The Angora is a natural breed, not manmade, and existed in Turkey at least as far back as the 15th century. Angoras are usually thought of as white cats with blue or green eyes, but they come in many colors and patterns, including tortoiseshell, tabby and calico. They are a small to medium-size cat.
Did You Know the Turkish Angora is a Trickster?
Turkish Angoras tend to be excellent swimmers. Some will even plunge into the bathtub, shower, or swimming pool with you.
In his homeland, the Turkish Angora is considered a national treasure, and it’s easy to see why. Fine-boned and elegant, with a wedge-shaped head, a long silky coat and a plumed tail, this cat is often described as ballerina-like. Never think that he’s delicate, though. The Angora has not only the grace of a ballerina but also the strength.
Turkish Angoras weigh between five and nine pounds and live for 13 or more years. They may look beautiful and sophisticated, but underneath that elegant exterior they are tricksters with a wicked sense of humor. The outgoing Turkish Angora will greet guests at the door and play host with aplomb. He can get along with other pets, including dogs, after making sure they know he is the one in charge. In the same vein, he will be happy to supervise everything you do, preferably from on high. He is quite clever and is good at opening cabinet doors and turning on faucets (or teaching you to do it for him). This is an active, demanding, willful cat, but his beauty makes up for a lot.
The Turkish Angora is well suited to any home where he is loved, appreciated and given the care and attention he needs. Keep him indoors to protect him from cars, diseases spread by other cats and attacks from other animals.
Other Quick Facts About the Turkish Angora
For many years, all longhaired cats were referred to simply as “Angoras.”
All Turkish Angoras registered by CFA must be able to trace their ancestry back to Turkey.
Turkish Angoras are most commonly thought of as white, but they come in many colors and patterns, including black, blue, red, cream, tortoiseshell, and classic, mackerel and spotted tabbies of many colors.
An Angora in full winter coat has a mane, britches on the hind legs, and a fully plumed tail.
Some Turkish Angora breeders still import cats from Turkey. A breeder advertising “imported lines” usually means they are using foundation stock from Turkey.
