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Turkish Angora Cat

By:
| Updated: May 2, 2023
Turkish Angora cat looking up and to the side, studio photo

If you are looking for an elegant, playful, intelligent, and loyal cat, you might want to consider the Turkish Angora. This ancient and natural cat breed originated in central Anatolia (Ankara Province in modern-day Turkey) and was documented as early as the 17th century. The Turkish Angora is also known as the Ankara cat, after the capital city of Turkey, where it was first recognized as a distinct breed.

Breed Overview

Weight Up to 9 pounds
Length Up to 18 inches
Coat Length Long Hair
Coat Colors White with lavender, chocolate Coat Patterns: Tabby, solid, bicolor, Himalayan, calico, tortoiseshell, and colorpoint
Eye Colors Light blue, sapphire, emerald, green-gold, gold, amber, copper, or two different colors
Personality Playful, social, intelligent, mischievous, and occasionally bossy with other pets
Hypoallergenic Yes
Good with Kids Medium
Good with Pets Medium
Origin Turkey

History of the Turkish Angora

The Turkish Angora is one of the world’s oldest and most natural cat breeds. It is believed that it descended from the African wildcat, the ancestor of all domestic cats. Its long and silky hair is either a spontaneous mutation or an adaptation to the cold and snowy climate of Ankara, the capital city of Turkey.

The Turkish Angora was highly valued by the Turkish sultans, who gave them as gifts to European nobility in the 16th century. The breed was recognized as distinct in Europe by the 17th century and admired for its beauty and elegance.

However, the Turkish Angora faced a decline in popularity and numbers in the 19th and 20th centuries, as it was used to improve the coat of the Persian cat, another longhaired breed that originated from Iran. The Turkish Angora was also threatened by wars, diseases, and crossbreeding. By the early 1900s, it was almost extinct outside of its home country.

Fortunately, a breeding program was started in the 1930s by the Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo in Ankara, which aimed to protect and preserve the pure white Turkish Angoras with odd eyes. These cats were considered a national treasure and a symbol of Turkey. The zoo also bred and sold Turkish Angoras to cat lovers around the world.

The Turkish Angora was reintroduced to North America in the 1960s by American servicemen who brought them back from Turkey. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) recognized the breed in 1973 and other major cat associations soon after. Today, the Turkish Angora is still a rare and precious breed, but it is gaining popularity among cat enthusiasts who appreciate its grace, intelligence, and personality.

Turkish Angora with long fluffy hair, sitting on a sidewalk
Photo: Pixabay

Turkish Angoras Physical Appearance

Turkish Angoras are delicately built cats that have been described as ballerina-like. Their silky coat is long but single-layered, making it low maintenance. The hair tends to be wispy and shimmers in the sunlight. Angoras were originally considered strictly white cats with blue or green eyes, but today they come in a variety of colors and patterns, including Himalayan, calico, tortoiseshell, tabby and solid.

The most striking feature of the Turkish Angora is its eyes, which can be light blue, sapphire, emerald, green-gold, gold, amber, copper, or two different colors (called odd eyes). Odd-eyed white Turkish Angoras are especially prized in their homeland of Turkey, where they are considered a national treasure. The legend goes that Mohammad, the founder of Islam, had a tabby-patterned Turkish Angora with odd eyes that he loved dearly. He once cut off his sleeve to avoid disturbing his sleeping cat.

Turkish Angoras have long and slender bodies with fine bones and muscles. They have tall ears and slightly slanted eyes that give them an alert and proud expression. Their hind legs are longer than their front legs, which makes them agile and graceful. They usually weigh up to 9 pounds and can reach up to 18 inches in length.

Personality Traits In Turkish Angoras

Turkish Angoras are not your typical lap cats. They are very active, social, and intelligent cats that love to interact with their owners and other pets. They are also very curious and mischievous and will often get into trouble by opening cabinets, turning on faucets, or knocking things off tables. They need a lot of stimulation and attention to keep them happy and entertained.

Turkish Angoras are also very loyal and affectionate cats that form strong bonds with their owners. They will follow you around the house and join you in whatever you are doing. They are not shy or timid but rather confident and outgoing. They enjoy being the center of attention and will often demand it by vocalizing or doing something funny. They are also very playful and chase anything that moves, including toys, feathers, or even their tails.

Turkish Angoras can get along well with children and other pets as long as they respect their authority and space. They are not aggressive or territorial but rather assertive and bossy. They will let you know what they want and when they want it. They are also very smart and can learn tricks or commands easily. They can even be trained to walk on a leash or fetch a ball.

Turkish Angora with bright blue eyes
Photo: Pexels

Caring For a Turkish Angora

Grooming

Turkish Angoras are relatively easy to care for, as their coat does not mat or tangle easily. However, they do shed a lot, especially in the spring and fall when they change their coats. They need regular brushing with a slicker brush to remove excess hair and keep their coat shiny and healthy. They also need occasional bathing to prevent dirt buildup or oiliness.

