Turkish Angora

Breed Type: Turkish
Common nicknames: Ankara
Coat: Long-haired
Hypoallergenic: No, they will likely trigger allergies.
Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, sociable, energetic
Life expectancy: 12-18 years
Color & patterns: White
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Turkish Angora - White
Turkish Angora - White
Turkish Angora - White
Known for their elegant, long-haired coats and unique eye colors, the Turkish Angora is truly a sight to behold. But they’re more than just their looks—these cats are known for their lively personalities, playful antics, and intelligence. They are also affectionate and always eager to spend time with their humans. This ancient breed originated in Turkey (hence the name) and was considered a national treasure; they were highly valued for their beauty and grace. In the 16th century, Turkish Angoras were introduced to Europe, where they quickly became popular among cat fanciers for their stunning appearance and playful personalities. Today, the Turkish Angora is a beloved cat breed all over the world and a great choice for anyone looking for a beautiful, active, and friendly feline companion.

Turkish Angora characteristics

Learn about about Turkish Angora basics like their fur colors, shedding levels, how much grooming they need, and other Turkish Angora facts.

Average height

8-10 inches (20.3-25.4cm)

Average weight

5-10 pounds (2.3-4.5 kg)

Average lifespan

12-18 years

Good with other cats
Needs spaceSocial Butterfly
Good with dogs
Scaredy catHey, new pal!
Affection
Independent spiritLoves attention
Shedding
Bare-skinnedHeavy Shedder
Health
Prone to issuesGenerally healthy
Exercise needs
Low-key activityHigh-energy workouts
When does a Turkish Angora stop growing?

Turkish Angoras stop growing around two to three years of age. They reach their full height and length by about one year old, but they continue to fill out and develop muscle and their adult coat until they are around two to three years old. Males might take a bit longer to fully mature compared to females.

How long do Turkish Angora cats live?

Turkish Angora cats live between 12 and 18 years on average. However, individual lifespans can vary based on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, healthcare, and overall lifestyle. Providing proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to helping dogs of all breeds live long and healthy lives.

How big do Turkish Angora cats get?

Turkish Angora cats are medium-sized cats who typically stand 8 to ten inches tall. Males are generally larger than females and weigh between eight and 12 pounds, while females weigh between five and eight pounds.

What eye colors can a Turkish Angora have?

Turkish Angora cats can have a range of eye colors, including blue, green, amber, gold, copper, and odd-eyed (two different colored eyes).

What color coats can Turkish Angora cats have?

Turkish Angora cats are most often solid white, but they come in a variety of traditional colors and patterns, including solid white, black, blue, red, and cream, as well as patterns including tabby, tortoiseshell, bicolor, calico, and smoke.

Are Turkish Angora cats good with other cats?

Yes, Turkish Angora cats are typically good with other cats. Their sociable, friendly, and adaptable nature often allows them to get along well with feline companions. As with any breed, individual personalities vary. Always introduce new cats gradually and monitor their interactions to ensure a smooth adjustment period.

Are Turkish Angora cats good with dogs?

Yes, Turkish Angora cats generally get along well with dogs, especially if they are properly introduced. Turkish Angoras that have been socialized with dogs from a young age might adapt more easily to living with them. The dog’s behavior and temperament also play a significant role. A well-behaved, calm, and non-aggressive dog is more likely to get along with a Turkish Angora.

Gradual and positive introductions are crucial. Allowing the cat and dog to become familiar with each other’s scents and presence before direct interactions can help reduce stress and potential conflicts. Always supervise initial interactions to prevent any potential issues.

Are Turkish Angora cats good pets?

Yes, Turkish Angora cats are good pets. They form strong bonds with their pet parents and enjoy spending time with them. Their energetic and playful behavior can make them engaging and entertaining pets. Turkish Angoras adjust well to various living situations, whether in homes or apartments.

How much do Turkish Angora cats shed?

Turkish Angora cats shed moderately. While they have a long, silky coat, they don’t shed as heavily as some other long-haired breeds. However, they do experience seasonal shedding, especially in the spring and fall, when they lose more fur as they transition between their winter and summer coats. Regular brushing a few times a week can help manage shedding and reduce the amount of loose fur around the house. This also helps prevent the long coat from matting or tangling.

Turkish Angora health

Learn about about the Turkish Angora health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.

Do you need to groom a Turkish Angora cat?

Yes, you need to groom a Turkish Angora cat. The long, silky coat requires some care to keep it in good condition and to prevent matting and tangles. Brush their coat a few times a week to remove loose fur and prevent mats. This also helps manage shedding and keeps their coat smooth and shiny. Turkish Angoras generally don’t need frequent baths, but occasional baths can help keep their coat clean, especially if they get particularly dirty or have a lot of loose fur. 

Regular nail trimming is important to prevent overgrowth and ensure they don’t get their claws caught in things. Check their ears regularly for any signs of wax buildup or infection, and clean them if necessary with a vet-recommended ear cleaner. Regular dental care is also important to maintain overall health, including brushing their teeth or providing dental treats.

Is Turkish Angora high maintenance?

