Turkish Angora Cat Breed Information

What Is the History & Origin of the Turkish Angora Cat?

This species of cat is considered amongst some of the first to be domesticated. As untamed ancestors of the Turkish Angora, they’re an old breed, and according to the Cat Fanciers Association, it wasn’t until the 16th century that they were first introduced to Europe.

These longhaired cats are celebrated for their white coats, which makes them even more popular than the celebrated Persian cat.

What Is a Turkish Angora Cat Breed?

This type of feline is a domestic cat breed. They’re said to be one of the oldest natural cat breeds in existence, having first been spotted in central Anatolia many years ago. White Turkish Angoras are often referred to as the Ankara cat or simply the Angora.

Who Is a Turkish Angora Cat Best For?

This intelligent, smart cat bonds extremely well with humans and boasts a playful, affectionate personality. This makes White Turkish Angoras a great choice for families, especially as they get along with all ages, from children to adults. They’re even ok with other animals!

What Does a Turkish Angora Cat Look Like?

This medium-sized cat breed boasts a delicate, slender appearance. However, Angoras native to Turkey’s Ankara Zoo boast a more muscular build. One thing they all have in common? A regal, dignified and graceful disposition.

The traditional Angora coat is celebrated for its soft, long style and boasts several hues and patterns. White is amongst the most prevalent hue; however, Turkish Angoras can also be red, black, grey and brown, as well as tortoiseshell, tabby and bi-colour.

They feature wide-set ears, which sit upon small, round heads. Their stunning almond eyes are either a hypnotic green, amber, blue, or in certain cases, a heterochromatic blue and green or blue and amber.

Coat

Their single coat is long-haired, delicate and soft, and boasts a silky sheen. They also feature a plumed tail, which benefits from weekly brushing.

Colours

You’ll find the Angora sporting varying shades ranging from chocolate-coloured Turkish Angoras to white Turkish Angoras with blue eyes or odd eyes.

Patterns

The traditional Angora is a beautiful, single white shade; however, they are available in varying patterns, including calico and tabby.

Turkish Angora Cat Grooming & Shedding

These felines boast lengthy, silky coats, which feature no undercoat. This makes them low maintenance and grooming a doddle.

However, grooming is still important, and combing should be carried out once or twice per week to ensure their single coat is kept shiny and in tip-top condition.

On the whole, their hair isn’t renowned for becoming matted or clumpy, although it will grow up until they are two years of age.

One point to note? Turkish Angoras shed their long hair, which is when routine brushing prevents cat hair from ending up in all corners of your home and on your clothes and furniture.

As well as their main body of fur, pay attention to their ears and eyes, as dirt can become trapped in longer fur, which is when diseases spread. For best results, use a damp cloth around the ears and eyes to remove buildup.

How Do Turkish Angora Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

This feline is extremely intelligent, very sociable and similar to a dog, often selecting one key person in the household with whom they bond closest.

This breed enjoys being playful with both other cats and humans. Due to this playfulness and high energy, they benefit from having a selection of toys to choose from, especially if you have to leave them home alone for a little while.

Living Needs

Turkish Angoras tend to do well in all social situations. However, if you have young children, keep a close eye on them when with the feline – if their hair or tails are tugged, they won’t be too accepting of this. They also bond well with other cats and dogs, but only if introduced correctly.

Like the majority of cats, Turkish Angoras benefit from various toys, including a few scratching posts – these will be a saviour to your furniture.

On top of this, make sure they have somewhere to perch as they enjoy being at a high vantage point. Mounted cat shelves, a cat tree or a cat hammock will suffice.

They thrive in most homes but prefer busy households filled with people who can provide a lot of love and attention. Unlike other felines, these cats prefer company.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Turkish Angora Cats?

Celebrated for their lengthy, delicate bodies that resemble those of a ballerina and their silky, soft fur, Turkish Angoras are often described as national treasures in their native land of Turkey.

