Turkish Van vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison

Turkish Van vs American Shorthair - Breed ComparisonAmerican Shorthair is originated from United States but Turkish Van is originated from Turkey. Both American Shorthair and Turkish Van are having almost same weight. American Shorthair may live 5 years more than Turkish Van. Both American Shorthair and Turkish Van has same litter size. Both American Shorthair and Turkish Van requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

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United States
Turkey
Weight Male:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
3 - 8 kg
6 - 18 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
3 - 8 kg
6 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
15 - 20 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
Domestic Shorthair
The Swimming Cat
Colors Available:
Many colors and patterns
brown, White with other colors - red, black
Coat:
Shortish hair
Semi long haired
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

american shorthairOften sailors of old would keep cats onboard to protect their stores from mice and rats, and so it was when settlers sailed from Europe to North America.

They had cats onboard and once onshore they interbred. But in the 20th century, a selective breeding program began to bring out the best qualities of these cats.

The American Shorthair is one of these cats – a pedigreed cat that is accepted by all North American cat registries. At first, the cat was known as the Domestic Shorthair but it was renamed in 1966.

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

american shorthair kitten - descriptionThe American Shorthair is a large, sturdy cat with a round face and short ears. Their coats can come in many different patterns and colors. They shed so the fur will need to be brushed from time to time.

They stand at about 20 – 25cm in height and they weigh between 5 and 7kg.

Temperament:

The American Shorthairs are easy, no-fuss cats. They’re also low maintenance, healthy, amicable cats, ready to even be friends with strangers and your dogs.

He is an intelligent cat too so it will be important to provide him with toys that challenge him to think. These good-natured cats make perfect famiy companions.

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

american shorthair cat - characteristicsThe American Shorthair is a playful cat and is quite capable of amusing himself, but will welcome your games too. He’s a big cat so make sure he gets enough exercise to avoid him becoming obese.

He is a low maintenance cat and you don't have to be worrying about him too much as he just likes to get on with life. He loves being well-fed, getting your attention and lying in the sun.

This is one cat that doesn’t need a lot of attention so being easy to care for, independent, playful, and affectionate, you’re going to have one of a kind companion and 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

american shorthair kittens - health problemsWith good nutrition and a loving caring lifestyle, the American Shorthair can live to be 15 – 20 years of age and even longer.

Their flattish faces also make the American Shorthair prone to respiratory issues.

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

american shorthair cats - caringYour American Shorthair will benefit greatly from regular brushing and he looks forward to this grooming period and being pampered by you for a few minutes.

It helps to remove the dead hair from his coat and this is important so that he doesn’t ingest the loose hair. While you’re brushing him, you can also run your fingers over him to make sure there are no unusual lumps. Anything odd or any sign of illness you should take your cat to see the vet immediately.

Diet:

Make sure your American Shorthair has access to the best quality food there is. There are many commercially manufactured cat foods available and your vet can advise you on the best one to choose.

Cats are carnivores so aways choose food that is high in proten. Food must be provided in accordance with the cat’s age and energy levels. Certainly a generic cat or one with a medical condition will need a certain type of food than a young, frisky kitten. Make sure your cat always has access to fresh, cool water.

Make your cat comfortable:

Make sure your furry feline friend has everything he needs to ensure he is comfortable. This includes feeding bowls, toys, a litter box, soft bedding, nutritious food as well as scratching post and climbing equipment.

Desex your cats:

Have your pet neutered or spayed if you don’t want kittens from your cat. These procedures have enormous health benefits for your pet and it prevents even more kittens coming into a world that already has far too many unwanted pets.

Vaccines:

Make sure your cat is up to date with all his vaccines because without being vaccinated your cat can succumb to any one of the life-threatening cat illnesses there are. Kittens need to have their first vaccines at 8 weeks of age.

Transporting your cat:

If you have to take your cat to the vet you need a carrier basket so that your cat feels comfortable and safe inside it.

You can’t just put your cat on a leash and take him to the vet as inside the car he will lurch around and cause you to lose attention. A transport box that is familiar to your cat will be the best way for you and your cat to travel.

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