MyCatBreeds
Turkish Van is originated from Turkey but American Longhair is originated from United States. Both Turkish Van and American Longhair are of same weight. Turkish Van may live 3 years less than American Longhair. Both Turkish Van and American Longhair has same litter size. Turkish Van requires Low maintenance. But American Longhair requires Moderate maintenance
Hailing 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.
The handsome American Longhair cat is thought to be the result of attempts by breeders to have a cat that portrayed some Persian varieties.
American shorthairs have characteristics and looks from both breeds. The American Longhair, although it comes from champion bloodlines, isn’t actually recognized by larger cat organizations.
This 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.
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.
You’ll find that there are quite a few American Longhairs that have the snub nose of the Persian cat which is part of its ancestry.
This is a well-muscled, medium to large sized athletic cat with a thick double coat of many colors and patterns that sheds fairly heavily.
This isn’t a particularly vocal cat, but in true cat-fashion, it is independent and doesn’t require a lot of attention.
This cat will make a nice companion for older people and it is calm enough to enjoy a leisurely stroll outdoors with a harness on. They’re adaptable to different situations, but the American Longhair isn’t the ideal choice for children as it isn’t your playful, lover of noise and games type of cat, preferring the attention of other animals.
They love going into barns and being buffeted and licked by the cows and other barnyard animals.
Lively, 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.
Your American Longhair is an easy-going, friendly social cat that doesn’t demand a lot from his human owners.
These cats are intelligent too and you can even teach them a trick or two. They enjoy the company of their humans and will even follow you around.
Bringing one into your home promises to be a rewarding pet-ownership experience.
Your 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.
The American Longhair doesn’t have many health concerns and you can expect him to live up to 18, 19 or 20 years of age with good care.
There are some American Longhairs that come with that shortened face of the Persian, and this may mean him battling with breathing problems.
Also, be aware of Polycystic kidney disease where you get cysts that form in the kidneys and which can become larger over time and eventually affect kidney function, leading to kidney failure.
One 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.
Cats are meticulous about hygiene so ensure the litter box is kept clean. Remove the cat’s feces every single day.
The long coat of the American Longhair will require some brushing to keep it shiny and smooth and free from dust but also to remove all those loose hairs.
Make sure your cat’s food and water dishes are in an appropriate spot and keep them separate from your cat’s litter box. House train your cat immediately on how to use a litter box. Keep the litter box clean and rake up your cat's droppings regularly and dispose of them.
Before you get a cat, know that they scratch. It is normal for a cat. Provide your cat with a scratching post as well as climbing equipment such as a cat climbing tree.
Always feed your cat a meat-based diet, after all, cats in the wild are carnivores. There are some ingredients that a cat must have and they require certain amino acids found in meat-based proteins or else they could become ill.
The top quality cat foods provide cats with all the nutrients they need to keep them healthy. There are some cat owners who opt to feed their cats home-prepared meals because then they know exactly what’s going into their beloved pets food.
There are other cat owners who choose to provide their pet with a raw diet because they believe that this comes close to the cat's natural diet in the wild.
Always speak to your vet if you are in any way uncertain about the best foods for your cat. He should always have access to fresh cool water.
Check your cat for problems such as parasites such as ticks and fleas. You will also need to have your cat checked for worms. Your vet can diagnose worms with a physical exam. If it is discovered that your cat does have worms, the vet will recommend some safe, effective medications for your pet.
If you are able to, get your cat regular veterinary examinations to ensure he is always in tip-top condition.
Have your cat spayed or neutered to prevent unwelcome kittens in a world where there are just too many unwanted kittens. These procedures can have health benefits for your cat as well.
American Longhairs are lively playful cats so give your cat toys to play with to ensure mental stimulation.