Turkish Angora is an ancient and elegant cat breed known for its long, luxurious coat and graceful, agile build. Recognized for its impressive personality and striking beauty, this breed captures hearts with its playful charm and affectionate demeanor. If you’re ready to be fascinated by the charisma of this striking breed, read on to fully unravel the magic of the Turkish Angora.
Breed Overview
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Turkish Angora |
| Scientific Name | Felis catus |
| Characteristic | Affectionate, Agile, Intelligent |
| Life Span | 12-18 years |
| Build | Medium, streamlined |
| Average Weight | 5-9 pounds |
| Average Height | 9-10 inches at the shoulder |
| Coat Length | Medium to long |
| Coat Colors | White is most common, other colors possible |
| Coat Pattern | Solid or bi-color |
| Eye Colors | Blue, Green, Amber, Odd-eyed |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Country of Origin | Turkey |
Physical Description
The Turkish Angora is a medium-sized cat, with males typically weighing around 7 to 9 pounds and females often weighing between 5 to 7 pounds. Its body is well-muscled yet slender and elegant, with a height that ranges between 9 to 10 inches at the shoulder.
The hallmark of the Turkish Angora appears in its luxuriously long and silky coat, often dazzling white but also found in an array of other colors and patterns including black, blue, red, cream, silver, and tabby variants.
They are polydactyl, meaning some individuals may possess more toes than the usual count. Their eyes hold a captivating allure, occurring in strikingly beautiful shades of blue, green, amber, or oddest of all, each eye displaying a different color – a trait known as heterochromia.
Turkish Angoras have medium-large, tufted ears that sit high and erect atop their heads. The breed exhibits a strikingly beautiful, gentle face crowned with slightly almond-shaped eyes that exhibit an intriguing slant.
There’s no pronounced difference between males and females in appearance; both share the breed’s characteristic grace and elegance.
Behavior and Temperament of the Turkish Angora
Not just an eye-candy, Turkish Angoras are known for their intelligence, playful behavior, and highly affectionate temperaments. These cats are adventurous, agile, and love to climb – be ready to find them perched atop the highest point in any room!
They form significant bonds with their owners, purring their love and affection while rubbing against or curling in their humans’ laps. This breed craves interaction and will not good-naturedly tolerate being left alone for extended periods.
Despite their upscale looks, they are far from being aloof; instead, they are incredibly sociable, endearing themselves to both humans and fellow pets.
History and Origin
Originating in Ankara region (historically known as Angora), Turkey, the Turkish Angora, an ancient breed, was regarded as a royals’ and nobles’ favorite, featured prominently in French and British literature.
They were favored for their elegance and long, silky fur and we see their portrayal as a symbol of luxury and prestige in artwork dating back to the 16th century.
The breed faced near extinction during the early 1900s due to the rise in popularity of the Persian cat, with which it was often interbred, leading to loss of its distinctive characteristics. Preservation efforts by the Ankara Zoo in Turkey successfully revived the breed and today’s Turkish Angoras are believed to have originated from this program.
Turkish Angora Cat Care
The long, silky fur of the Turkish Angora needs regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting, although it’s not as prone to mating as other long-haired breeds. Regular brushing would also control shedding and reduce potential hairball problems.
They’re active cats that enjoy room to roam, climbing furniture, and toys to engage their intelligent minds. While they can adapt to apartment living, they would appreciate a secure outdoor enclosure or garden to explore. Turkish Angoras love water and are known to play or even swim in it, keeping this in mind may aid in grooming.
Health Problems
Turkish Angoras are a generally healthy breed, although they are associated with a few breed-specific health risks:
- Deafness, especially prevalent in white cats with blue eyes
- Ataxia, a fatal neurologic disorder that manifests in kittens
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a form of heart disease
Regular veterinary check-ups ensure early detection and treatment of these conditions.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Turkish Angora
Adopting a Turkish Angora could be done via breed-specific rescues or contacting responsible breeders. Ensure your chosen breeder offers, health guarantees and conducts relevant health screenings. Buying from respected breeders often assures you’re getting a pure-bred specimen. Adoption costs may run anywhere from around $75 to $150, while purchasing from breeders can range from $800 to $2500, depending on the cat’s lineage and characteristics.
Diet and Nutrition
Ensure your Turkish Angora gets a balanced diet rich in protein, with limited carbohydrates and a moderate amount of fat. Both wet food and dry kibble can be used for their feeding regime. A raw diet can be beneficial, ensure to consult your vet before switching them onto a raw diet. Treats can be given in moderation, but avoid those rich in artificial additives or fillers. Always have clean, fresh water available.
Comparable Breeds
If you find the Turkish Angora intriguing, similar breeds worth exploring include:
- Maine Coon: Renowned for its large size, tufted ears, and friendly nature, making it a gentle giant among cats.
- Norwegian Forest Cat: Characterized by its thick, woolly fur coat, suited for cold climates, and a robust, adventurous spirit.
- Persian Cat: Known for its long, luxurious coat and distinctive flat face, this breed requires regular grooming.
- Ragdoll Cat: Distinguished by its striking blue eyes, semi-long fur, and docile personality, often going limp when held.
More cat breed profiles are available in our extensive collection.
FAQ’s about Turkish Angora
Is a Turkish Angora cat rare?
While not as common as some other breeds, the Turkish Angora is not exceedingly rare and is recognized and loved worldwide for its beauty and elegance.
Are Turkish Angora cats good pets?
Absolutely! Turkish Angoras are known for their affectionate and sociable nature. However, they require active engagement and do not appreciate being left alone for extended periods.
Are Turkish Angora cats deaf?
Some Turkish Angoras, particularly those with a white coat and blue eyes, can be born deaf. However, not all white Turkish Angoras with blue eyes are deaf.
Do Turkish Angora cats like water?
Yes! Unlike many other cat breeds, Turkish Angoras are known to enjoy water and might even swim.
Why is Turkish Angora so expensive?
Turkish Angora kittens can be relatively pricey due to their ancient lineage, unique traits, and the cost of maintaining the breed’s health and standard by reputable breeders.