Yet, don’t be fooled by their delicate, elegant appearance; they’re extremely playful felines and are very affectionate, yet still have their independence.

Habits

They have a playful nature yet still enjoy their downtime. They’re extremely affectionate and loyal but can become unsettled by sudden environmental changes.

Activity Level

Turkish Angora felines are athletic, playful and intelligent. They love to get involved and grow strong bonds with their owners.

Vocalness

They’re vocal when necessary, but otherwise, they have a sweet temperament and are reasonably quiet. They rate a 2 out of 5 for chattiness.

One point to note, deafness can be common with the Turkish Angora natural breed. Although this doesn’t affect their life quality, this can make pedigreed cats who suffer from this a little louder than usual, as they’re unable to hear their calls.

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a Turkish Angora Cat?

These cats are extremely elegant and slender yet still athletic.

Height

Their height ranges between 20-25 cm.

Weight

These cats are medium in size; females tend to weigh between 2.3-3.6 kg, whilst a male’s weight range spans from 3.2-4.5 kg.

Size

The Angora is a medium-sized cat, which makes it a popular choice for those looking for household animals.

Are Turkish Angora Cats Easy to Train?

These domestic cats are extremely intelligent, and as such, training them (providing you do so from a young age) is a doddle. They rate 4 out of 5 stars in terms of training ease.

Does the Turkish Angora Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

Throughout the 19th century and a little before this date, many deemed all Turkish Angoras to be deaf. Although this is far from the case, it is a common issue seen by Turkish Angora breeders. This is down to the gene that gives these felines their telltale blue eye hue and white fur.

Other genetic health problems common with this breed include hereditary ataxia – a serious yet rare condition that affects certain Turkish Angora kittens. Those affected will often not make it to adulthood.

What Is the Lifespan of a Turkish Angora Cat?

This breed is renowned in the cat world for living a long and healthy life, providing you give them the right care. When sourced from a quality breeding program, they live between 12-18 years.

How Much Does a Turkish Angora Cat Need to Be Fed?

Turkish Angoras require adult cat food that is high quality. For Angoras who require assistance with weight management, your vet may suggest you try a healthy weight recipe.

To help with development and growth, it is important to feed Turkish Angora kittens the correct kitten food in the initial stages of their life before moving them onto adult food.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Turkish Angora Cat in Australia?

The price of a Turkish Angora feline depends on the age of the cat when you purchase it and also where you purchase the feline from. Purchasing pedigree kittens from a reputable breeder running a quality breeding program can mean paying between $650 to $2,000.

Turkish Angora Cat FAQs

Do Turkish Angora cats get along well with other pets?

Yes, they do – providing they are introduced to each other in the correct manner or from a young age. They also thrive on their own and don’t tend to exhibit a great deal of stress if left home alone for short periods.

How often should you bathe a Turkish Angora cat?

Turkish Angoras are both playful and active, combine this with their lengthy coat, and they do require a bath now and again. If extremely active, it is likely they will need to be bathed once or twice a month. For best results, invest in a quality, cat-friendly shampoo and avoid putting this near the nose, eyes or ears.

Once bathed, it is important to dry the cat’s coat indoors, either with a towel (or if your cat is particularly tame) a hairdryer on low heat. Avoid brushing the coat until completely dry. This can take up to 20 minutes. When the winter months arrive, it is likely less bathing will be required.

Are Turkish Angora cats hypoallergenic?

Unfortunately, no. They do, however, shed less fur than other cat breeds, yet aren’t a great choice for those with severe cat allergies. To ensure their silky coat doesn’t shed onto your furniture or clothes, groom them with a fine-toothed comb.

Are Turkish Angora cats prone to separation anxiety?

Turkish Angoras are friendly cats and love humans. This breed enjoys bonding with those around them, which can mean they’re prone to bouts of separation anxiety. Try to avoid leaving these white cats home alone for lengthy periods.