Turkish Angora

The Turkish Angora is one of the oldest and most elegant cat breeds — a graceful, athletic cat with a silky single-layer coat and a lively, social personality. They are often described as 'the ballerinas of the cat world' for their graceful movement and love of high places.

Active indoor play. They are athletic cats that enjoy climbing and interactive play.

Brush twice a week. Their single-layer coat is less prone to matting than other longhaired breeds.

Coat type: Long, silky, single-layered coat with no undercoat

Generally healthy and long-lived. HCM, ataxia, and deafness in white/blue-eyed individuals are the main concerns.

The Turkish Angora is one of the oldest natural cat breeds, originating in the Ankara (formerly Angora) region of Turkey. They have been documented in Turkish literature and art for over 1,000 years. They were the first longhaired cats brought to Europe in the 16th century and were used to introduce the longhaired gene into other breeds, including the Persian. The Ankara Zoo maintains a breeding program to preserve the original white Turkish Angora.

• 1

  Turkish Angoras were the first longhaired cats brought to Europe — they introduced the longhaired gene to many other breeds, including the Persian.

• 2

  The Ankara Zoo in Turkey maintains a breeding program to preserve the pure white Turkish Angora.

• 3

  White Turkish Angoras with one blue and one amber eye (odd-eyed) are considered particularly prized in Turkey.

• 4

  They are one of the few cat breeds that enjoy water — many will voluntarily swim.

• 5

  Turkish Angoras are known for their 'one person cat' tendency — they often bond most deeply with a single family member.

Owning a Turkish Angora is a long-term financial commitment. Here's a realistic breakdown of what to budget for.

* Estimates based on national averages. Costs vary by location, lifestyle, and individual health needs. Emergency vet visits are not included.

Turkish Angora popularity is stable among cat enthusiasts who appreciate their ancient heritage and elegant appearance. The Ankara Zoo in Turkey maintains a breeding program to preserve the pure white variety.

Products marked with SmartPaws Recommended are ones we've independently reviewed and recommend across the site. All Amazon links include our affiliate tag — purchases support SmartPaws at no extra cost to you.