Turkish Angora

The Turkish Angora is a distinct breed of domestic cat.

It is considered one of the ancient, natural breeds of cats. These cats originated in central Anatolia, which is the Ankara Province in modern-day Turkey. While they are widely known as Turkish Angoras, they are often called Angoras or Ankara cats outside the United States. This breed is significant because it represents a long history of natural feline development. Understanding this breed helps us see how domestic cats have changed over many centuries.

All domestic cats descended from the African wildcat, known scientifically as Felis lybica. The ancestors of the Turkish Angora were among the cats first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent. Longhaired cats were eventually imported to Britain and France from regions like Asia Minor, Persia, and Russia. These imports happened as early as the late 16th century. By the 17th century, the Turkish Angora was recognized as a distinct breed in Europe. This shows how long humans have interacted with and categorized these specific animals.

Historically, the distinction between some breeds was not always clear. In his 1788 book, *Animals Drawn from Nature and Engraved in Aqua-tinta*, Charles Catton listed "Persian cat" and "Angora cat" as alternative names for the same breed. There is a strong historical connection between Angoras and Persians. In the 20th century, Angoras were even used to improve the coats of Persian cats. However, the two types remain divergent. This is especially true because modern show cats of the Persian breed have developed increasingly flat faces.

Physically, the Turkish Angora is defined by a slender and elegant body. They possess a long, muscular frame with good fineness of the bone. Their heads are small to medium in size and feature a smooth wedge shape. The eyes are large and almond-shaped, with colors including blue, green, amber, or yellow. Some cats exhibit heterochromia, which means they have different colored eyes. Their ears are pointed, large, and wide-set. A notable feature is the plumed tail, which the cat often carries upright and perpendicular to its back.

While many people associate the breed with a shimmery white coat, they actually display various colors and patterns. The only disallowed coat colors are chocolate, lavender, or colorpoint. The breed's temperament is also quite specific. Turkish Angoras are described as playful, intelligent, athletic, and involved. They form strong bonds with humans. Often, a cat will select one specific family member to be its constant companion. In these relationships, the cat can be very protective.

In the early 20th century, the Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo began a breeding program. Their goal was to protect and preserve pure white Angoras. The zoo specifically prized odd-eyed specimens, though they chose cats based only on color. The breed's journey to North America included an arrival in Canada in 1963. In 1973, the Cat Fanciers' Association accepted them as a championship pedigreed breed. Initially, only white Angoras were recognized, but this changed in 1978 when all colors were accepted. Today, North American registries accept many different colors and patterns.

Science has helped clarify the true origins of the breed through DNA studies. A 2012 study involving cats from Turkey found that American and Turkish Angoras are separate breed populations. American Turkish Angoras are categorized as descendants of European random-bred cats. In contrast, cats imported from Turkey were assigned to the Eastern Mediterranean group. This suggests that while American cats are "purebred on paper," they have minimal remnant DNA from the original Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo populations. There are also health considerations to note. The gene responsible for the white coat and blue eyes can cause deafness. Some reports also mention ataxia in kittens and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in adults.