The Turkish Van cat is a rare breed originating in Turkey. These loveable felines are physically active and enjoy spending time with their humans. Their unique cashmere-like coat is typically white with a darker ring-patterned tail, a matching dark-colored marking on the head, and a similar dark mark sometimes appears between the shoulder blades. The Van loves to immerse itself in water and will happily swim for a long time. The Turkish Van is also known for its distinctive eyes, which are usually amber colored, blue, or sometimes one colored eye of each hue. While this unique and rare breed isn’t known for any genetic health problems, there are a few common concerns to watch out for if you’re planning on bringing home a Turkish Van.
The 5 Common Health Problems with Turkish Van Cats
- Obesity Image Credit: Lea Rae, Shutterstock Turkish Van cats tend to be a healthy breed overall, but weight management is just as important for this breed as many other cat breeds. Females tend to weigh between 7 to 10 pounds, while males weigh in at 10-12 pounds. Obesity can put your cat at increased risk for arthritis, fatty liver, diabetes, and other health issues. To help prevent obesity in your Turkish Van, watch their food intake and encourage exercise. Choose an appropriate food for your cat and follow the directions on the bag so you don’t overfeed your pet. If your cat is struggling with weight, contact your vet to determine if there are underlying health conditions that could be causing weight gain. Your vet may also prescribe your cat a special diet to help it lose weight. Exercise can be encouraged by purchasing cat tunnels and towers, which help your cat engage in playing, chasing, and climbing. Other activities that keep your cat active could include motorized cat toys, swimming (since the Van is a water lover), or the old crinkled paper tied to the end of a piece of string attached to a stick. You might also consider getting your Van a friend if you have the space for another pet. Symptoms of Obesity
Weight gain
Difficulty climbing or jumping
No visible waistline
Increased gas passing and less frequent bowel movements
Disheveled hair coat
Pet parents can’t feel hip or rib bones when petting
Tight collar
- Diabetes The Turkish Van is typically a healthy cat but sometimes can develop diabetes. The most common form of diabetes for cats is Type II Diabetes Mellitus, which is also known as non-insulin-dependent or insulin-resistant diabetes. Type II usually results in a relative insulin deficiency, which means the pancreas produces insulin, but the tissues aren’t able to use it to metabolize glucose adequately. Common risk factors for Type II Diabetes Mellitus are increased age of the cat, absence of physical activity, gender (indoor male cats are more frequently diagnosed), steroid therapy, or obesity. Symptoms of Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Lethargy and/or weakness
Increased thirst
Increased frequency and volume of urination
Weight loss (despite continued eating)
Loss of muscle
Vomiting
Reduced coat quality (dandruff or oily coat)
- Elevated Liver Enzymes
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Elevated liver enzymes in cats could be a sign that your cat has hepatomegaly, which is an increase in the size of the liver. Inflammation and/or infection could lead to an enlargement of the liver. Other factors that could cause hepatomegaly are hemorrhages, tumors, or cysts. High cholesterol can also play a factor in an enlarged liver, so you should keep a close watch on your pet’s weight, so they don’t become obese. Other causes of hepatomegaly include chronic liver disease, hepatitis, heartworm, diaphragmatic hernia, fat accumulation in the liver tissue, liver cyst, and tumors. Another potential cause for elevated liver enzymes is fatty liver or hepatic lipidosis. When a cat’s body is starved or underfed, the body moves fat from its internal reserves to the liver so it can be turned into lipoproteins to provide energy. The body of a cat is not intended to transform large stores of fat, so when the cat’s body says it’s in starvation mode, the fat released by the cat’s body isn’t managed efficiently which leads to a low functioning and fatty liver. Symptoms include rapid loss of weight, anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, loss of muscle, vomiting, and collapse.
Respiratory Infection Cats can also catch viruses that lead to respiratory infections. Symptoms of respiratory infection in cats include runny nose, sneezing, congestion, coughing, fever, and ulcers around the eyes, nose, and mouth. They may also experience trouble swallowing or choking and wheezing when they’re trying to breathe. Cats will also experience behavioral changes when they’re ill, such as disinterest in grooming, lack of hunger, and general lethargy. If you suspect your pet has an upper respiratory infection, reach out to your vet for an appointment and treatment recommendations. Left untreated, cats can develop pneumonia or other serious health issues.
