The Turkish Angora cat is a national treasure in their homeland of Turkey. They are graceful and beautiful cats that bring a lot of energy and love into the home. With a Turkish Angora, you won’t ever be bored or lonely. These domestic cats develop strong bonds and will follow you to the ends of the earth, preferring to be involved in all your activities.
Learning about different breeds’ personalities and needs will help you figure out which cat would be a good fit for you. For example, if you are an active person, you should consider cats with similar personalities. If you like to lie back and relax, a cat that needs hours of attention each day might not be the greatest fit.
When you find the right kitty for you, you will know. If you are looking for a playful and affectionate cat with gorgeous features and an elegance you can’t quite explain, it’s time to learn more about the Turkish Angora cat.
Origins of the Turkish Angora
Turkish Angoras are one of the oldest naturally occurring cat breeds that likely descended from the African wild cat. These cats experienced a natural mutation causing them to grow long coats.
The Turkish Angora comes from the mountainous regions of Turkey. Due to the isolation of the mountains, the cats of this region didn’t have the ability to breed with other cats. This resulted in inbreeding which further perpetuated the gene that gives them long, silky coats.
Turkish Angora cats are highly regarded in their homeland, but when they were brought to Britain and France in the 1960s, people viewed them simply as generic long-haired cats. Breeders then bred different long-haired cats with them, including Persian cats.
The government of Turkey thought that this crossing of breeds would take away from the natural breed that existed in their country. The government chose to work with the Ankara Zoo to start a very specific breeding program to save the pure white Angora cat. These white cats were so highly thought of that it was difficult to own them during this time. Even still, the wife of Colonel Walter Grant was able to obtain two in Turkey and bring them to the United States.
From here, the beauty and grace of these cats captured the attention of many Americans. When people began spending time with them, they soon realized what lovely companions they were.
What do Turkish Angora cats look like?
The Turkish Angora stands out with their long, elegant bodies that move gracefully throughout the house. These small- to medium-sized cats have long hair that is silky and fine, and comes in a variety of colors. While best known for their white coat, other coat colors might include chocolate, cream, and lavender, as well as tortoiseshell, calico, and tabby patterns.
Turkish Angora cats are also known for their striking almond-shaped eyes, which can be bright blue, deep amber, or a mix of both. Fun fact: Turkish Angoras can be odd-eyed, which means they have heterochromia and exhibit two different eye colors.
These cats often have notably broad and full chests with longer fur and britches on their hind legs. They also have large ears that accentuate their points and make them seem more attentive.
Turkish Angora cat personality
When you first see a Turkish Angora, you most definitely notice their gorgeous locks and brilliant eyes. They are sleek felines that look as regal as they are ancient. You see how they move gracefully and play with ease, as well as how they always seem to be listening in on your conversations with their large tufted ears.
What you don’t see immediately is all of their personality. When you spend time with a Turkish Angora, you will notice just how amazing these cats actually are. On top of their beauty, they are playful, energetic cats that love to be with their humans. If you are on the hunt for a kitten or cat, the Turkish Angora will bring much affection and fun into your life.
Playful and energetic
The Turkish Angora is a stunning cat with an elegance you might mistake for a laid-back lifestyle. Despite their beauty, these cats are extremely playful and full of energy. Turkish Angora cats love to interact with their humans and other pets in the house. They will get along swimmingly with other animals that have their same play drive. In fact, they are not just energetic; they absolutely love to play, which can help to keep them occupied.
Providing a selection of toys around the house with plenty of cat shelves, cat trees, and obstacles will help to keep them entertained. They thrive on interactive games with their humans and enjoy a variety of toys. They will want you to be involved when playing, so don’t be surprised when your Turkish Angora keeps bringing you a toy to throw around.
Turkish Angora cats are very smart and can understand different games that you come up with. If you want to play fetch, they can catch on quickly.
If you want to train them to walk on a leash, it might take some time, but it’ll soon become your cat's favorite activity. It’s also a good way to get your kitty outside to (safely) explore the world.
