Angora (Turkish Angora)

Angora (Turkish Angora)

Angora cats were the first long-haired breeds introduced into Europe; this was in the 16th century. They were imported from a city of the same name in Turkey (now called Ankara), the city that produced the Angora goat, characterized by its extremely soft hair that is commonly referred to as mohair. The cats quickly won the attention of enthusiasts.

However, as the Persian breed began to capture the spotlight, the true Angora came close to extinction as a breed. Interest grew again after World War II, and the breed was revived by U.S. breeders under the name Turkish Angora using existing cats and some imported directly from Ankara Zoo.

In the United States today, several varieties of Turkish Angora are recognized.

The Angora is a well-mannered, affectionate, and intelligent cat. It seems to enjoy life most with a single person who shares its respect for peace and quiet. Playful at times, it is nonetheless strictly a cat for indoors, so long as that environment is not too tightly confined.

The varieties include White Angora, with traditional colors and orange, blue, or odd eyes; Black Angora, with orange eyes; Blue Angora, with orange eyes; Black Smoke Angora, with a white coat with black tips and orange eyes; Blue Smoke Angora, with a white coat with blue tips and orange eyes; Blue Tabby Angora, with a blue-white coat with blue marking and orange eyes; silver Tabby Angora, with a silver coat with black marking and green or hazel eyes; Red Tabby Angora, with a red coat with darker red marking and orange eyes; Brown Tabby Angora, with a brown coat with black marking and orange eyes; Calico Angora, with a white coat with black and red patches and orange eyes; Blue color Angora, with a white coat with cream, red, blue or black marking, and orange eyes.

The full-color range is not yet established in Britain but could also include Caramel and Cinnamon and Tipped and Tortoiseshell varieties. Kittens, which are active and playful at a very early age, do not develop the true Angora coat until after the age of two years.

The fur is silky, fine textured, and medium in length, and thicker on the underside, tail, and neck. The Angora sheds extensively in warmer months, so much so that it takes on the appearance of a short-haired cat. The fur grows back thick in plenty of time for the colder months.

The head is long and wedge-shaped with a long nose; the eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and slanted, and the ears are pointed, large, and tufted. The body is long and slender, with a fragile bone structure. The legs are long and thin, with the forelegs a bit shorter than the hind legs. The long tail is tapered but ends in a plume.

Angora’s coat should be brushed and combed daily. It is much easier to brush than that Longhair because it lacks an undercoat. It is not a finicky eater but prefers meat. Standard faults are spotting on the body, a short tail, and short or wavy hair.

Blue-eyed individuals are often born deaf.

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