Turkish Van vs Oriental Longhair - Breed Comparison

Turkish Van vs Oriental Longhair - Breed ComparisonOriental Longhair is originated from United Kingdom but Turkish Van is originated from Turkey. Both Oriental Longhair and Turkish Van are having almost same weight. Both Oriental Longhair and Turkish Van has same life span. Both Oriental Longhair and Turkish Van has same litter size. Oriental Longhair requires Moderate Maintenance. But Turkish Van requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

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United Kingdom
Turkey
Weight Male:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
3 - 8 kg
6 - 18 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
3 - 8 kg
6 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
Foreign Longhair
The Swimming Cat
Colors Available:
Many colors and patterns
brown, White with other colors - red, black
Coat:
Medium to long haired - silky
Semi long haired
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

oriental longhairYour Oriental Longhair cat has his foundations in the Siamese breed. The Siamese came from Thailand to the UK in the 1800s.

Sometimes a litter of Siamese kittens produced a long-haired variety but in the 1950s breeders started honing in on these longer haired Siamese cats.

Various crossings took place and Oriental Shorthairs came about. By breeding these Shorthairs with Balinese cats, the Oriental Longhair came about in the 1970s.

turkish vanHailing 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.

Description

oriental longhair kitten - descriptionThe Oriental Longhair is a medium-sized cat with a fairly long, muscular, lean body. The Oriental Longhair actually resembles the Siamese cat.

They also come in an outstanding array of colors and patterns with the coat being long and silky. The coat can be a solid color but you can also find tabby-type coats as well as tipped coats. The cat doesn’t have an undercoat and coat lies fairly flat against the body. You will also hear it being referred to as a semi-longhair.

The tail is attractive and forms quite a bushy plume.

The Oriental Longhair cat has almond-shaped green eyes. If you see the white Orientals, they can have green or blue eyes. They can also be odd-eyed.

Temperament:

These cats are intelligent, curious, and good-natured and they love to talk. Therefore it is important that such a cat breed have a home where there is plenty of company.

They’re active cats too, loving to play and bound and leap. He'll want to willingly join in with some of your games. The cat will certainly need some exciting toys to keep him occupied.

They are loyal cats and become loving and devoted to their human family, getting on well with children in the home as well as other pets.

They don’t like being left alone at all and will prefer to have company, even if it is from another pet.

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.

Characteristics

oriental longhair cat - characteristicsYour Oriental Longhair is such a friendly, lively cat and he makes a splendid companion. It is an inquisitive cat and likes to be part of the activity in the household.

He is a social, talkative cat and has always got a lot to say/ They love the attention of their human family and don’t like being separated too long from them.

When you get one of these cats, you get both an entertainer and a friend.

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.

Health Problems

oriental longhair kittens - health problemsThe Oriental Longhair is generally considered a healthy breed. Because the cat can be prone to some inherited conditions, it is always a wise move to buy a kitten from a reputable breeder.

A couple of these diseases to look out for include Progressive Retinol Atrophy which is a degenerative condition that can lead to blindness.

Also, look out for periodontal disease which is common in many cat breeds.

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.

Caring The Pet

oriental longhair cats - caringThis is a slim cat and you can easily tell when he has put on weight. Be very careful with how much you feed your cat and what you feed him.

Cats are carnivores and you need to ensure that his diet is rich in meaty ingredients. These cats have long slim legs and extra weight can put pressure on the cat’s joints. Keep your cat lean and healthy. If in any doubt about diet for your cat, speak to your vet, Always ensure a bowl of fresh, cool water.

Prepare to have a cat included in your family. Invest in food and water bowls, a cat bed, grooming brushes, toys, climbing tree, scratching post and litter box. A cat box for transporting your pet to the vet is also a good idea.

The Oriental Longhair loves to leap up into high areas so he will need a climbing tree. Try to get your cat out into the sunshine where possible and allow him to climb into a tree.

They’re playful cats and will require some stimulating toys.

The cat’s medium- to long hair will require brushing once or twice a week. When you brush your pet gently but purposefully, he loves it and it becomes a bonding session.

Provide your cat with a litterbox and make sure to clean out the box every day. You can do that by buying a small plastic rake at the pet shop and it keeps the litter nice and even for your pet.

Have your cat neutered or spayed to prevent unwanted kittens.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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