Highlander vs Turkish Van

Which cat breed is right for you?

Highlander

Size
10–20 lbs
Lifespan
10–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Energetic Playful Confident Social

Turkish Van

Size
7–20 lbs
Lifespan
12–17 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Energetic Playful Independent Athletic

About the Highlander

The Highlander — originally called the Highland Lynx — was developed in 2004 by crossing Desert Lynx cats with Jungle Curls, aiming to create a domestic cat with a wild appearance. This large breed weighs 10–25 pounds and has a powerful, muscular build with a naturally short or bobbed tail. Their most distinctive features are their loosely curled ears (curling backward like the American Curl) and their optional polydactyl (extra-toed) paws — their coat comes in both shorthair and longhair varieties in all colors and patterns.

Temperament & Personality

Highlanders are confident, outgoing cats that love to be the center of attention and entertain their families with playful antics. They are gentle giants — patient with children, friendly with dogs, and sociable with other cats. Their clownish, energetic personality combined with their wild appearance makes them a conversation-starting companion.

Pros

  • Striking wild appearance with curled ears and bobbed tail — truly unique-looking
  • Confident, clownish personality — loves to entertain and interact
  • Gentle despite their large size — excellent with children and other pets
  • Optional polydactylism adds to their distinctive charm

Cons

  • Curled ears need regular cleaning and careful handling to avoid cartilage damage
  • Large size requires more food, larger litter boxes, and sturdier cat furniture
  • Relatively new breed — long-term health data is still being collected
  • Can be boisterous and may accidentally knock things over due to size and energy

Want a gentle giant with a wild side? Browse Highlander cats and other unique breeds on Puplister.

About the Turkish Van

The Turkish Van is a rare, naturally occurring breed from the Lake Van region of eastern Turkey, renowned as the "swimming cat" for its unusual love of water. This is a large, muscular cat weighing 10–18 pounds with a semi-long, cashmere-like single coat that is water-resistant and dries remarkably fast. The classic Van pattern features a predominantly chalk-white body with colored markings limited to the head and tail — typically in red, cream, black, blue, or tortoiseshell — though solid white and fully colored Vans also exist.

Temperament & Personality

Turkish Vans are energetic, independent, and famously fond of water — they may join you in the shower, play in the toilet, or splash in their water bowl. Intelligent and athletic, they love to climb, jump, and play vigorously. They bond closely with their family but can be selective about being held — they prefer to be near you rather than in your lap.

Pros

  • Unique love of water sets them apart from nearly every other breed
  • Cashmere-textured single coat is water-resistant, low-shedding, and rarely mats
  • Athletic and playful — endlessly entertaining to watch
  • Hardy, naturally evolved breed with robust health

Cons

  • Does not enjoy being held or restrained — wants affection on its own terms
  • Extremely high energy — needs significant space and daily vigorous play
  • Water obsession can create messes — toilet lids must stay closed
  • All-white Vans can be prone to deafness, similar to Turkish Angoras

Looking for an adventurous water-lover unlike any other cat? Browse Turkish Van cats on Puplister and discover this remarkable swimming feline.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Highlander and a Turkish Van?
The Highlander is 10–20 lbs sized while the Turkish Van is 7–20 lbs sized. They differ in size (10–20 lbs vs 7–20 lbs), lifespan (10–15 years vs 12–17 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Highlander or Turkish Van?
Highlander is generally good with kids. Turkish Van is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Highlander or Turkish Van?
The Highlander has a lifespan of 10–15 years while the Turkish Van has a lifespan of 12–17 years.

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