Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora is one of the oldest natural cat breeds in the world - an elegant, silky semi-longhaired cat originating in the Ankara region of central Turkey.
Overview
The Turkish Angora is one of the oldest natural cat breeds in the world - an elegant, silky semi-longhaired cat originating in the Ankara region of central Turkey. White Turkish Angoras with odd-coloured eyes (one blue, one amber) are particularly prized and considered a Turkish national treasure. The breed is athletic, intelligent, and surprisingly active - defying the lap-cat reputation of most longhaired breeds.
History & Origins
The breed has existed in central Turkey for centuries - Ottoman documents reference the cats from at least the 1600s. Sultan Mehmed II reportedly kept Turkish Angoras at the palace. The breed reached Europe in the 1600s and influenced the development of the Persian.
The breed nearly disappeared in the 20th century as Persians dominated cat fancy. The Ankara Zoo in Turkey began a preservation programme in the 1960s; American breeders imported zoo cats and rebuilt the breed worldwide. CFA recognition came in 1973.
Appearance
Medium-sized, slim, elegant. Adults weigh 3-5 kg (6-11 lb).
- Coat: medium-long, silky, single-coated. Light feathering.
- Colour: all colours and patterns. Pure white most iconic.
- Eyes: can be blue, amber, green, or odd-eyed (one of each).
- Body: long, fine-boned, athletic.
Temperament & Character
Active, intelligent, social. The breed is playful well into adulthood, bonds strongly with family, and often picks one favourite person. Many Turkish Angoras enjoy water and harness walks.
Care
Coat & Grooming
Surprisingly easy. The silky single coat resists matting. Weekly brushing; daily during seasonal shedding.
Clean ears monthly. Trim claws every 2 weeks. Brush teeth several times weekly.
Health & Lifespan
12-18 years.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Ataxia (hereditary, kittens; DNA test available).
- Deafness in white blue-eyed cats (BAER test).
Pros & Cons
Pros: elegant, athletic, easy coat, long-lived. Cons: sometimes one-person bond; deafness in some white cats.
Turkish Angora - frequently asked questions
Are odd-eyed Angoras special?
Yes - particularly prized in Turkey, where they're considered national treasures.
🧠 Test yourself: guess the cat
Three clues from our quiz bank, each about another of our cats. Can you name them?
Clue 1.Nicknamed the 'swimming cat,' this Turkish breed has a water-resistant coat and color restricted to its head and tail.
It's the Turkish Van - read the full profile →
Clue 2.Nicknamed the 'sausage cat,' this low-slung feline often sits up like a meerkat to survey its surroundings.
It's the Munchkin - read the full profile →
Clue 3.Legend says this color-pointed cat earned its pure white paws, like gloves, as a blessing from a temple goddess in old Burma.
It's the Birman - read the full profile →