Cat breed comparison
Turkish Angora vs Turkish Van
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Turkish Angora tends to live about 2 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Turkish Angora | Turkish Van |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Turkey | Turkey |
| Weight | 5 to 10 lbs | 7 to 20 lbs |
| Life span | 15 to 18 years | 12 to 17 years |
| Lap cat | No | No |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
| Affection | ||
| Energy | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with dogs | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Vocal | ||
| Needs company | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Health issues |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Turkish Angora
An ancient breed from the Ankara region of Turkey. Ankara Zoo began a breeding programme in the early 1900s to preserve it.
White cats with blue eyes are at higher risk of deafness.
Health to watch
- Hereditary deafness (in white blue-eyed cats)
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Ataxia
The Turkish Van
A natural breed from the Lake Van region of eastern Turkey. It is known as the swimming cat because many enjoy water.
Its coat has colour only on the head and tail, a pattern called the van pattern.
Health to watch
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Vocal
The Turkish Van is more vocal than the Turkish Angora.
Shedding
The Turkish Van sheds more than the Turkish Angora.
Needs company
The Turkish Angora needs more company than the Turkish Van.
Health issues
The Turkish Angora tends to have more health issues than the Turkish Van.
Which to choose
Turkish Angora or Turkish Van?
Choose the Turkish Angora if…
- You prefer a quiet cat (it is quieter)
- You want a cat that sheds less
- Someone is home most of the day (it needs more company)
Choose the Turkish Van if…
- You enjoy a chatty cat (it is more vocal)
- You’re out for part of the day (it is happier alone)
- You want a cat that tends to have fewer health issues
Questions.
Is the Turkish Angora or the Turkish Van bigger, and which lives longer?
The Turkish Angora tends to live about 2 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Turkish Angora or the Turkish Van?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Turkish Angora or the Turkish Van?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Turkish Angora sheds less than the Turkish Van. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Turkish Angora and Turkish Van have?
The Turkish Angora is prone to hereditary deafness (in white blue-eyed cats), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, ataxia. The Turkish Van is prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Both share a risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
