Turkish Angora
Appearance
Gallery
Origin
Temperament
English
Appearance
Gallery
Origin
Temperament
Appearance
Gallery
Origin
Temperament
English
Appearance
Gallery
Origin
Temperament

Turkish Angora

Other names: Ankara
The Turkish Angora is a breed of domestic cat that originated in a large region in Turkey called Anatolia. It is considered to be the oldest of the long-haired breeds, documented as early as the 17th century. Outside of the United States, the breed is usually referred to as simply the Angora or Ankara cat.
length
36-41
14.2-16.1
cminch
cm inch 
hight
23-36
9.1-14.2
cminch
cm inch 
weight
3.6-6.8
7.9-15
kglbs
kg lbs 
life span
12-18 years
Size
Moderate
Tu
Country of Origin:
Turkey
Ha
Lo
Fur Length:
Half-long , Long
Na
Breed origin:
Natural
Recognized by: 6 registers
ACFA
CCCOFA
CCA-AFC
ACA
GCCF
LOOF
TSACC
CFSA
ACF
FIFE
WCF
NZCF
TICA
CFA

Appearance

The Turkish Angora is an elegant and graceful medium-sized cat. Despite being light-boned, it appears larger due to its thick fur. The tail is long, feathery, and tapered, often resembling a plume-like an ostrich feather. The head is very harmonious, small to medium in size, and triangular, tapering slightly towards the chin. The ears are large and broad at the base, positioned high on the head. The eyes are large, almond-shaped, slightly oblique, and very expressive. The original Turkish Angoras brought from Turkey had blue or odd eyes, with one blue eye and one orange or green eye. However, the color of the eyes may be blue, green, amber, or yellow, as well. The coat of this breed is silky and can be found in various colors, excluding chocolate, lavender, or colorpoint.
Coat type
Eye colour
Fur colour
Body type
Ears
Eyes shape
Fur length
Fur type
Head shape
Tail
Coat type
Eye colour
Fur colour
Body type
Ears
Eyes shape
Fur length
Fur type
Head shape
Tail

Origin

The Turkish Angora has been known in the Middle East for more than 2,000 years. White Turkish Angoras were notably owned by wealthy merchants who saw them as a symbol of purity, finesse, and wealth. It was the first long-haired cat to arrive in Europe. The cat's name comes from the ancient name of the capital of Turkey, Angora, which is now called Ankara. There are three different theories about the origin of the Turkish Angora. The first theory suggests that it was born from the breeding of the Wild cat (Felis manul) in China and Tartary, from where it arrived in Turkey. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting this possibility. The most accepted theory explains the transformation of an ancient breed of domestic cats living in southern Russia (Caucasus) that developed a long coat to defend itself from the severe winter cold. This breed then reached Persia, India, and Asia Minor (modern Turkey) between the 9th and 11th centuries, through merchant caravans that crossed Turkey and Iran. This lineage is believed to be the origin of the Angora and the Persian cat breeds. In the 10th century, the Vikings are said to have taken some of these cats to the Nordic countries upon returning from their raids, making the Turkish Angora one of the most distant ancestors of the Norwegian Forest cat. Some believe that the Angora arrived from the cold mountains of Persia and in Turkey, their fur became lighter, differentiating them from their Persian ancestors. It should be noted that the Turkish Angora is a natural breed that was not created by humans, although humans may have intervened to improve its characteristics.
Parent animals
Breed origin
Origin countries

Temperament

The Turkish Angora is an intelligent, curious, agile, active, and talkative breed. These cats often form a strong bond with one person in the family, following them around the house and displaying protective behavior. They enjoy being the center of attention, are loyal, and affectionate. While they may not prefer being held for extended periods, they do crave human companionship. Turkish Angoras are known for their love of climbing to high places and observing their surroundings. They are playful, affectionate, and well-suited for families with children. Additionally, they typically get along well with other cats and dogs.
Activity Level:
Active

Keeping conditions

Diet preferences
Reproduction
Grooming
Common health issues
Diet preferences
Reproduction
Grooming
Common health issues
Turkish Angora cats do not require a special diet, but it is best to provide them with high-quality cat food that includes real meat or fish as the primary ingredient. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that they have continuous access to fresh, clean water to meet their daily nutritional needs.
Turkish Angora cats typically reach reproductive maturity at about 8 to 10 months of age. Their behavior can be influenced by their upbringing, including the bond they form with their mother and humans. It is generally advised not to separate a kitten from its mother before it is 3 months old, as this can impact the cat's emotional well-being and future development.
Turkish Angoras have no undercoat and, unlike other breeds with medium-long hair, their coats do not form knots. Brushing once a week in winter and once every two weeks in summer is sufficient to maintain the coat of these cats in good condition. During shedding periods, more frequent brushing is recommended. Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and tooth brushing should also be included in the cat's weekly grooming routine.
Shedding
Normal
Grooming intencity
Easy to groom
Although the Turkish Angora is generally known for having good health, it can still experience several health issues. The gene that is responsible for blue eyes and a white coat in Turkish Angoras can also lead to deafness. Additionally, there have been reports of kittens suffering from ataxia, as well as adult cats being diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

References

  1. Turkish Angora Wikipedia article https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_Angora