distemper, that can kill your cat.

It is always a good idea as well to spay or neuter your Siamese to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

If your Traditional Siamese has any health conditions, your vet can help provide you and your pet with a treatment program.

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.

traditional siamese cats - caringTo care for your Traditional Siamese, you need to feed him a high protein diet. Always read the labels of the cat food you buy to ensure that the proteins included come from animal sources and not from plants.

All cat food should contain taurine.

Provide your active cat with a climbing tree or perch.

Brush your Traditional Siamese cat regularly. He has a short coat so once a week will be enough to keep it shiny and clean.

You can feed your cat and provide all he needs, but nothing will be more important to your cat than showing your love for him by spending lots of time with him and showering him with love.

Basic Information

Origin:
Turkey
Thailand
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
14 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
The Swimming Cat
None
Colors Available:
brown, White with other colors - red, black
brown, tortie or blue points. , lilac, red, Cream with chocolate
Coat:
Semi long haired
Short, sleek and soft
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Turkish Van vs Tabby - Breed Comparison
  2. Turkish Van vs Thai - Breed Comparison
  3. Turkish Van vs Tiger Cat - Breed Comparison
  4. Turkish Van vs Tonkinese - Breed Comparison
  5. Turkish Van vs Torby - Breed Comparison
  6. Turkish Van vs Tortoiseshell - Breed Comparison
  7. Turkish Van vs Toyger - Breed Comparison
  8. Turkish Van vs Traditional Siamese - Breed Comparison
  9. Turkish Van vs Turkish Angora - Breed Comparison
  10. Turkish Van vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  11. Turkish Van vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  12. Turkish Van vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  13. Turkish Van vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  14. Turkish Van vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  15. Turkish Van vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  16. Turkish Van vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  17. Turkish Van vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  18. Turkish Van vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  19. Turkish Van vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  20. Turkish Van vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  21. Turkish Van vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  22. Turkish Van vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  23. Turkish Van vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  24. Turkish Van vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  25. Turkish Van vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  26. Traditional Siamese vs Tabby - Breed Comparison
  27. Traditional Siamese vs Thai - Breed Comparison
  28. Traditional Siamese vs Tiger Cat - Breed Comparison
  29. Traditional Siamese vs Tonkinese - Breed Comparison
  30. Traditional Siamese vs Torby - Breed Comparison
  31. Traditional Siamese vs Tortoiseshell - Breed Comparison
  32. Traditional Siamese vs Toyger - Breed Comparison
  33. Traditional Siamese vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  34. Traditional Siamese vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  35. Traditional Siamese vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  36. Traditional Siamese vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  37. Traditional Siamese vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  38. Traditional Siamese vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  39. Traditional Siamese vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  40. Traditional Siamese vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Traditional Siamese vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  42. Traditional Siamese vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  43. Traditional Siamese vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  44. Traditional Siamese vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  45. Traditional Siamese vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  46. Traditional Siamese vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  47. Traditional Siamese vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  48. Traditional Siamese vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  49. Traditional Siamese vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  50. Traditional Siamese vs Bengal - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Cat Breeds