Turkish Angora

Key Visual Markers

• Fine, silky single coat that lies flat against the body — the CFA standard calls for a coat that "shimmers with every movement"; the tail and ruff are long and full, with noticeable britches on the hind legs
• Small-to-medium wedge-shaped head formed by two flat planes — the top of the head and the line of the nose meet at an angle slightly above the eyes with no break (unlike the Persian or Exotic), creating a straight profile
• Large, pointed ears set high and close together on the head, wide at the base with tufted tips — a hallmark feature that gives the Turkish Angora its characteristic alert, ethereal expression
• Large, almond-shaped eyes slanted slightly upward — colors include blue, green, amber, gold, and odd-eyed (one blue, one amber/green); no correlation between eye color and coat color
• Medium-sized, finely boned body that is long, slender, and muscular — the CFA describes it as "oval rather than round (not tubular)" with shoulders as wide as hips and the rump slightly higher than the shoulders
• Long, tapering tail with a full brush, carried in line with the body — the tail is wide at the base and narrows to a fine end, with the full silky coat creating a plume effect

Temperament & Traits

• Highly playful and athletic — climbs to the highest perches, jumps with impressive agility, and stays active well into senior years
• People-oriented and social — follows owners from room to room, greets visitors, and wants to be involved in all household activity
• Intelligent and mischievous — opens cabinets, turns on faucets, learns tricks, and invents games when bored
• Good with children and other pets — outgoing and rarely shy, but can be assertive with other cats and needs proper introduction
• Relatively quiet voice — communicates with soft meows, chirps, and trills; not as vocal as Siamese or Oriental breeds
• Moderate grooming needs — the single coat mats less than double-coated breeds, but weekly brushing and occasional bathing keep the silky coat in condition
• Needs company — does not do well when left alone for long periods; a second cat or other pet is recommended for busy households

Health Notes

• Ataxia (hereditary) — a neurological condition causing incoordination and head tremors in Turkish Angora kittens; a recessive genetic mutation has been identified; responsible breeders screen their breeding cats
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — reported in Turkish Angora lines, though at lower incidence than in Maine Coons or Ragdolls; regular cardiac screening recommended for breeding cats
• Deafness — white Turkish Angoras with blue eyes have a higher incidence of congenital deafness, a common trait in white-coated, blue-eyed cats linked to the W gene
• Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) — moderate predisposition; high-moisture diet and stress management are preventive measures
• Dental disease — fine-boned jaw structure can lead to tooth crowding and gingivitis; regular dental care is important throughout life

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.