Hailing from distant Turkey, the angora cats are one of the oldest feline breeds of the world They are often confused with other long-haired breeds such as the Persians, as both breeds are notoriously popular. However, they do have differences that we will see below. Thus, in this article on our site we will see the characteristics of the Turkish Angora cat that define it as a breed, which allow us to distinguish it from any other.
Origin of the Turkish Angora cat
Angora cats are considered to be the first long-haired cats in history, so ancient and deep are the roots of this exotic feline breed. They come from the Turkish region of Ankara, from which their name derives. There, the white specimens with one eye of each color, a condition that receives the name of heterochromia and is quite frequent in the breed, are considered the icon of purity, and for this they are held in high esteem. These specimens are called Ankara kedi and are even accepted as a national treasure of Turkey. So much so, that there is a legend that the founder of today's Turkey will return to the world reincarnated in a Turkish angora.
Despite the above, the exact origin of the Turkish Angora cat is remote, so there are multiple theories about the origin of the breed One of them states that the Turkish Angora arose from wild cats bred in China; another defends that they arise from cats that lived in the cold Russian steppes and that they had to develop long and dense fur to protect them from the cold. According to this last theory, the angora cats would be the ancestors of the Norwegian forest cats or the Maine coon. Others believe that they arrived later through the Islamic invasions that Persia suffered in the 15th century.
On your arrival in Europe, there are also various possibilities The most widespread belief is that they arrived on board Viking ships around the 10th century. What is certain is that they are recorded in documents dating from the 16th century, where it is recounted how they were given as a present by the Turkish Sultan to the nobility., both English and French, becoming a very popular and valued breed in the French aristocracy of the court of Louis XV.
It was not until the 1970s that the breed was officially recognized by the CFA, creating an official Turkish Angora cat association. The FIFE did not recognize it until a few years later, specifically in 1988. Even today it is not a very widespread breed, with few copies in Europe and the United States, which is why it can sometimes be difficult to adopt one of these felines, especially all if we want it to have a pedigree.
Characteristics of the Turkish Angora cat
Angoras are medium cats weighing between 3 and 5 kilograms, with a height ranging from 15 to 20 centimeters. Normally, their life expectancy is between 12 and 16 years.
The body of the angora cat is elongated, with marked and strong muscles, but at the same time slender and stylized Its legs The hind legs are higher than the front ones, its tail is thin and very long and, in addition, it has long and thick fur, which gives it the appearance of a feather duster.
The head of an angora must be either small or medium, but never large, with a triangular shape. The eyes are almond-shaped and large, with a penetrating and expressive gaze, and are usually amber, copper, blue or green, with many specimens showing one eye color different from the other, making it one of the breeds most prone to heterochromia. Thus, both the difference in color in the eyes and the long hair are the most representative characteristics of the Turkish Angora. Their ears are large and wide based, pointed and preferably with brushes on the tips.
Angora cat colors
An Angora's coat is long, fine and thick. Originally it could only be white, but various patterns appeared and today they are accepted:
- red
- blue
- cream
- Brown
- silver
- cameo
- bluish silver
- patched bluish silver
- tabby
- white
The coat is denser on the underside, tail and neck, and there is no woolly coat.
Turkish Angora Cat Character
This is a breed of calm and calm temperament, who likes a balance between activity and rest. Of course, if we want him to accompany the children of the house in their games, we have to accustom him from a young age to life with children, since if we do not do it he may be reluctant to deal with minors. If we get used to it, it will be a magnificent playmate, since the character of the Turkish Angora is also energetic, patient and very playful We will have to pay attention to the necessary environmental enrichment to pour out your restlessness and your curiosity.
Sometimes, the Angora is compared to a dog, since they tend to follow their guardian everywhere, their loy alty and attachment being known. They are docile and affectionate animals that will greatly enjoy pampering sessions and can even be trained to perform various games and tricks, since caresses are an excellent prize for they.
Normally, they adapt to life anywhere, as long as we give them the love and space they need. In this way, the Turkish Angora will be able to live both in an apartment and in a house with a garden or in the middle of the field. We must consider that despite living with humans, Angora cats are not very predisposed to sharing their home with other animals.
Turkish Angora cat care
As in all semi-long-haired breeds, the care of the Turkish Angora highlights the need for regular brushing to remove excess of hair, which is detrimental both to your he alth, as it usually causes the formation of hairballs, and to keep our home free of hair. Brushing won't be too difficult because it doesn't have a woolly coat, so you won't need too much effort to keep its coat looking soft and silky, free of tangles and dirt.
In turn, we must provide him with a balanced diet, which covers all his nutritional needs and provides him with the energy he needs. In order to release this energy in a timely manner, it would be preferable that we provide with suitable toys for our feline, thus preventing it from causing damage due to its boredom at home. Along these same lines, it is essential to provide a correct environmental enrichment, not only toys, but also with scratchers with various heights, shelves that can be climbed, etc.
Cats are extremely neat animals, so they prefer to have separate eating and toilet areas. Thus, it will be necessary to place the food and water bowl away from the litter box. Nor should we neglect their nails, teeth, eyes and ears, carrying out the necessary cleanings and check-ups for their good condition and maintenance.
Turkish Angora Cat He alth
Turkish Angoras are very he althy and strong cats, showing no serious congenital diseases. However, white specimens are prone to developing deafness, or to being born deaf, especially those who also have golden or hypochromic eyes. This can be diagnosed by a veterinarian, with various tests that will also let us know the degree of it.
To avoid hairballs in the digestive system or trichobezoars, we can resort to special feed or specific products such as paraffin or m alt. These, combined with daily brushing, will keep our pet he althy and free from discomfort.
Along with these special considerations, other common considerations must be taken into account for all breeds of cats, such as keeping our pet up to date on vaccinations, deworming and comprehensive veterinary checkups.
Where to adopt an angora cat?
Before adopting any animal, it is essential to guarantee that we will be able to cover its needs. If after knowing the characteristics and care of the angora cat you are sure that you will be able to offer it a good quality of life, then we encourage you to visit the protectors of animals closest to you place of residence to ask if there is an angora or similar cat up for adoption. Currently there are also different centers and even cafes "for cats". They are centers with cats for adoption that also offer the experience of spending time with these animals while having breakfast or snacks.