Ear Infections Image Credit: Gabriele M. Reinhardt, Pixabay Ear infections can affect any age or breed of cat, including the Turkish Van. Cats with diabetes, allergies, or illnesses that cause weakened immune systems are more likely to get ear infections. The good news is that ear infections are easy to treat if caught early, so it will be important to pay attention to your cat’s behavior. If they are shaking their head rapidly and often, pawing at and around their ears, tipping their head to one side, or constantly rubbing their ear against surfaces, your cat may have an ear infection. Reach out to your vet immediately for treatment if you suspect an ear infection so your cat can be treated before balance issues or hearing loss occurs. Symptoms of Ear Infections
Excessive earwax
Strong ear odor
Ear discharge
Inflammation or redness in and around the ear
Ear mites (seen as black specks)
Final Thoughts The Turkish Can cat is known for being a loveable and friendly breed. This rare cat is not known to have any major genetic health issues but can be susceptible to some of the same common health ailments as other felines. Obesity, diabetes, and elevated liver enzymes are all health issues that can be prevented by a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. Upper respiratory infections can occur at any time and can lead to pneumonia if left untreated. Ear infections are a common ailment among felines but can be treated successfully if caught early. Your Turkish Van is likely to live a long and healthy life if you maintain its weight, encourage exercise, and get regular vet checkups. Sources
https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_obesity https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_diabetes_mellitus https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hepatomegaly https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_hepatic_lipidosis https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/cat-upper-respiratory-infection/ https://www.petmd.com/cat/breeds/c_ct_turkish_van https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/cat-breeds/turkish-van https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/ear-infections-in-cats/
Featured Image Credit: Gabriele M. Reinhardt, Pixabay
The Turkish Van cat is a rare breed originating in Turkey. These loveable felines are physically active and enjoy spending time with their humans. Their unique cashmere-like coat is typically white with a darker ring-patterned tail, a matching dark-colored marking on the head, and a similar dark mark sometimes appears between the shoulder blades. The Van loves to immerse itself in water and will happily swim for a long time. The Turkish Van is also known for its distinctive eyes, which are usually amber colored, blue, or sometimes one colored eye of each hue. While this unique and rare breed isn’t known for any genetic health problems, there are a few common concerns to watch out for if you’re planning on bringing home a Turkish Van.
The 5 Common Health Problems with Turkish Van Cats
1. Obesity
Turkish Van cats tend to be a healthy breed overall, but weight management is just as important for this breed as many other cat breeds. Females tend to weigh between 7 to 10 pounds, while males weigh in at 10-12 pounds. Obesity can put your cat at increased risk for arthritis, fatty liver, diabetes, and other health issues. To help prevent obesity in your Turkish Van, watch their food intake and encourage exercise. Choose an appropriate food for your cat and follow the directions on the bag so you don’t overfeed your pet. If your cat is struggling with weight, contact your vet to determine if there are underlying health conditions that could be causing weight gain. Your vet may also prescribe your cat a special diet to help it lose weight.
Exercise can be encouraged by purchasing cat tunnels and towers, which help your cat engage in playing, chasing, and climbing. Other activities that keep your cat active could include motorized cat toys, swimming (since the Van is a water lover), or the old crinkled paper tied to the end of a piece of string attached to a stick. You might also consider getting your Van a friend if you have the space for another pet.
Symptoms of Obesity
Weight gain
Difficulty climbing or jumping
No visible waistline
Increased gas passing and less frequent bowel movements
Disheveled hair coat
Pet parents can’t feel hip or rib bones when petting
Tight collar
2. Diabetes
The Turkish Van is typically a healthy cat but sometimes can develop diabetes. The most common form of diabetes for cats is Type II Diabetes Mellitus, which is also known as non-insulin-dependent or insulin-resistant diabetes. Type II usually results in a relative insulin deficiency, which means the pancreas produces insulin, but the tissues aren’t able to use it to metabolize glucose adequately.
Weight gain
Difficulty climbing or jumping
No visible waistline
Increased gas passing and less frequent bowel movements
Disheveled hair coat
Pet parents can’t feel hip or rib bones when petting
Tight collar
Weight gain
Difficulty climbing or jumping
No visible waistline
Increased gas passing and less frequent bowel movements
Disheveled hair coat
Pet parents can’t feel hip or rib bones when petting
Tight collar
Weight gain
Common risk factors for Type II Diabetes Mellitus are increased age of the cat, absence of physical activity, gender (indoor male cats are more frequently diagnosed), steroid therapy, or obesity.
