what breed does my cat look like?

I adopted Bella, 2 years ago. They told me she was a Norwegian forest cat. Not familiar with that breed. Anyone know for sure?

Hi,

it's a bit hard to tell on that picture, but I don't think yor cat has the straight profile of a Norwegian forest cat.

I didn't think so either. The new vet I took her to says Turkish van. We love her, she is a WONDERFUL CAT!! Just thought I would see what other cat people thought. Thanks!

Right, we need more pictures, including profile of the head and nose.

How big is she?

The looks  MAY belong to a NFC, but nobody of us can know for sure - EVEN if the outside would look OK for an NFC.  Without papers or other solid proofs you cant know.

Much depends on how knowleable and solid were the previous owners who told you she was NFC.

The coloring is of a Turkish van, yes, and they are medium haired...

But you cant be either one or another, just take your pic.

Either is she a purebred or not.   But which look alike - yes this is another and interesting question

What a lovely looking cat, Bella has a very striking face and beautiful coat.

For the NFC breed I believe there should be a thick under coat and long guard hairs that are waterproof covering the tail, back and sides.  The tail should also be long and able to reach the shoulders if brought over the back, and ears tufted.  They are large cats and not possible to tell size from your photos, however I am thinking she is porbably not closely related to this breed.

Markings are in keeping with Turkish Van, though again not likely to be of that particular breed.  Still pretty though!  

She is 13.4 lbs. My husband was looking through papers from her adoption through the vet we got her from and they had her as a kitten, they listed her As a NFC/domestic mix. She is a beautiful cat and has brought us so much joy.

She is certainly a good size, more than a kilo bigger than Mouse and he is a fair sized muscular cat.  This second photo is clearer in showing her tail length and build and listing could be right.  Interested to know on that front if her thick fur is indeed water resistant.  

BTW, I adore the tail colouring!  A very special brush she has going on there. 

Yes it is water resistant.Her tail and mane also get much thicker and longer in the winter.

Amy Rebecca said:

Yes it is water resistant.Her tail and mane also get much thicker and longer in the winter.

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Oh boy, I bet she's amazing in full winter coat!  I look forward to seeing more pictures of Bella - a most appropriate name. 

Thank you, you're very kind. I will definitely post more when she's in full splendor![emoji]128049[/emoji]

I got Bella from her original owner, who had just had a baby, and couldn't keep her. She told me the parents were Turkish Vans. Although she had no papers. She's a wonderful cat. Very smart and vocal. Really just curious, that's all.

Amy Rebecca said:

I got Bella from her original owner, who had just had a baby, and couldn't keep her. She told me the parents were Turkish Vans. Although she had no papers. She's a wonderful cat. Very smart and vocal. Really just curious, that's all.

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IF the parents are Turkish Vans (even if without papers), so is of course she too.   She has in any case the Turkish Van pattern, and the looks.   Even if she technically has the Harlequin pattern (extra sploch on her backside).

Although, it depends on what the ex owner means/ knows really.   If they were TV for real, or if he saw a pic on a turkish van once and immediately decided his cats are TV them too...

Also, the pattern is fairly dominating, the females usually do gets kittens who have the same pattern, so you dont need to be purebred to get a litter full of  TV-look alikes...

So you seems to have a real Turkish Van, although without papers, eh?   Her name is Bella!   

She definitely is a beautiful cat.

Thank you, she has brought so much joy to our family.

Bella is certainly bella, what a wonderful name for her.  I suspect she is also as gentle as she looks, such a pretty cat. 

Thank you very much, and yes, she has a very gentle disposition. Wonderful with all people and other pets.we love her very much![emoji]128150[/emoji]