No, Turkish Angora cats are not high maintenance, but they do require some care to keep them healthy and happy. Their long, silky coat requires brushing to prevent matting and tangles. They are active and playful, so providing plenty of toys, climbing structures, and interactive playtime is important for their physical and mental well-being.

Are Turkish Angora cats hypoallergenic?

No, Turkish Angora cats are not hypoallergenic, but some people with allergies might find them more tolerable than other breeds. While no cat breed is entirely hypoallergenic, Turkish Angoras tend to produce fewer allergens compared to some other breeds. They have less of the Fel d 1 protein, which is a common allergen found in cat saliva and dander. Their moderate shedding and relatively low amount of dander can sometimes help reduce allergic reactions.

However, individuals with severe cat allergies might still experience reactions to Turkish Angora cats. It’s a good idea for potential cat pet parents with allergies to spend time with the adults of the breed before adopting to see how their allergies might be affected.

Are Turkish Angora cats healthy?

Yes, Turkish Angora cats are generally healthy and robust, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Routine health checks can help catch any potential issues early.

What diseases are Turkish Angoras prone to?

Turkish Angora cats are generally healthy and not known for being highly susceptible to specific diseases. Some of the conditions that might affect Turkish Angoras include:

  • Deafness: Odd-eyed and blue-eyed white Turkish Angoras are prone to deafness.

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): This is a common form of heart disease in cats, where the heart muscle becomes thickened. 

  • Dental issues: They can be prone to dental problems such as gingivitis or periodontal disease, which can be managed with regular dental care.

  • Obesity: While not a disease per se, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to prevent obesity-related health issues.

  • Skin and coat issues: Although less common, they might experience skin or coat problems if their grooming needs are not met.

Turkish Angora history

Learn about where this Turkish Angora came from!

Where are Turkish Angora cats from?

Turkish Angora cats originate from Turkey. This ancient cat breed developed naturally in the Ankara region (historically known as Angora) of central Turkey.

Were Turkish Angora cats bred for a reason?

Turkish Angora cats were not originally bred for a specific reason. Instead, they developed naturally in the Ankara region of Turkey. In the early 20th century, Turkish Angoras were at risk of disappearing due to interbreeding with other domestic cats. To preserve the breed, the Turkish government, in collaboration with the Ankara Zoo, began a breeding program to protect and maintain the purebred Turkish Angora.

Is the Turkish Angora cat rare?

Yes, the Turkish Angora cat is relatively rare, especially outside of Turkey. Although they are well-known and cherished within Turkey, their numbers are limited in other parts of the world. This rarity is partly due to their historical conservation efforts in Turkey, which restricted the export of purebred Turkish Angoras for some time to protect the breed. Breeders outside of Turkey work to maintain and promote the breed, but Turkish Angoras remain less common than many other domestic cat breeds.

Turkish Angora temperament

Learn about about the Turkish Angora temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.

Do Turkish Angora cats meow a lot?

Yes, Turkish Angora cats meow a lot. Vocal and communicative, they meow to get attention, express needs, or simply engage in “conversation” with their pet parents. In addition to meowing, Turkish Angora cats often make affectionate chirping or trilling sounds.

Are Turkish Angora cats friendly?

Yes, Turkish Angora cats are friendly and affectionate. They tend to form strong bonds with their pet parents and are often described as loyal and loving pets. They usually get along well with other pets and can be friendly with visitors, though individual personalities might vary.

Are Turkish Angora cats good hunters?

Turkish Angora cats have a natural hunting instinct, as do many domestic cats, but their hunting behavior is usually more play-oriented rather than driven by a need to hunt for food. In a home setting, Turkish Angoras enjoy playing with interactive toys that mimic prey, such as feather wands or laser pointers. They also might be curious about small animals, like insects or rodents, if they encounter them.

Are Turkish Angora cats good indoor cats?

Yes, Turkish Angora cats are good indoor cats. They enjoy spending time with their pet parents and are content with indoor life. To ensure they are happy and healthy indoors, it’s important to provide toys, climbing structures, and scratching posts to keep them entertained.

Are Turkish Angora cats good lap-cats?

Yes, Turkish Angora cats are good lap-cats. Affectionate and social, they typically enjoy spending time with their pet parents. They might seek out laps for cuddling and warmth, and they enjoy being close to their pet parents.

Are Turkish Angora cats active?

Yes, Turkish Angora cats are active. Their slender, athletic build allows them to be agile and nimble, which can lead to energetic play and movement. They often enjoy interactive toys, such as feather wands, laser pointers, and puzzle toys. They might also be interested in exploring their environment, climbing, and finding new places to investigate. Providing ample opportunities for play and enrichment is important to keep Turkish Angoras happy and healthy.

Are Turkish Angora cats cuddly?

Yes, Turkish Angora cats are cuddly. They are affectionate and social, often seek out attention, and love to be petted and held. Their friendly demeanor makes them likely to snuggle up and enjoy lap time or cozy spots next to their pet parents.

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Adopting a Turkish Angora

Learn about acquiring a Turkish Angora - the pros and cons of adopting versus going through a breeder, and associated costs.