Turkish Angora Cats

A bright white Turkish Angora with green eyes

A white Angora kitten with beautiful blue eyes

History

The Turkish Angora is a very old breed that naturally developed. It is thought that the breed developed in Turkey in the Ankara region formerly known as Angora. There are records of the Turkish Angora showing up in Britain as early as the 14th century as a result of the Crusades. Other theories suggest that they arrived even earlier in the 10th century with vikings. Or that they arrived with Egyptian traders. The Turkish Angora was a distinct breed and popular in Europe by the 17th century.

Ankara zoo started a breeding programme in the early 20th century to try and preserve the breed. The breed was then taken to Canada in 1963 and was accepted as a championship breed in 1973 by the Cat Fanciers Association. Originally only white Turkish Angoras were accepted, but today many different colours are accepted as Turkish Angoras.

Behaviour

This is a very active, athletic and intelligent breed of cat. They love to be up high observing their surroundings. Turkish Angoras will often form a particularly strong bond with one human. They will seek out the attention of the chosen person, and will want attention from them. This breed is particularly receptive to training and have been known to show basic problem solving skills. Despite their active disposition Turkish Angoras love to cuddle up to people and be stroked.