Turkish Van Cats – The Turkish Van is an uncommon cat starting from Türkiye. These adorable cats enjoy spending time with their owners and are physically active. It has a distinctive coat that looks like cashmere and is usually white. On the tail, it has a pattern of dark rings, and on the head, it has a dark pattern that matches. Sometimes, a dark pattern appears between the shoulder blades. Vans love to be in the water and will cheerfully swim for extensive periods. The Turkish van is also famous for its distinctive eyes, which are typically blue, amber, or a combination of the two. Even though this one-of-a-kind and rare breed has no known genetic health issues, there are some common concerns to keep in mind if you plan to bring a Turkish Van home.
Top 5 Best Health Problems in Turkish Van Cats:
1. Obesity:
Even though, like many other cat breeds, Turkish Vans are generally healthy, weight management is important for this breed. Males typically weigh between 10 and 12 pounds, while females typically weigh 7 to 10 pounds. Obesity can make your cat more likely to have diabetes, arthritis, fatty liver, and other health issues. Maintain a food diary and encourage physical activity in your Turkish van to prevent obesity. Be careful not to overfeed your cat by selecting the appropriate food and adhering to the bag’s instructions. Consult your veterinarian if your cat is gaining weight to determine if any health conditions could be to blame. Additionally, your veterinarian may recommend a specific diet to assist your cat in losing weight.
You can support the practice by buying cat passages or pinnacles that assist your cat with playing, reading, and climbing. Electric cat toys, swimming (Van loves the water), or crumpled old paper tied to the end of a rope and tied to a post are other ways to keep your cat active. You might also want to think about making Van your friend if you have room for another pet.
2. Diabetes:
Although they can occasionally develop diabetes, Turkish Vans are typically healthy cats. The most well-known type of diabetes in cats is type II diabetes, otherwise called non-insulin-subordinate diabetes or insulin-safe diabetes. Typically, type II results in a relative insulin deficiency. This truly means that although the pancreas produces insulin, the tissue can’t utilize it to use glucose appropriately.
Increased age, inactivity, sex (most diagnosed in indoor male cats), steroid therapy, or obesity are all common risk factors for type II diabetes in cats.
3. A rise in liver enzymes:
Cats with elevated liver enzyme levels may have hepatomegaly, which indicates that the liver is expanding. Irritation and disease can make the liver develop. Bleeding, tumors, and cysts are additional factors that can lead to liver enlargement. Your pet’s weight should be closely monitored to prevent him from becoming obese because high cholesterol can also cause an enlarged liver. Chronic liver disease, hepatitis, heartworms, diaphragmatic hernia, fatty buildup in liver tissue, liver cysts, and tumors are additional causes of enlarged livers.
Hepatic lipidosis or fatty liver is another possible cause of elevated liver enzymes. The body of a cat moves fat from its internal stores to the liver, where it can be converted into lipoproteins for energy when the body is hungry or starving. When a cat’s body decides to go into starvation mode, the fat it releases is not managed effectively and cannot function properly, resulting in liver dysfunction and fatty liver. A cat’s body is not designed to convert large amounts of stored fat. Side effects incorporate quick weight reduction, loss of craving, clogging, loose bowels, loss of bulk, retching, and shortcoming.
4. Infections of the lungs – Turkish Van Cats:
Additionally, viruses that cause respiratory infections can be carried by cats. Runny nose, sneezing, congestion, cough, fever, and ulcers around the eyes, nose, and mouth are all signs of respiratory infections in cats. You may likewise have trouble gulping, gagging, or wheezing while attempting to relax. Additionally, sick cats exhibit behavioral changes such as a decreased appetite, decreased interest in grooming, and a general lack of energy. If you suspect your pet has an upper respiratory parcel disease, contact your veterinarian to plan an arrangement and suggest treatment. Cats may develop pneumonia and other serious health issues if they are not treated.
5. Viruses in the ear – Turkish Van Cats:
Ear diseases can influence cats of any age and breed, including Turkish Vans. Your cat may have an ear infection if he shakes his head quickly and frequently, paws at or around his ears, tilts his head to one side, or constantly rubs his ears against surfaces. Get in touch with your veterinarian right away for treatment if you think your pet has an ear infection. This permits your cat to receive treatment before developing balance issues or hearing loss.
Conclusion:
The Turkish Can cat is regarded as a friendly and affectionate breed. This uncommon cat is not known to have any serious genetic health issues, but it may be susceptible to some of the same health issues that affect other cats. Getting enough exercise and eating a healthy diet can help prevent obesity, diabetes, and elevated liver enzymes. If left untreated, upper respiratory infections can develop into pneumonia at any time. Cats frequently get ear infections, which can be treated if caught early. If you keep a sound weight, exercise, and visit your veterinarian routinely, your Turkish van will probably carry on with a long, solid life.