Cat fanciers are enjoying a resurgence of a delightful breed once thought to be extinct — the Turkish Angora. In recent years, due to new importation from Turkey, the breed's country of origin, the Turkish Angora has again taken its place in the roster of the pedigreed cats of the world. The Turkish Angora is a long, lithe cat with a silky, fine coat. One touch erases any doubt of how this beautiful cat got its name. The coat comes in many colors, the most popular being white. Sapphire blue eyes complement the silky fur. The Turkish Angora is not just a pretty face; the cat is athletic and intelligent, sociable and affectionate.

Native Country

Turkey

Breed Description

Head: Small to medium in size, tapering toward the chin. Moderately flat skull. Allowance for jowls in mature males. Barely rounded, fairly long muzzle. No whisker break. Nose is straight, medium in length, and without break. Firm, gently rounded chin forms a perpendicular line with the nose.
Eyes: Large, almond shaped, and set at a slight angle. All colors, in harmony with coat color, allowed.
Neck: Moderately long. Slim and graceful.
Body: Long, lithe, and muscular. Narrow chest. Shoulders and rump of same width. Rump slightly higher than shoulders. Fine in bone.
Paw: Long and slender. Hind legs longer than front. Small, oval paws; round. Tufts between toes.
Tail: Long; length in proportion to body.
Coat: Medium long. Fine, silky texture. Minimal undercoat. Longer at ruff, on back of legs, and on the belly where the coat is slightly wavy. The ruff is not fully developed until one year of age. All colors are recognized with any amount of white, except chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn, and colorpoint or Burmese color patterns. Solid white is the most prized color.

History

This elegant cat with the silky white coat was favored by the kings of France. The Angora, which originated in Turkey, bears the name of the capital city of Turkey, formerly called Angora, but now called Ankara. This ancient breed remained true to its original type for many years. In the 17th century, Italian explorer Pietro Della Valle brought several Angoras back to his home country. This cat, with its immaculate, fluffy coat, was consider a gift "fit for a king." The European aristocracy, particularly the court of Louis XV, favored Angoras. In the 18th century, Linné renamed the breed Cattus angorensis to distinguish it from domestic cats and Chartreux cats. Buffon described it as the "solid white, longhaired cat of Angora." In the 19th century, after contributing to the development of the Persian (to which the Turkish Angora transmitted the gene responsible for long hair), the breed almost disappeared as a result of the remarkable popularity of Persians. After the Second World War, the breed was on the verge of extinction. Breeders in Europe and the United States imported Angoras from Turkey, where the breed is now protected. The Torio's, American breeders, purchased Yildiz and Hildizcik from the Ankara Zoo. In 1970, the C.F.A. registered the first Turkish Angoras. The breed was officially recognized by the C.F.A. in 1973, and by the F.I.Fe in 1988. Despite its remarkable beauty, this breed is rare.

Behavior

The Turkish Angora is a quick-witted, quick-moving, and sometimes quick-tempered cat. They are highly intelligent, and not above manipulating their owners to get what they want. A Turk can teach you to play fetch, to turn on the faucet when she wants a drink, or to child-proof all your cabinets. The hallmark of the Turkish Angora is refined, athletic grace. This active, lively, well-balanced cat is playful, but easygoing. The Turkish Angora enjoys other cats and gets along well with dogs. This breed is highly adaptable, even adjusting well to travel. The Turkish Angora is extremely affectionate and gentle. He loves a good petting session. In fact, you may never be able to get your Turkish Angora out of your lap! Though talkative, the Turkish Angora has a soft voice. This cat is strong, athletic, and agile. He loves the water. Care is simple since there is almost no undercoat. Weekly brushing is sufficient. During shedding season (heavy shedding), daily brushing is required. The Turkish Angora should be bathed one week prior to a show.