From Turkey, central Anatolia around Ankara (the city the name 'Angora' comes from). A natural breed; the modern North American lines were built on cats imported from the Ankara Zoo from the 1950s and 1960s.1234
TICA gives 5-10 lb (about 2.3-4.5 kg) for the breed, males usually larger. Hill's gives 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg) for females and simply 'over 12 lb' (over 5.4 kg) for males, with no upper figure. CFA stresses fine boning over any set weight.
Deeply people-focused and dog-like in its devotion
Clever, playful and athletic well into adulthood
A longhair that is easy to groom thanks to its mat-resistant single coat
semi-long, single, silky coat with no real undercoat
A fine-boned but surprisingly firm and muscular cat with a long body and long legs, the hind legs a little higher than the front. The coat is a single layer of very fine hair with a silky shine: medium length on the body, but longer and fuller on the neck ruff, the 'britches' on the hind legs and the plumed tail, which is often held high. The head is a smallish wedge with big, high-set pointed ears and large almond eyes that can be blue, green, amber, yellow or one of each.42135
Colourswhite (traditional)blackbluecreamredsilverclassic, mackerel, spotted and ticked tabbiestortoiseshellcalicoblue-creamsmokeshadedbi-colours with white453
Personality what they are like
An outgoing, busy and very involved cat that wants to be part of whatever its people are doing. Many greet visitors at the door, follow their owners from room to room and quickly learn games, tricks and even simple commands. They often attach most strongly to one person in the household, while usually fitting in well with children and other pets. Bright and quick, they have a playful, slightly comic side, and some enjoy dabbling in water. They tend to prefer a settled routine and a predictable home.43215
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. A lively, athletic breed that loves to run, climb and perch up high, keeps a kitten-like love of play and does well at fetch, trick training and feline agility. Tall cat trees, shelves and a rotating selection of toys suit it well.3542
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Because the single coat resists matting, grooming is light for a longhair: a weekly comb (CFA suggests two or three times a month for young cats) removes loose hair, with more frequent sessions as cats get older or during seasonal shedding. Many tolerate bathing well. Routine nail trims, eye wiping and tooth care complete the routine.435
Home where they are happiest
An indoor home with plenty of vertical space, such as cat trees and perches, and enough toys and interaction to keep an active, curious cat busy. A calm, stable household suits it, as sudden changes to its surroundings can unsettle it.54
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced cat food in measured portions. Hill's advises keeping this fine-boned breed lean rather than letting it put on extra weight.5
Company who they like around
Very sociable with its people and likes company and interaction most of the day. It usually gets along with children and other animals, and often picks one family member as its closest companion.2143
The story where it all began
The Turkish Angora is a natural breed from central Anatolia, named after Ankara, and descends like all domestic cats from the African wildcat. Longhaired cats were being brought into Britain and France from Asia Minor, Persia and Russia by the late 1500s, and the Angora became a recognised type in Europe during the 1600s, where it was popular with French aristocrats. For a long time Europeans mixed up Angoras and Persians (a 1788 book treated the names as alternatives), and in the early 1900s Angoras were crossed into Persian lines to improve their coats, until the Angora nearly vanished as a separate type. Turkey kept the breed going through a preservation programme at the Ankara Zoo (Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo), which focused on pure white cats and especially valued odd-eyed ones. American visitors noticed the zoo's cats in the 1950s, and imports to North America in the early 1960s (Canada in 1963, the USA from 1962 per TICA, with CFA noting an arrival in 1954) started the modern breeding programme. CFA granted championship status in 1973 for whites only and opened the breed to colours in 1978; FIFe recognised it in 1988. Genetic work from 2012 found that cats of Turkish origin and North American lines now form distinct populations.14325
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
The name 'Angora' is an older spelling of Ankara, the Turkish capital and the breed's home region.1
2
CFA calls it the oldest known longhair breed and a likely ancestor of other longhairs; FIFe notes the Persian was developed from Turkish Angoras.4
3
The Ankara Zoo has run a breeding programme for white Angoras since the early 20th century and especially prizes odd-eyed cats with one blue eye and one of another colour.1
4
Marie Antoinette is reported to have owned Turkish Angoras, which were fashionable among French nobility.4
5