People-oriented
Turkish Angoras may look like they are too high and mighty for you, but all they want is to spend time with their humans. They love to be involved in every activity that their humans participate in and can get lonely if left out for too long.
The Angora cat breed is very sociable and happy to take pets, but might not be a fan of being held for long. Instead, they usually prefer to move freely to explore their surroundings and interact with their environment.
Also, your Turkish Angora may not be head over heels for strangers. They need a bit of time to warm up to new people, but when they do, their love will shine through.
Inquisitive and curious
Turkish Angora cats are easily intrigued and curious about what’s going on. If they see something that interests them, they are unlikely to let it go. They are determined cats and don’t let up on things easily.
If they want to reach a new shelf, they will determine how to make it there. If you aren’t paying enough attention to them, they will absolutely figure out how to get you to look. Setting up enrichment games and other stimulating activities for your cat will help focus their curiosity, thereby (hopefully) avoiding trouble.
Gentle and sweet
Turkish Angoras are mild-tempered, meaning that while they can get rambunctious during play, they are overall known for being sweet, gentle cats. They aren’t overly stressed day-to-day and enjoy a lovely sunbath. They may not always prefer to be held, but they do enjoy cuddling up next to their humans, showing their affection in their own special way.
This makes them nice family cats. Of course, we always recommend making slow introductions between a new cat and children. They can even coexist peacefully with dogs, provided they respect their space and can match their playful energy. Before you know it, your Turkish Angora will have abandoned you to make more time with their new best friends.
Caring for a Turkish Angora
Turkish Angora cats are a loving and playful breed that requires devotion from their humans. Luckily, if you give them what they need, they will return your affection ten-fold. If you’re looking for a sidekick, the Turkish Angora can’t wait to meet you.
The Turkish Angora does require a lot of attention and interaction. Caring for your Turkish Angora will come down to how much time and effort you are willing to put in.
Keep in mind that some white Turkish Angoras might require a little extra TLC: Those with a white coat are more prone to deafness.
Grooming
Although a Turkish Angora coat doesn’t shed a lot, it’s still best to groom them weekly. Their lack of undercoat helps reduce matting, but don’t wait too long to brush it or you might have to deal with tangles.
Another thing to keep in mind about Turkish Angoras is that they strongly prefer clean spaces. You will want to keep your Turkish Angora’s litter box clean so that they don’t look elsewhere to relieve themselves. With a self-cleaning litter box like Litter-Robot, you can ensure that they always have a fresh place to go.
Trimming your cat's nails regularly is also very important, and brushing their teeth (or scheduling regular dental cleanings at your vet) can help prevent dental diseases from developing. With regular check-ins with a vet, your Turkish Angora can experience a long and healthy lifespan.
Potential health problems
Generally, Turkish Angoras are a healthy breed but, like all cats, they can be prone to certain conditions.
For instance, white Turkish Angoras with blue eyes or one blue eye can be prone to deafness. Regular vet check-ups can help identify any potential issues early and ensure your cat's long-term health.
Another condition that can negatively affect a Turkish Angora’s health is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a form of heart disease that is hereditary in cats. Regular heart screenings can help detect this condition early and manage it effectively.
They can also be prone to ataxia, a neurological condition that affects coordination and balance. Turkish Angora kittens affected by ataxia will show signs at an early age, and while there is no cure, cats with this condition can still lead happy lives with some modifications to their environment.
Lastly, some Turkish Angoras can be prone to obesity, especially if they are not given enough opportunities for play and exercise. Regular play sessions and a balanced diet can help keep your cat's weight in check and prevent related health issues.
Matching your personality
When you finally decide to adopt a cat, you’ll want to make sure you understand your own needs. Comparing your personality to a cat’s is the best way to find a match. Figure out how much effort you will be able to put in daily so that you don’t end up with a cat that needs more than you can give.
There is a cat out there for you! It’s just about finding the right one.
Sources:
- Turkish Angora | VCA Animal Hospitals
- Turkish Angora Cat - Students | Britannica Kids
- Feline Dental Disease | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Living With A Deaf Cat | VCA Animal Hospitals
