Turkish Angora Cat Breed Facts & Information

The Turkish Angora cat is an elegant cat with beautiful, long fur. They are known to have some doglike behaviors, such as greeting you at the door and interacting with guests in your home. If you are looking for an active, affectionate, and playful cat, the Turkish Angora is a good choice to bring into your home.

The Turkish Angora is a medium-size cat weighing between 5 and 10 pounds. Adult males are generally larger and heavier than females. They are considered semi-longhaired cats.

The most common and popular color for the Turkish Angora cat is a white coat with blue eyes. However, many other colors and patterns and eye colors are accepted under the breed standard.

The breed originates from the Ankara region of Turkey. References and records of the breed date back to the 1600s. The breed was used in Persian breeding programs, but in an effort to preserve the Turkish Angora cats, the Ankara Zoo started a breeding program focused on white cats. In the 1960s, a breeding program for Turkish Angora cats was started in the United States.

While breed is not an indicator of temperament, the personality of the Turkish Angora cat can be described as loyal, affectionate, and clownlike. They are clever and outgoing. Don't be surprised if your Turkish Angora cat meets you at the door or learns how to open cabinet doors. They are very social cats and do well in families with older children and other pets.

The cats are athletic and agile. You may find them in unexpectedly high locations, such as on the top of a fridge or on top of a door. They remain playful into adulthood and will enjoy playing with toys and may even pick up a game of fetch. Turkish Angora cats are unique in that they are attracted to water and are excellent swimmers.

Daily grooming is recommended to keep their long hair free of tangles and mats. However, don't worry if you can only brush them a couple of times per week, as their coat is silky and resistant to matting. You can also give these cats an occasional bath with a gentle shampoo designed for pets. Check and trim their nails weekly.

Feed them a high-quality commercial food that is primarily meat-based to support their active lifestyle. Make sure that they have plenty of fresh water at all times.

The Turkish Angora breed is long-lived. Healthy cats receiving proper care can live into their 20s. The breed is prone to complete or partial deafness. White Turkish Angora kittens and cats can be tested for hearing loss with a brainstem auditory evoked response test.

Responsible breeders should also test the cats for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This is the most common type of heart disease in felines, and there may be a genetic link to the condition. HCM is a thickening of the left ventricle of the heart. Some cats may be asymptomatic, while others may experience lethargy and difficulty breathing. The disease is progressive, and symptoms can worsen over time.