Turkish Angora Cats

In the early 20th century breeding programs were started using longhaired Persians and white cats from Turkey, the Persian type became prevalent. While the Turkish Angora cat was a fundamental ingredient in the development of the Persian breed, its type did not catch the eye of the public to the same extent as the Persian.

The result of this was that in the early 1900's there were not any Angoras on the international show scene and this beautiful type very nearly became forgotten.

Thankfully, this type has always been highly regarded in Turkey, their land of origin, and a handful of cats were kept in a controlled breeding program at a zoo in Ankara. Turkish Angora cats were rediscovered there, by the rest of the world in the early '60's.

A pair of white Turkish Angoras were taken to America and a breeding program was established. (The white Angora is Turkey's national cat and may not be exported without permission.)

The cats known in the United Kingdom as Angoras are not the same Turkish Angora cats known and loved by the rest of the world. This is a man made creation, not a true Turkish Angora ( a beautiful cat nonetheless) Several breeds were utilized to produce solid color longhaired cats of the Siamese type. Many people refer to this breed as Oriental Longhair.

A medium to small size cat, the Turkish Angora has a long body, is finely boned and quite muscular (weight 5 to 9 pounds). A long slim neck supports a small to medium head which is a typical wedge shape, with large almond eyes that slant slightly upwards. The eyes can be found in gold, green (many shades), copper, and blue, some Angoras are odd eyed.

The ears of this breed are on the large side, set high on the head, erect and wide at the base tapering to a point and are tufted. Turkish Angora cats have long legs, the hind legs being slightly longer than the front, their paws are small and round, often with tufts between the toes. The tail is very long and very full.

The coat of the Angora cat varies according to season, being shortish in the summer to medium long in the winter when the breed sports a main, britches and a brush like tail. It is a silky, single coat with a high sheen which does not mat. A twice a week comb through should suffice, except in the molting season when more frequent grooming would be better. Many people think of Turkish Angoras as being exclusively white, and although white remains very popular, this breed is now found in many colors and patterns including black, black smoke, red (orange), blue, cream, blue, as well as calico and classic, mackerel and spotted tabby.

Turkish Angoras just love to play, they have a tireless energy and enjoy racing about the place just for the sheer fun of it. These cats are born exhibitionists, and many an Angora has learned to do tricks. Plenty of owners report that their Angora cat opens closet doors, and some even turn lights on and off! A very determined cat, once an Angora has decided to do something there is little chance of dissuading it.

This breed is said to attach itself almost exclusively to one member of the family, but in fact 'Turks' are affectionate and playful with all the household. the whole family, as well as with strangers. Turkish Angora cats adore people and go to great lengths to gain attention, and are not slow in giving affection in return.

Angoras love water, playing with it batting at it with their paws and sitting fascinated by running faucets. Although not famous for swimming like their near relations the Turkish van, Turkish angoras have been known to jump into the bath.

If you can stand their pace, Turkish Angora cats make simply wonderful pets giving any family endless amusement.

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