Turkish Angora

Like the name suggests, the Turkish Angora breed originated in Turkey in the 15th century, likely a descendant of an African wildcat.  Their long hair served them well in the snowy climates of Ankara, Turkey, which was formerly known as Angora. The cats migrated from Turkey to France and Britain. They became so popular in Europe that Persian cat breeders began incorporating Turkish Angoras into their breeding in the 19th century. This caused their population to dwindle. The Turkish Zoo created a program to preserve the breed, and in the 1950s, Americans stationed in Turkey were gifted cats to bring them to the U.S. which helped the breed thrive. 

Turkish Angora cats look for their personalities reflected in their owners: someone who is high-energy and doesn’t mind having a partner in crime in everything they do. They want to be in the driver’s seat, so they don’t love being held for long periods—there’s too much to explore. They are attention-seeking cats, so owners shouldn’t mind a little mischievousness from these clever problem solvers and investigators. They don’t do well on their own and enjoy owners who are home most of the time.

The Turkish Angora cat is high energy and always seeking playtime. They love cat toys and perching up high on cat trees or shelves. They do best indoors but would benefit from leash walking or a cat enclosure to give them some variety in their stimulation and enrichment.

The Turkish Angora cat is playful and intelligent. They enjoy vertical play space, cat-safe outdoor areas, and toys. They can do well in any living environment so long as their high enrichment needs are met.

The Turkish Angora has a luxurious and silky coat that is relatively low-maintenance. They don’t tangle or mat easily but should be brushed regularly to prevent any from forming. They love water, so baths won’t be as stressful as they might be for other cat breeds.

Smart and clever with an impish streak, the Turkish Angora cat can be taught tricks, basic commands, and more through positive reinforcement. They love praise from their owners.

Turkish Angora cats can be great family pets for active families who don’t mind stopping to play throughout the day. They don’t like being left alone, so families that are home a lot are ideal. They aren’t typical cuddly lap cats, but they enjoy engaging with their owners. Families with children who can help with their enrichment needs are best.

The cost of a Turkish Angora from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.