Common Health Issues

Turkish Angoras are generally healthy cats that can live up to 15 years or more. However, they are prone to genetic health problems affecting their eyes or heart. Some of these include

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a heart disease that causes thickening of the heart muscle)
  • Hereditary ataxia (a neurological disorder that affects coordination and balance),
  • Periodontal disease (a dental problem that causes inflammation of the gums). 

These conditions can be detected by regular veterinary checkups and screenings.

Diet and Nutrition

Turkish Angoras also need a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs and prevents obesity or diabetes. They should always have access to fresh water and avoid foods high in carbohydrates or fillers. They may also benefit from supplements that support their skin, coat, and joint health. You should consult your vet to determine your individual Turkish Angora’s best diet and feeding schedule.

Turkish Angora cat outside
Photo: Pexels

Fun Facts About Turkish Angoras

Here are some interesting and fun facts about Turkish Angoras that you might not know:

  • The Turkish Angora is one of the world’s oldest and most natural cat breeds. It is believed that it descended from the African wildcat, the ancestor of all domestic cats. Its long and silky hair is either a spontaneous mutation or an adaptation to the cold and snowy climate of Ankara, the capital city of Turkey.
  • The Turkish Angora was highly valued by the Turkish sultans, who gave them as gifts to European nobility in the 16th century. The breed was recognized as distinct in Europe by the 17th century and admired for its beauty and elegance.
  • The Turkish Angora almost disappeared completely as a breed, but a breeding program established at the Ankara Zoo in Turkey brought them back in the 1950s. The zoo also bred and sold Turkish Angoras to cat lovers around the world.
  • The Turkish Angora is often compared to a dog because of its demeanor and penchant for entertainment and play. It can learn tricks or commands easily and can even be trained to walk on a leash or fetch a ball.
  • The Turkish Angora is available in 20 colors and patterns, such as tortoiseshell, calico, and tabby. However, the most famous color is solid white with blue or green eyes or odd eyes (one blue and one green). These cats are considered a national treasure and a symbol of Turkey.

Pros

  • These cats are considered a national treasure and a symbol of Turkey.
  • The Turkish Angora is a playful, social, and intelligent cat that loves interacting with its owners and other pets.
  • It enjoys being the center of attention and often demands it by vocalizing or doing something funny.
  • The Turkish Angora is relatively easy to care for, as its coat does not mat or tangle easily.

Cons

  • Turkish Angoras are expensive; as a rare and sought-after breed, they can cost up to $2,000 or more.
  • The Turkish Angora is prone to some genetic health problems affecting its eyes or heart.
  • They can get bored easily if left alone for long periods of time and may resort to destructive behaviors such as scratching furniture, chewing wires, or knocking things off tables.
  • They may also try to dominate other pets or children in the household, especially if they do not respect its authority or space.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Turkish Angora

Turkish Angoras are relatively uncommon in the United States and many other countries, so finding one through your local shelter or rescue organization may range from difficult to impossible. However, you can check websites like PetFinder.com, which allows you to search for cats by breed, or ask your local shelter, vet, or reputable breeder if they know of any Turkish Angoras that need a home.

You can also look for a cattery or breeder that specializes in Turkish Angoras. We advise that you look for a breeder that is registered with a major cat association, such as the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA), or The International Cat Association (TICA).

You should be aware there is usually a high price for a Turkish Angora kitten, as it is a rare and precious breed that can cost up to $2,000 or more to buy from a reputable breeder.

Conclusion

The Turkish Angora is a rare and beautiful cat breed that originated in Turkey and has a long and rich history. It is a playful, social, and intelligent cat that loves to interact with its owners and other pets. It is also loyal and affectionate but also assertive and bossy. It has a silky and luxurious coat that can come in various colors and patterns, but the most famous one is solid white with blue or green eyes or odd eyes.

More Cat Breeds

If you’re interested in learning about similar cat breeds, check out:

FAQ

How to identify a Turkish Angora cat?

A Turkish Angora cat is a medium-sized cat with a long, silky coat that can come in various colors and patterns. It has a slender body, a triangular head, large ears, and almond-shaped eyes. It may also have odd eyes (blue and green), considered a sign of purity and luck in Turkey.

How much do Turkish Angora cats cost?

Turkish Angora cats are expensive to buy, as they are a rare and precious breed that can cost up to $2,000 or more to buy from a reputable breeder.

Are Turkish Angora cats rare?

Turkish Angora cats are rare in the United States and other countries. They are a naturally occurring breed that originated in Turkey and faced a decline in popularity and numbers in the 19th and 20th centuries. However, thanks to a breeding program started in the 1930s by the Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo in Ankara; the breed was preserved and reintroduced to North America in the 1960s.

How long do Turkish Angora cats live?

Turkish Angora cats are generally healthy cats that can live up to 15 years or more.

Are Turkish Angora cats affectionate?

Turkish Angora cats are loyal and affectionate and form strong bonds with their owners. They will follow you around the house and join you in whatever you are doing. They are not shy or timid but rather confident and outgoing. They enjoy being the center of attention and will often demand it by vocalizing or doing something funny. However, they are also very assertive and bossy and will let you know what they want and when they want it.

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