Training & Grooming

Training 🧶:

Turkish Vans are highly intelligent and can be easily trained, making them a joy to work with. You can teach them various tricks and commands, similar to how dogs are trained. If you plan on taking your Turkish Van outside, leash training is essential for their safety and enrichment.

Since they are food-motivated, using treats as rewards is an effective way to reinforce positive behavior during training. However, keep training sessions short and sweet, as cats have shorter attention spans compared to dogs. Let your cat dictate the duration of the training, and stop when you notice their interest waning.

During training, remain calm and patient. Don’t be discouraged if progress is slower than expected; Turkish Vans can be strong-willed and stubborn. Consistent short sessions with treats will yield positive results over time.

Grooming ✂️:

Despite their luxurious appearance, Turkish Vans are relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming. They lack an undercoat, and their single coat has a silky texture, making grooming a breeze. Brushing their coat once a week should be sufficient, and shedding is generally limited to spring when they shed their old coat.

It’s essential to note that Turkish Van cats reach full coat maturity around three to five years of age, and their fur continues to fill in as they grow.

Their fur is naturally water-resistant, so baths are rarely necessary. However, since they love playing with water, offering them a bathtub occasionally for playtime can be enjoyable for them. 

Regular nail trims and teeth brushing are necessary, just like with other cat breeds, to maintain their overall health and well-being.