The Turkish Angora, a symbol of grace and agility, with its magnificent coat and piercing eyes.
The Historic Elegance of the Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora is a natural cat breed of regal beauty, originating from the Ankara region (formerly Angora) in Turkey. It is one of the oldest and most revered long-haired breeds, often considered the ancestor of all long-haired cats. Recognizable by its slender and muscular silhouette, graceful bearing, semi-long silky coat with little undercoat, and plumed tail.
This elegant feline is valued for its intelligence, affectionate and playful temperament, and great agility. The Turkish Angora is a devoted companion that loves to interact with its family and explore its environment.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on October 14, 2025.
My personal tip : The Turkish Angora's coat, though long, is easy to maintain as it has little undercoat and doesn't tangle easily. Brushing two to three times a week is sufficient to maintain its beauty. This is a very active and intelligent cat that needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Offer interactive toys, cat trees for climbing, and regular play sessions. The Turkish Angora is very social and does not tolerate loneliness. It will thrive in a home where it receives plenty of attention and affection, and where it can interact with its family.
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Identifying the Turkish Angora: Key Characteristics
The slender silhouette and ethereal coat of the Turkish Angora are emblematic.
The Turkish Angora is a medium to large-sized cat, with a long, slender, and well-muscled body. Its overall appearance is that of a graceful athlete.
Size: Medium to large-sized cat, with a long, slender, and muscular body.
Coat: Medium-long to long, fine and silky, with little undercoat, making it easy to groom. All colors and patterns are accepted, although white is the most iconic color.
Head: Medium-sized, wedge-shaped (triangular), with a straight profile.
Eyes: Large, almond-shaped, slightly oblique, blue, green, amber, or odd-eyed (one of each color).
Ears: Large, broad at the base, slightly pointed, well-tufted.
Tail: Very long, full and plumed, carried proudly.
Dimensions and Key Information (Turkish Angora)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Size (at shoulder)
25 – 35 cm
20 – 30 cm
20 – 35 cm
Weight
3 – 5 kg
2.5 – 4 kg
2.5 – 5 kg
Life Expectancy
12 – 18 years
12 – 18 years
12 – 18 years
Diet
Strict carnivore
Strict carnivore
High-quality kibble and wet food
Litter Size (kittens)
-
Variable
Generally 3-5
These figures indicate that the Turkish Angora is a medium to large-sized cat, and its growth is completed around 1 year of age.
Behavior: Elegant, Playful, and Very Affectionate
The Turkish Angora is an ancient and majestic breed, renowned for its long, silky fur, natural elegance, and lively temperament. Originating from Turkey, these cats are remarkably intelligent, very playful, and incredibly affectionate towards their families. They love to be the center of attention and are known for their grace and agility, moving with feline ease.
Deeply attached to their owners, Turkish Angoras are devoted companions who constantly seek interaction. They are often compared to "dog-like cats" for their loyalty and ability to learn tricks, such as fetching. They love heights and will appreciate cat trees and shelves. Their meow is soft and melodic, but they can also be quite vocal when they want to communicate. Their elegance and active nature can bring to mind the Oriental or the Siamese, although the Turkish Angora is generally softer in its vocalizations.
The Turkish Angora generally gets along well with respectful children and other animals, provided it has been socialized early. It needs regular mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and balanced. If you are drawn to a long-haired, elegant, and very interactive cat, the Turkish Angora is an excellent choice. For those who appreciate the beauty of long-haired cats and their affection, the Birman and the Balinese (which is the long-haired version of the Siamese) are also wonderful companions. If agility and adaptation to cold climates interest you, the Siberian is another fascinating breed.
Origin and Adaptability
The history of the Turkish Angora dates back centuries, in the mountainous regions of Ankara (Turkey). These cats were already recognized in the 17th century for their beauty and long coats. They were introduced to Europe in the 16th century, where they became prized pets of royalty and nobility. However, by the early 20th century, the breed almost disappeared due to intensive crossbreeding with other long-haired breeds, particularly the Persian. The Turkish government then established a breeding program at the Ankara Zoo to preserve the breed. The first Turkish Angoras arrived in the United States in the 1960s and were recognized by the CFA in 1973.
The Turkish Angora is a very adaptable cat that can live in an apartment, provided it receives plenty of attention, play, and stimulation. It is tolerant of different environments, but prefers the warmth and comfort of a loving home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Turkish Angora
What is unique about the Turkish Angora's coat?
The Turkish Angora has a medium-long to long, fine, and silky coat, with little undercoat, making it less prone to tangling than other long-haired breeds. All colors are accepted, although white is the most traditional.
What is the temperament of the Turkish Angora?
The Turkish Angora is a very intelligent, active, curious, playful, and affectionate cat. It is sociable, loyal, and loves to interact with its family. It can be very vocal and enjoys learning tricks.
Is the Turkish Angora prone to specific health problems?
White Turkish Angoras with blue eyes are sometimes prone to deafness. In general, it is a robust breed, but it can be predisposed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and ataxia in kittens. Genetic tests for HCM are available.
How long can a Turkish Angora live?
The average life expectancy of a Turkish Angora typically ranges between 12 and 18 years, with proper care and a balanced diet, some even reaching 20 years.
Does the Turkish Angora like water?
Yes, unlike many cats, many Turkish Angoras are known to enjoy water and may even like splashing in a bath or playing with a running faucet.
