Turkish Vankedisi
The Turkish Vankedisi (Van Kedisi) is the all-white, odd-eyed variety of the Turkish Van that is considered the most prized and auspicious cat in Turkey — unlike the standard Turkish Van which has coloured markings on the head and tail, the Vankedisi is pure chalk white from head to tail.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Turkey
Lifespan
12–17 years
Weight
3–7 kg (6.5–15 lbs)
Height
25–38 cm (10–15 in)
Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Diet
Obligate carnivore — high-quality food appropriate for a large, athletic breed.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
The Story
The Turkish Vankedisi (Van Kedisi) is the all-white, odd-eyed variety of the Turkish Van that is considered the most prized and auspicious cat in Turkey — unlike the standard Turkish Van which has coloured markings on the head and tail, the Vankedisi is pure chalk white from head to tail. The Ankara Zoo maintains a preservation breeding programme specifically for this variety. The odd-eyed Vankedisi (one blue eye, one amber eye) is particularly revered in Turkish culture and is considered a national treasure. They appear on Turkish currency and promotional materials.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
Identical to the Turkish Van in body type — large, muscular, and athletic — but with a completely pure white coat and no coloured markings. Eyes may be blue, amber, or the prized odd-eyed (one blue, one amber). The cashmere-like single coat is water-repellent.
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Coat Length
semi-long
Coat Type
silky
Brushing
2-3x-Weekly
Bathing
Rarely
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Same as Turkish Van — independent, assertive, athletic, and water-loving. Not a lap cat. Assertive with other animals.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
3/5Attention Need
3/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
5/5Protectiveness
2/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Ideal Weather
5°C to 30°C
Indoor/Outdoor
Indoor-Outdoor
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
30%
Attention
30%
Playfulness
50%
Communication Style
Vocal Profile
chatty
Stress Signals
destructive behaviour, spraying, excessive climbing, withdrawal
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Same as Turkish Van. BAER testing essential — the all-white coat with blue eyes creates elevated deafness risk. Regular ear health monitoring.
Nutrition Notes
All-white Turkish Van. Ankara Zoo preservation. Deafness risk (white + blue eyes). Same health as Turkish Van.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Deafness (white + blue eyes). HCM. Same as Turkish Van. Ankara Zoo preservation programme. All-white variant. 12-17 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
450 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
300 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Higher deafness risk than the standard Turkish Van due to all-white coat — the W gene producing the all-white coat can disrupt cochlear development. Odd-eyed individuals often deaf on the blue-eyed side. HCM.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
All-white Turkish Van. Ankara Zoo. India: moderate climate fit.
Purchase Price
$800 to $2,500
Adoption Fee
$75 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Van Kedisi is considered so culturally important in Turkey that the Ankara Zoo has maintained a special breeding programme since the 1970s — one of the very few national breeding programmes for a domestic cat breed maintained by a government institution.
The odd-eyed (one blue, one amber) all-white Van Kedisi is considered the luckiest cat in Turkish folklore — there is a saying that keeping an odd-eyed white cat brings divine protection to a household.
