Turkish Angora cat breed: facts, temperament and care
An elegant, silky, long-bodied cat from central Turkey, famous in its white form and known for being clever, athletic and devoted.
Also known as Angora, Ankara cat, Angora cat, Ankara kedisi
Quick facts
| Origin | Ankara region, Turkey |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Typical weight | 5-10 lb (2.3-4.5 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | Typically 12-18 years |
| Coat length | Medium |
| Coat | Fine, silky single coat of medium length, with a full tail and ruff |
| Colours and patterns | Nearly every colour and pattern; chocolate, lilac and pointed are not accepted by the CFA |
Recognition
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1973 |
|---|---|
| How common | Uncommon |
Temperament and care (1 low, 5 high)
| Affection | 4 |
|---|---|
| Energy | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 2 |
| Shedding | 3 |
| Good with children | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 3 |
| Happy alone | 4 |
| Trainability | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 3 |
Best suited to
| Suits | An active household that wants a clever, interactive, graceful cat that can cope with some time alone. |
|---|---|
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a placid lap cat, or who keeps a home with very young children or rough pets. |
Registries that recognise it
- CFA
- TICA
- FIFe
Health conditions to watch
- Deafness in white cats
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Ataxia
About the Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora comes from the Ankara region of central Turkey and is one of the old natural breeds. Long-haired cats from Asia Minor, Persia and Russia reached Britain and France from the late sixteenth century on, and by 1788 the names Persian and Angora were used for the same breed in England. The Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo in Ankara kept a programme in the twentieth century to preserve white Angoras, especially odd-eyed ones.
In North America the CFA gave championship to the breed in 1973, and until 1978 only white cats were recognised. Today many colours are accepted.
The Angora is long and slender, with fine bone and a wedge-shaped head with large, pointed, wide-set ears. The coat is silky and lacks a heavy undercoat. The tail is plumed and often carried high. Eyes can be blue, green, amber or odd-eyed.
Temperament and living with one
Angoras are intelligent, playful, athletic and strongly interactive. They bond with the whole household but often choose one person as a favourite. They climb to the highest point in a room and love to be involved. They are described as dog-like and independent enough to cope alone for part of the day. Some do not tolerate rough handling, and introductions to other pets should be gradual.
Care: coat, food and play
The coat does not mat easily. Combing two or three times a month is usually enough, with more attention when it sheds, and in older cats. Check ears and teeth and trim nails. Offer tall trees, shelves and puzzle toys. Feed a complete diet in measured meals.
Health
The breed is not known for many specific problems. White cats, especially blue-eyed ones, can be deaf, and a hearing test is advised for white kittens. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has been reported in adult cats, and ataxia, a loss of coordination, in kittens. Ask a breeder about the parents' health and heart screening, and ask your vet about check-ups.
Is it right for you?
A Turkish Angora suits an active owner who wants a bright, elegant cat and can give it things to climb and puzzle over. It is less suited to someone seeking a calm lap cat. For a larger swimmer with a patterned coat, look at the Turkish Van. For a thicker coat, the Siberian.
Profile last reviewed November 7, 2026