Originating from central Turkey, The Turkish Angora is a naturally occurring breed of domestic cat.
Turkish Angora cats are a medium-sized breed. The Turkish Angora is a beautiful creature characterized by its long, thick fur. The Turkish Angora may have been the first long-haired breed brought to Europe in the 16th century. They are known for being extremely intelligent and playful.
One of the best things about Turkish Angoras is that they don’t have high grooming requirements, which can be time-consuming with other long-haired breeds.
This beautiful breed makes for great companions. Their long lives also make them excellent pets, with life spans ranging from 9-14 years.
The Turkish Angora can be your companion for years. However, Turkish Angoras may develop health problems due to the breed’s history of inbreeding.
If the cats are not properly maintained, these genetic defects can affect their lifespan.
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History of the Turkish Angora cat
These cats have a long history dating back several hundred years. They were initially bred as companion animals and working cats.
Some people believe that the Turkish Angora is the first species of long-haired cat in Europe. 1520 was when The Anatolians brought over the first Angora cat from Ankara.
Unfortunately, the Europeans looked over the Angora cat as the most sought-after by the Persian breed.
Angora cats are far more luxurious, as their silky fur glistens and shimmers as they move.
They have recently become popular as show cats and pets due to their unique looks and temperament. Turkish Angoras are medium-sized cats, typically weighing 8-10 pounds for males and 6-8 pounds for females.
They are known for their long, silky fur, which can be any colour but is predominantly black or silver. Turkish Angoras are a beautiful, well-tempered breed.
As with any pet, there are, of course, some pros and cons. So let’s first take a look at the pros and why you should definitely consider owning a Turkish Angora.
Turkish Angora Cat Pros
Beautiful Fur
Turkish Angora Cat (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Turkish Angoras have beautiful fur that is low maintenance. They’re considered among the most beautiful and elegant breeds of cats. They have a luxurious coat of fur that can be colourfully patterned. Turkish Angora cats are usually white but can also be black, silver, or orange. Their colours make them highly sought-after. The Turkish Angora is a magnificent breed of cats. If you only care about style, the Turkish Angora is a wonderfully stylish pet that doesn’t require more than a weekly brushing to maintain its luxurious coat. In addition, the Turkish Angora has no undercoat, making their fur easy to care for regularly. Easy maintenance is one of the best aspects of owning a Turkish Angora compared to any other long-haired cat breed.
Excellent temperament
While some cats have high-maintenance temperaments that is a rare quality to find in this breed. Turkish Angoras are known for their excellent attitudes. Everyone wants a well-behaved cat and the Turkish Angora is the ideal companion as they are docile and friendly. These cats are perfect for families and people who have lots of attention they want to give to cats. These cats are also intelligent and playful, making them great companions. Angoras are pretty low-maintenance compared to other breeds. Turkish Angoras are excellent pets because of their good nature. Ownership of a Turkish Angora can be a status symbol due to its rarity. The Turkish Angora are cuddlers and love affection.
House Hunters
Some breeds are natural hunters and some species don’t hunt at all. The Turkish Angora is a breed of natural hunters. They love the mental stimulation of the hunt and love to show their prize. If you have a problem with mice in your house, an Angora will help with the mice that enter, and the skills of the Angora can deter mice from entering. This breed is a dream. They’re cute and cuddly; the best part is they rid you of those pesky mice.
Don’t shed much
Turkish Angoras shouldn’t require much more care than just a weekly brush-through. With regular fur maintenance and baths every few months, the fur of the Turkish Angora should remain as silky and luscious as ever. In addition, the Turkish Angora has a unique fur pattern with no undercoat; it is far less likely to become matted and tangled. This makes them incredibly impressive for a long-haired breed.
Turkish Angora Cat Cons
Expensive Maintenance
Turkish Angora Cat (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Turkish Angora cats are known for their beauty, which is fantastic; however, they may be prone to health problems. Before deciding to own a Turkish Angora, it is vital to consider the cost. The breed’s rarity makes them expensive just for that, but add on health problems, and it is detrimental to ensure that you have the financial ability to care for the cat.
Health issues
Angora Cats can develop serious health problems due to their genetics. The Turkish Angora breed is prone to certain health conditions, not unlike many other species. Conditions most likely to affect the Turkish Angora are deafness in one or both ears, ataxia and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Let’s first explain Ataxia. Ataxia is a nervous system sensory dysfunction that causes a lack of coordination. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is when the heart’s walls are too thick, making it too hard for the heart to pump blood throughout the cat’s body.
Require Stimulation
Angoras require a lot of stimulation. Turkish Angoras also require a lot of mental stimulation and can be destructive when bored. These cats are not the passive type that is happy to be left alone. They need a lot of attention, so it’s essential to have the time and resources to provide that. If you don’t provide enough stimulation for your cat, they will not use their energy in healthy ways. Under-stimulated cats can also develop mood disorders such as depression or even anxiety. Frequently replacing toys, interacting, and actively playing with your cat can help keep them stimulated.
Separation Anxiety
You cannot leave Turkish Angoras alone for long periods of time. Turkish Angoras cannot be left alone as they will get very distressed. Cats that are upset tend to act out. Not only does the acting out affect your furnishings, but it also detrimentally affects your cat’s mental health. Distressed cats also suffer the same effects as understimulated cats. Looking at a more passive breed like a Ragdoll or a Russian Blue might be wise if you work long shifts outside the home.
Don’t Like Change
Turkish Angora cats do not adjust well to change. These cats don’t like changes to their environment. If you are someone who moves around a lot, it may be best to find another breed. Turkish Angora cats do not adjust well. It may be too much of a hassle for both you and the cat to try. It is always the best practice to put your pet’s needs and lifestyle into perspective. Now, nothing says you can’t ever introduce change but do so slowly; otherwise, you risk causing your Turkish Angora unnecessary stress. Your cat will thank you for respecting their needs.
Are Turkish Angora Cats Suitable For You?
Turkish Angora Cat (Photo: Adobe Stock)
It can be hard to figure out which cat is right for you. The best cat for you will be one that matches your lifestyle.
Turkish Angora cats are a beautiful and unique breed of cat. They are known for being intelligent and playful, making them perfect for people with pets who need to stay entertained. They also require less grooming than other breeds of cats, so Turkish Angoras may be the right choice if you don’t have time to spend on your cat’s hair daily.
However, Turkish Angoras are prone to health problems such as heart disease and hip dysplasia. So before getting a Turkish Angora, it is essential to research to see if they are the right breed of cat for you and your lifestyle.