A popular legend says the Prophet Muhammad cut off his sleeve rather than wake a sleeping Angora cat lying on it.3
6
FIFe describes it as the 'ballerina' of the cat fancy, while TICA calls it the 'race-car of the cat world'.2
7
Angoras love high perches so much that CFA's advice for finding a missing one is simply to look up.4
8
Many are fascinated by dripping taps, and some will happily join their owners in the shower.4
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed name comes from Ankara, Turkey (formerly known as Angora), the city in central Anatolia where the breed originated. The Turkish name is 'Ankara kedisi', meaning 'Ankara cat'.6
Famous ones stars of the breed
Yildiz An odd-eyed white male from the Ankara Zoo that became one of the foundation cats of the Turkish Angora breeding program in the USA in 1962.3
Yildizcek An amber-eyed white female from the Ankara Zoo that, along with Yildiz, founded the Turkish Angora breeding program in the USA in 1962.3
I greet the morning by following my human from room to room. I like to be involved in everything. When a visitor arrives, I'm first at the door. I show them around, proud of my home. Later, I practice my tricks. I can fetch a toy mouse and drop it at my human's feet. I also love to climb to the top of the cat tree and watch the world from up high. In the afternoon, I nap in a sunbeam, always keeping one eye open. When my human settles on the sofa, I curl up beside them, purring softly.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
CFA
Championship breed since 1973; only whites were accepted at first, with other colours added in 19781
CFA
Current standard accepts almost every colour except chocolate, lilac and pointed patterns4
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Turkish Angora, and at what times?
Feed measured portions of a complete, balanced cat food, keeping your Turkish Angora lean as Hill's advises. Times can vary with your schedule, but consistency helps this breed that prefers a settled routine. Check the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a tailored plan.5Pet Wiki plan
What should a Turkish Angora eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete, balanced cat food in measured portions is best, keeping this fine-boned breed lean. Dangerous foods include chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and xylitol, as noted by the ASPCA. Always avoid raw meat, eggs, and bones, and consult your vet for any concerns.57
Does a Turkish Angora need baths?
Many Turkish Angoras tolerate bathing well, but it's only needed when they are very dirty or sticky, per general grooming guidance. Furry Diary's plan focuses on regular brushing and nail care instead. Ask your vet if you have specific skin or coat concerns.4358
How often does a Turkish Angora need brushing?
A weekly comb is usually enough for this silky, single coat, with more frequent sessions during shedding or as the cat ages. Furry Diary suggests brushing every three days, and daily deshedding when shedding. The coat resists matting, making grooming light for a longhair.435Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Turkish Angora's claws, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks as part of Furry Diary's plan, or every ten days to two weeks per general guidance, doing no more than two claws per session at first. Use proper cat nail clippers and avoid the quick. Ask your vet or a groomer to show you if unsure.8Pet Wiki plan
How much play does a Turkish Angora need?
This lively, athletic breed needs about 60 minutes of play daily, as Furry Diary suggests. They love fetch, trick training, and feline agility, so keep a rotating selection of toys and tall cat trees. Their high energy means they thrive with interactive fun.3542Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Turkish Angora's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily if possible, or at least every two days per Furry Diary's plan, using a vet-approved pet toothpaste. For ears, routine wiping with a damp cloth is fine; never use cotton swabs. Ask your vet for a dental care routine and ear cleaning tips.435Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Turkish Angora live?
A Turkish Angora typically lives between 9 and 14 years, according to Hill's. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy diet, they can enjoy a long, happy life. Senior years usually start around age 11, so adjust care then.5Pet Wiki plan
Is a Turkish Angora good with children and other pets?
Yes, they usually fit in well with children and other animals, often picking one person as their closest companion. They are outgoing and sociable, but prefer a calm, predictable home. Always supervise early interactions to ensure everyone feels safe.43215
Can a Turkish Angora be left alone?
This very sociable cat likes company and interaction most of the day, so it may not do well alone for long periods. They prefer a settled routine and a predictable home. If left alone often, consider a pet sitter or another cat for company.21435
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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