It is estimated that the Turkish Angora has been around for approximately 1,400 years. Originating from Turkey and the surrounding areas, the Turkish Angora was eventually transported into the United Kingdom and France in the late 1500s. In the 1960s, the Turkish Angora was brought to America thanks to the Ankara Zoo in Turkey. Today, they are a beloved pet of cat-lovers around the world.
Appearance and Grooming
Turkish Angoras are most well-known for their long, silky fur coats. While white is the standard color, additional colors are being introduced into the breed. Today, Turkish Angoras can be found in white, black, orange, lavender, chocolate and more. This breed of cat is relatively small in size though their bodies are long. They feature large, almond-shaped eyes with large, pointed ears. These cats are known to be among the most dainty and graceful of all breeds.
While it is a long-haired breed, the Turkish Angora does not require significant grooming. Thanks to their origins in the cold mountains of Turkey, they have developed a thin, luxurious fur that rarely becomes entangled. This does not mean that no grooming is required. A thorough brushing to remove loose hair is usually all that is necessary, however some Turkish Angoras may demand a bath.
Personality
The Turkish Angora is known to develop a strong bond with the owner but will also show affection to all members of the family. They are outgoing, playful and determined cats who are also willing to known to hold daily conversation with their owners. Strangely, this breed of cat is also known to enjoy the occasional swim or bath every now and then.
Thanks to their great disposition, this particular breed of cat is great for seniors or families with children of any age, especially small children. Turkish Angoras adapt well to dogs and other cats.
Turkish Angora Health Concerns
Many Turkish Angoras are ‘odd-eyed’ cats, meaning that they have one blue eye and one green or amber colored eye. It is not uncommon for the ear on the side of the blue eye to be deaf. Pure white Turkish Angoras with blue eyes also suffer from deafness, however this is not specific to white Turkish Angoras but to any pure white, blue eyed cat.
Acceptance
The Turkish Angora is accepted by several organizations and can be shown in many of the available competitions. Organizations that accept the Turkish Angora include:
- Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA)
- American Cat Fanciers’ Association (ACFA)
- American Association of Cat Enthusiasts (AACE)
- Canadian Cat Association (CCA)
- United Feline Organization (UFO)
Sources:
 |
