Home / Cat Breeds / Turkish Angora

Breed:
- Natural
Coat:
- Long Hair
Hypoallergenic?
- No
Shedding:
- Moderate
Turkish Angora Physical Traits
Weight Range: 7 lbs to 12 lbs
Body Length (excluding tail): 12 inches to 18 inches
Lifespan: 12 years to 16 years
Coat Type: Silky
Eye Color Variations: Blue, Green, Amber, Odd-Eyed
Body Type: Oriental
Turkish Angora Personality & Behavior
Activity Level: High
Good With Families? Yes
Good With Other Pets? Yes
Vocalization Level: Moderate
Trainability: Easy
Turkish Angora Health & Care
Common Health Issues: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), Ataxia (genetic neurological disorder), Deafness in white cats
Grooming Needs: Medium
Exercise Needs: Medium
Turkish Angora is Best For
Best For Owners Who Want: A social, intelligent, and playful companion
Best Living Condition: Apartment or house, as long as there is enough space to explore
The Turkish Angora is a naturally occurring breed known for its elegant, silky coat and playful yet affectionate personality. With a history tracing back to Turkey, this breed is intelligent, social, and enjoys human companionship. Their graceful build and striking eye colors make them one of the most visually captivating cat breeds.
Turkish Angora History
The Turkish Angora is one of the oldest known cat breeds, with records dating back to the 17th century. Originating from Turkey, these cats were highly prized and often found in the palaces of sultans. They were first introduced to Europe by travelers and quickly gained popularity due to their striking beauty. The breed faced near extinction but was preserved through breeding programs initiated by the Ankara Zoo in Turkey. Today, Turkish Angoras are recognized worldwide for their unique characteristics and charm.
What is the price of a Turkish Angora?
The cost of a Turkish Angora varies depending on lineage, breeder reputation, and location. Generally, prices range from $600 to $2,000 for a purebred kitten from a reputable breeder. Show-quality cats with rare features may cost more. Adopting from shelters may lower the cost significantly.
Turkish Angora Types
While the Turkish Angora is primarily a single breed, it can be found in various coat colors and patterns, including:
- White (the most iconic and traditional color)
- Black
- Blue
- Red
- Cream
- Tabby Patterns (silver, brown, and more)
- Bicolor and Tricolor Combinations
Turkish Angora Behavior & Characteristics Explained
The Turkish Angora is known for its high intelligence, social nature, and playfulness. These cats are:
- Affectionate: They bond deeply with their owners and enjoy human interaction.
- Energetic: They love to climb, jump, and explore their surroundings.
- Vocal: They have a soft yet expressive voice and use it to communicate with their owners.
- Curious: Always interested in their environment, they tend to be highly inquisitive.
- Good with families: They get along well with children and other pets when properly introduced.
Turkish Angora Diet Preference
A balanced diet is essential for the Turkish Angora’s health. Their diet should include:
- High-protein cat food (preferably with real meat as the first ingredient)
- Wet food or raw diet options to maintain hydration
- Limited grains to prevent digestive issues
- Fresh water available at all times
- Occasional treats, such as cooked chicken or fish
Turkish Angora Facts
- Originated from Turkey and considered a national treasure
- Known for their silky, non-matting coat
- Often has heterochromia (one blue eye and one amber or green eye)
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Recognized by various cat registries, including CFA and TICA
Turkish Angora Growth Chart
Age | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) |
---|---|---|
3 months | 2-4 lbs | 0.9-1.8 kg |
6 months | 5-7 lbs | 2.3-3.2 kg |
12 months | 7-12 lbs | 3-5.5 kg |
Adult (2+ years) | 8-14 lbs | 3.5-6.3 kg |
Turkish Angora Intelligence
The Turkish Angora is highly intelligent and quick to learn tricks, commands, and even puzzle toys. Their sharp minds make them excellent at problem-solving, and they can be trained to respond to their names, fetch toys, and even walk on a leash.