The Turkish Angora cat originates from Turkey, and the area around Ankara (formerly Angora), from which it derives its name.  Cats from this region were said to be the first longhairs seen in Europe, brought back by Vikings as early as the 10th century, and forming the foundation for our modern-day longhairs.  Today's Turkish Angora owes its existence to organisations like Ankara Zoo, from where cats were imported into the USA in the late sixties, and thence to Europe.

Description The Turkish Angora Cat is a semi-longhaired cat of medium to light, yet robust build. It has a graceful appearance with a long flowing body finished with a full, feathered tail that is often held in an upwards curve. Its large tufted ears are set high upon the head, and its smooth, elegant face is wedge-shaped with almond shaped eyes. Its coat is fine and silky, of medium length, and lacking a woolly undercoat which makes grooming very straight forward.  The fur should lie smooth but loose such that bodily movements ripple through the coat, accentuating the muscle contractions beneath. Turkish Angoras can be found with a variety of different coat colours, varying from pure white to tortie/tabby/shaded combinations as well as self coloureds.  Since this is a pure breed with no out-crossing permitted, the colours chocolate, cinnamon, lavender are disallowed, as are pointed variations.

Character A Turkish Angora makes a splendid pet.  They are very intelligent, spirited, and devoted to their owners, and have an athletic grace around the house with no wardrobe being too high for them, and no door too secure.  Turkish Angoras are sociable and playful, but generally well-behaved and loyal, however their methods for getting your attention may involve one or more misdemeanours!  A favourite resting place might be across your shoulders, or upon your pillow. Turkish Angora kittens are precocious, very active, and start to play from an early age.  They don't develop a full angora coat until they're at least two years old.

Availability In the United Kingdom the Turkish Angora is not yet recognised by the dominant registering body, the GCCF, so owners wishing to exhibit their cats do so at shows organised by Felis Britannica under FIFe rules, or at shows affiliated to the International Cat Association (TICA).  There is another breed registered by the GCCF formerly called an Angora but since renamed to Oriental Longhair (Angora), however this is a man-made breed totally unrelated to the Turkish Angora, and not to be confused with it. In other areas of Europe and also in the USA the Turkish Angora is well supported, and as a consequence they are more popular amongst breeders and the show fraternity.

More Information For more information you can view our list of frequently asked questions (FAQ), or follow the links on our Links Page to visit other related sites, including breeders.