A Turkish Angora cat
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

longhair

Turkish Angora

Origin: Ankara, Turkey

One of the oldest natural cat breeds. Turkish Angoras are graceful athletes who love to perch up high. Their shimmering single-layer coat rarely mats, making grooming surprisingly easy.

Origin
Ankara, Turkey
Category
longhair
Lifespan
12–18 yrs
Size
Medium
Weight
2.3–5 kg
Coat
Fine, silky, single-layer semi-long (no undercoat)
Colours
White, and many solid and tabby patterns

😺 Temperament

ElegantPlayfulCleverEntertaining

🏡 Best suited to

Active householdsFamiliesExperienced ownersMulti-cat homes

📊 Personality ratings

Activity level 4/5
Grooming needs 2/5
Friendliness 4/5
Vocality 3/5
Intelligence 4/5

📜 History & origin

Originating in the Ankara (Angora) region of Turkey, this breed was treasured for centuries and sent as diplomatic gifts to European royalty. The Ankara Zoo has maintained a protected breeding programme since the early 20th century. They were nearly bred out of existence when Persians rose to popularity, but the Zoo's programme saved the breed. Recognised by the CFA in 1968.

🧼 Care & grooming

Their single-layer coat is low-shedding and rarely mats — weekly brushing suffices. They are athletic and need vertical space. Turkish Angoras are known to claim the highest perch in any room and often like water. They need interactive play daily.

🩺 Health notes

White Angoras with blue eyes may carry a gene for congenital deafness — odd-eyed whites often have hearing in one ear. Generally a robust breed with few genetic conditions. Long-lived compared to many breeds.

Fun fact: White Turkish Angoras with one blue eye and one amber eye are considered sacred and protected by law in Turkey.

📸 Turkish Angora photos

Photographs from Wikimedia Commons, used under their respective licences.