Originally from Turkey, Angora cats are one of the oldest feline breeds in the world. Angora cats are often confused with other long-haired breeds like Persian cats, since both breeds enjoy notorious popularity. Thus, in this AnimalPlanet breed file, we will see the characteristics of the Turkish Angora cat that define it as a breed, its character, its care and its he alth.
Origin
- Asia
- Europe
- Türkiye
FIFe Rating
- Category II
Physical Characteristics
- Thick Tail
- End
Size
- Average
Average Weight
- 3-5
Life expectancy
- 15-18
Character
- Active
- Affectionate
- Curious
- Calm
Climate
- Temperate
Hair type
- Medium
- Long
Origin of the Turkish Angora cat
Turkish Angora cats are considered the first long-haired cats in history.The Angora come from the Turkish region of Ankara, hence its name. White Angora cats with one eye of each color (who have eyes will see) are considered the icon of purity and, for this reason, are held in high esteem. These specimens are called Ankedi Kedi and are even accepted as a national treasure of Turkey. So much so that legend has it that the founder of present-day Turkey returns to the world reincarnated as a Turkish Angora. This peculiarity is called heterochromia and can be observed in several breeds of cats.
Despite the above, the exact origin of the Turkish Angora cat is remote, so there are many theories about the emergence of the breed. One of them claims that the Turkish Angora comes from wild cats bred in China; another defends that they come from cats that lived in the Russian steppes and that they had to develop a long and dense coat which protected them from the cold. According to this last theory, the Angora would be the ancestors of the Norwegians or the Maine Coon.Others believe they came later through the Islamic invasions suffered by Persia in the 15th century.
Upon arrival in Europe, there are also several possibilities. The most common belief is that they arrived on Viking ships around the 10th century. What is certain is that they are recorded in documents dating back to the 16th century, which indicate how they were given as a gift from the Turkish sultan to both English and French nobility, becoming a very popular and esteemed breed. in the French aristocracy of the court of Louis XV.
It wasn't until the 1970s that the breed was officially recognized by the CFA, creating an official breed of the Turkish Angora cat. FIFE did not recognize it until a few years later, specifically in 1988. Even today, it is not a widespread breed, with few specimens in Europe and the United States. This is why it can sometimes be difficult to adopt one of these felines, especially if we want him to have a pedigree.
Physical characteristics of the Turkish Angora cat
The Angora is an average cat that weighs between 3 and 5 kilos, with a height ranging from 15 to 20 centimeters. Normally, their life expectancy is between 12 and 16 years.
The body of the Turkish Angora is elongated, with strong and marked musculature, but at the same time slim and stylized. Its hind legs are higher than the front, its tail is thin and very long and its coat is long and thick, which gives it the appearance of a small feather duster.
An Angora's head should be small or medium, but never large, triangular in shape. The eyes are large and almond-shaped, with a penetrating and expressive gaze. They are usually amber, copper, blue or green. Many individuals exhibit a different eye color, making them one of the breeds most prone to heterochromia. Thus, the color difference in the eyes and the long hair are the most representative physical characteristics of the Turkish Angora.His ears are big and wide, pointed and preferably with brushes at the ends.
The coat of an Angora is long, thin and dense, originally it could only be white, but different patterns appeared and nowadays, red, blue, cream, brown , silver, cameo, silver blue and tabby are accepted. The coat of hair is denser in the lower part, the tail and the neck, without a woolly layer.
Turkish Angora Cat Character
We are in front of a calm breed with a quiet temperament, who likes the balance between activity and the rest. If you want him to be with children, you have to get him used to life with children from a young age, because if you don't, he can be embarrassed or suspicious. If you get used to it, it will be an excellent playmate, because the character of the Turkish Angora is also energetic, patient and very playful. You will need to be careful about enriching the environment to arouse curiosity.
Sometimes Angoras are compared to a dog, as they tend to follow their guardian everywhere, their loy alty and attachment being known. They are docile and affectionate animals who will appreciate cuddles and games.
They generally adapt to life anywhere, as long as you give them the love and space they need. In this way, the Turkish Angora can live either in an apartment or in a house with a garden, in the city or in the countryside. We must consider that although living with humans is something necessary for Angoras, they are not very predisposed to share their home with other pets.
Turkish Angora Cat Care
Like all breeds with semi-long hair, Turkish Angora care emphasizes the need for regular brushing to remove excess dead hair. Brushing won't be too difficult as he's missing a layer of down, so you won't need too much effort to keep his coat smooth and silky free of tangles and dirt.
You must provide him with a balanced diet, which covers all his nutritional needs and provides him with the energy he needs. In order to release this energy in a timely manner, it will be better if you provide it with appropriate toys to avoid, due to their boredom, the destruction of your furniture.
You should also not neglect their nails, teeth, eyes and ears, carrying out the cleaning and checks necessary for their good condition and proper maintenance.
Turkish Angora Cat He alth
Turkish Angora cats are very he althy and strong cats with no serious congenital diseases. However, White Angoras tend to develop deafness or be born deaf, especially those who also have golden or hypochromic eyes. This can be diagnosed by a veterinarian, with different tests that will also tell us its degree of deafness.
To avoid hairballs in the digestive system or hairballs, you can use special foods or specific products such as paraffin or m alt. These, combined with daily brushing, will keep your pet he althy and free from discomfort.
Along with these Angora-specific considerations, other characteristics common to all cat breeds should be taken into account, such as constantly updating pets on vaccinations, deworming and veterinary checks.
Turkish Angora photos