Symptoms of Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Lethargy and/or weakness
Increased thirst
Increased frequency and volume of urination
Weight loss (despite continued eating)
Loss of muscle
Vomiting
Reduced coat quality (dandruff or oily coat)
3. Elevated Liver Enzymes
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Nashville Cat Rescue (@nashvillecatrescue)
Elevated liver enzymes in cats could be a sign that your cat has hepatomegaly, which is an increase in the size of the liver. Inflammation and/or infection could lead to an enlargement of the liver. Other factors that could cause hepatomegaly are hemorrhages, tumors, or cysts. High cholesterol can also play a factor in an enlarged liver, so you should keep a close watch on your pet’s weight, so they don’t become obese. Other causes of hepatomegaly include chronic liver disease, hepatitis, heartworm, diaphragmatic hernia, fat accumulation in the liver tissue, liver cyst, and tumors.
Lethargy and/or weakness
Increased thirst
Increased frequency and volume of urination
Weight loss (despite continued eating)
Loss of muscle
Vomiting
Reduced coat quality (dandruff or oily coat)
- Lethargy and/or weakness
- Increased thirst
- Increased frequency and volume of urination
- Weight loss (despite continued eating)
- Loss of muscle
- Vomiting
- Reduced coat quality (dandruff or oily coat)
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Nashville Cat Rescue (@nashvillecatrescue)
A post shared by Nashville Cat Rescue (@nashvillecatrescue)
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Another potential cause for elevated liver enzymes is fatty liver or hepatic lipidosis. When a cat’s body is starved or underfed, the body moves fat from its internal reserves to the liver so it can be turned into lipoproteins to provide energy. The body of a cat is not intended to transform large stores of fat, so when the cat’s body says it’s in starvation mode, the fat released by the cat’s body isn’t managed efficiently which leads to a low functioning and fatty liver. Symptoms include rapid loss of weight, anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, loss of muscle, vomiting, and collapse.
4. Respiratory Infection
Cats can also catch viruses that lead to respiratory infections. Symptoms of respiratory infection in cats include runny nose, sneezing, congestion, coughing, fever, and ulcers around the eyes, nose, and mouth. They may also experience trouble swallowing or choking and wheezing when they’re trying to breathe. Cats will also experience behavioral changes when they’re ill, such as disinterest in grooming, lack of hunger, and general lethargy. If you suspect your pet has an upper respiratory infection, reach out to your vet for an appointment and treatment recommendations. Left untreated, cats can develop pneumonia or other serious health issues.
5. Ear Infections
Ear infections can affect any age or breed of cat, including the Turkish Van. Cats with diabetes, allergies, or illnesses that cause weakened immune systems are more likely to get ear infections. The good news is that ear infections are easy to treat if caught early, so it will be important to pay attention to your cat’s behavior. If they are shaking their head rapidly and often, pawing at and around their ears, tipping their head to one side, or constantly rubbing their ear against surfaces, your cat may have an ear infection. Reach out to your vet immediately for treatment if you suspect an ear infection so your cat can be treated before balance issues or hearing loss occurs.
Symptoms of Ear Infections
Excessive earwax
Strong ear odor
Ear discharge
Inflammation or redness in and around the ear
Ear mites (seen as black specks)
Excessive earwax
Strong ear odor
Ear discharge
Inflammation or redness in and around the ear
Ear mites (seen as black specks)
- Excessive earwax
- Strong ear odor
- Ear discharge
- Inflammation or redness in and around the ear
- Ear mites (seen as black specks)
Final Thoughts
The Turkish Can cat is known for being a loveable and friendly breed. This rare cat is not known to have any major genetic health issues but can be susceptible to some of the same common health ailments as other felines. Obesity, diabetes, and elevated liver enzymes are all health issues that can be prevented by a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. Upper respiratory infections can occur at any time and can lead to pneumonia if left untreated. Ear infections are a common ailment among felines but can be treated successfully if caught early. Your Turkish Van is likely to live a long and healthy life if you maintain its weight, encourage exercise, and get regular vet checkups.
Sources
https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_obesity https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_diabetes_mellitus https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hepatomegaly https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_hepatic_lipidosis https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/cat-upper-respiratory-infection/ https://www.petmd.com/cat/breeds/c_ct_turkish_van https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/cat-breeds/turkish-van https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/ear-infections-in-cats/
Featured Image Credit: Gabriele M. Reinhardt, Pixabay
Sources
https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_obesity https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_diabetes_mellitus https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hepatomegaly https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_hepatic_lipidosis https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/cat-upper-respiratory-infection/ https://www.petmd.com/cat/breeds/c_ct_turkish_van https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/cat-breeds/turkish-van https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/ear-infections-in-cats/
- https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_obesity
- https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_diabetes_mellitus
- https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hepatomegaly
- https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_hepatic_lipidosis
- https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/cat-upper-respiratory-infection/
- https://www.petmd.com/cat/breeds/c_ct_turkish_van
- https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/cat-breeds/turkish-van
- https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/ear-infections-in-cats/
