Turkish Van vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Turkish Van vs Abyssinian - Breed ComparisonAbyssinian is originated from Ethiopia but Turkish Van is originated from Turkey. Both Abyssinian and Turkish Van are having almost same weight. Both Abyssinian and Turkish Van has almost same life span. Both Abyssinian and Turkish Van has same litter size. Both Abyssinian and Turkish Van requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

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Ethiopia
Turkey
Weight Male:
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
3 - 8 kg
6 - 18 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 5 kg
11 - 12 pounds
3 - 8 kg
6 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 13 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
Bunny Cat, Abys
The Swimming Cat
Colors Available:
many colors - reddish-brown base with black ticking.
brown, White with other colors - red, black
Coat:
Short and close-lying
Semi long haired
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
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

abyssinianKnown also as the Bunny Cat or the Abys, the Abyssinian cat hails from Abyssinia which is today known as Ethiopia.

It is believed that the cat was brought to the UK in the 1860s. At first the cat was crossed with British Shorthairs, and later with oriental breeds.

The cat was imported in 1900 to America with some breeding programs starting in the United States in the 1930s. It is thought that it was a good thing that cats were exported to the U.S. because World War II took a toll on breed numbers but the breed was built up again in the USA.

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

abyssinian kitten - descriptionThe Abyssinian is a slender, lithe, fine-boned, medium sized cat with shortish to medium length silky hair and long, slender legs.

The fur has a distinctive ticked look. The coat comes in several colors – but its base color is a glossy reddish-brown base with black ticking.

You’ll find that the feline reaches a height of 20-25 cm and that its length is roughly 30-41 cm. When your Abyssinian is an adult it will weigh about 4-5 kg. With good care, your feline pet can reach up to 13 years of age.

The kittens are born with dark coats, but as they mature, the coat lightens. The head of the cat is somewhat wedge-shaped and it has fairly large ears with big almond-shaped eyes. The eyes can be green or hazel, depending on the coat shade. The tail is long and tapering.

Temperament:

The Abyssinian loves leaping onto cupboard tops or anything that has some height. It's an intelligent cat this Aby and always on the go. He is a playful cat and just loves being the center of attention, and when he has lots of toys he is always occupied, entertaining you with his antics.

If you were to be away at work every day, it would be a good idea to have a friend for him because he’s the kind of cat that becomes bored and lonely and then he becomes naughty. This cat is known as a clown with its outgoing, mischievous nature.

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

abyssinian cat - characteristicsYour active Abyssinian cat is such a pleasure to have in the home as these cats love their human family as well as other pets in the home.

He’ll talk to you in a quiet way. They’re playful cats and you want to make sure you supply him with some stimulating toys.

Remember to brush his coat gently and make it a special therapeutic, bonding time. Make sure your active cat has exercise and provide some climbing equipment for him. Most of all he just wants to be around you and to get your loving attention.

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

abyssinian kittens - health problemsThe Abyssinian has been known to be prone to kidney disorders. It can also be prone to gingivitis which can lead to periodontal disease.

Also, the Abyssinian has been known to have problems with blindness. An eye problem, called progressive retinal atrophy is where the cells deteriorate over time and this is what causes the blindness.

The Abyssinian can also be prone to patellar luxation where the kneecap can become dislocated.

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

abyssinian cats - caringThe Abyssinian cat’s short, fine coat is easy to care for. Brush and comb it timeously to remove loose hairs.

Because of periodontal disease, brush your cat's teeth. If you feel you don’t know how to perform any of these ‘caring’ routines for your kitty kat, don’t despair as your vet can do a dental cleaning procedure as well as your pet groomers.

Your Abyssinian cat is carnivorous and will need food similar to that which they would prey on in the wild. Your cat will require foods high in protein and with added vitamins and minerals.

Avoid cat foods that add in useless fillers such as wheat and soy. It is important that you buy the right cat food for your Abyssinian, and if you’re in any doubt, speak to your vet. Make sure your cat always has access to a bowl of fresh, cool water.

Always keep your Abyssinian’s litter box spotlessly clean. You can keep a special little plastic rake to rake up the sand and rid the box of cat droppings immediately.

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. Aegean vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. African Serval vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  3. Chausie vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  4. American Bobtail vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  5. American Curl vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  6. American Keuda vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  7. American Longhair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  8. American Polydactyl vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  9. American Shorthair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  10. American Wirehair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  11. Applehead Siamese vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  12. Ashera vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  13. Asian vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  14. Asian Semi-Longhair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  15. Australian Mist vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  16. Balinese vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  17. Bengal vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  18. Bicolor vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  19. Birman vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  20. Blue Russian vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  21. Bombay vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  22. Brazilian Shorthair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  23. Bristol vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  24. British Longhair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  25. British Shorthair vs Abyssinian - 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