Group Classification: Longhair
Country of Origin: Turkey
Date of Origin: 1400s
Weight (M): 9-11 lbs.
Weight (F): 6-8 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 15+ years

History
Trade with Turkey brought Angoras to other countries, perhaps as early as during the Renaissance. Until the Victorian Age, these longhair cats were not separately classified. Once they were, Turkish Angoras were bred with Persians; Persians became very popular, Angoras didn't. With that, the breed slowly disappeared outside of Turkey, vanishing from shows and catteries alike.

The Ankara Zoo is credited with saving the breed; whether or not that's factual, Angoras survived and thrived in their native land, where the pure white version became exceedingly popular. In 1963 a pair was taken to the U.S. The breed began to develop fans across America and around the world, but they are not recognized in Great Britain.

General Description
The Turkish Angora is a beautiful feline. They are small, at most medium sized cats with fine silky coats. Unlike many other long hairs, the Angora has no undercoat so the fur lies close to the body. Their eyes are large and almond shaped; eye colors can be odd-eyed, amber, blue or green. Ears are wide based with gently rounded tips; they follow the lines of the cat's tapering head. They have slim necks that give the cat a very graceful appearance. Plumed tails are deceptive: on the inside, the actual tail tapers from a wide base to a fine tip; visuall, the fur does just the opposite, beginning narrow and shorter haired at the base, leading to exceedingly wide fur plumed tip.

Colors
Self and Tortie: black, red, blue, cream, tortie, blue-cream, white and all other self and tortie colors
Smoke: Same as Self and Tortie except white
Shaded: Same as Self and Tortie except whit
Tabby (Classic and Mackerel): Brown, red, blue, cream, spotted and ticked and all other Self and Tortie colors.
Silver Tabby (Classic and Mackerel): silver and spotted and ticked in all other Self and Tortie colors
Bicolors: All Self and Tortie colors with white; all other colors and patterns with white.

Note: The bicolor pattern notable in Turkish Vans is also prevalent in Turkish Angora. Even patches of black and red on face, head, tail and'saddle' contrast with predominantly white fur. There is a great deal of variation in the patterning of these bicolors, but all must have uniformly white underparts.

Coat
Thanks to the lack of an appreciable undercoat, these Angoras do not need excessive or daily brushing. Once a week with a gentle touch should be enough except in winter, when they grow a much denser coat. Potential owners take note: the Turkish Angora goes through a full summer molt.

Notable Features
Turkish Angora are graceful cats whose features complement that impression. Slim, they still manage to have rounded curves, which lends a trace of elegance to every move they make. Their long fur is so silky it shines, revealing different colors when in motion. They have considerably less mass than other longhairs (technically speaking, they have medium length fur).

Health and Care
As with other breeds, pure white blue-eyed Turkish Angora may be born partially or totally deaf due to a color gene defect. Other colors of the breed are not susceptible to the problem. Breeders of white angora and van cats are required to test for deafness in the E.U. using the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test. Many breeders in other countries use this computerized testing as well.

This breed also carries an autosomal recessive for hereditary ataxia. This disease affects the cerebellum's ability to coordinate muscle movements; the condition is terminal.

Cherished in Turkey, the reason this Angora has caught on with the rest of the world is they are one of the most affectionate cat breeds. They develop strong bonds with their owners and are playful throughout their lives. Combined with a formidable intellect, Turkish Angora make delightful pets and devoted companions.

Resources
Turkish Angora Fanciers International at www.turkishangora.org
Turkish Cat Society at www.turkishcatsociety.co.uk