Turkish Angora

Turkey · centuries old

Elegant, silky, clever and a little bossy

SizeSmall5–10 lb
Life span12–18 years
CoatSemi-long, silky
Typical price$1,000–$2,000

Turkish Angoras are an ancient natural breed from Turkey with a fine, silky coat and a graceful body. White is the classic color, but many colors exist.

At a glance

EnergyActive
Cuddlylikes touch and being heldOn its terms
TalkativeVery chatty
GroomingEasy
SheddingLow
With kidsGood
With petsGood
Alone timehow long they’re happy aloneShort gaps

Life with a Turkish Angora

They are active and smart and like to be in charge — of the household, the other pets and the best chair. They are affectionate and chatty with their people but rarely lap-sitters. They love climbing and games.

Great for
  • Active households
  • People who like a clever, interactive cat
  • Homes with other confident pets
Think twice if
  • You want a passive lap cat
  • You’re away all day
Care tips
  • The silky coat mats little: brush weekly.
  • Daily play and climbing.
  • White kittens with blue eyes: ask about hearing.

Health

White cats with blue eyes may be deaf in one or both ears. HCM and a rare inherited ataxia (loss of coordination) occur.

Ask the breeder for
  • Hearing test (BAER) for white kittens
  • Heart scan (echocardiogram) of the parents
Typical US price$1,000–$2,000
RegistriesCFA · TICAAsk for both parents’ papers

Prices are rough ranges from registered breeders and vary by line, color and region. A much cheaper “purebred” kitten is a common scam sign.

See Turkish Angora kittens

Similar breeds

Turkish VanVery active · IndependentBalineseVery active · CuddlyOrientalVery active · Cuddly
Compare with similar breeds

Sources: breed standards and profiles from CFA and TICA, DNA tests listed by the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, and veterinary breed profiles.