About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 36-41 cm

Height range  : 20-25cm

Weight range : 2.3-5kg

Coat : Medium to long silky coat|semi-longhaired|single coat with little or no undercoat|soft flowing coat

Life expectancy years : 9-18

Colors: white|red|cream|black|blue|silver|tortoiseshell|calico|dilute calico|bluecream|bi-color|tabby|tri-color.

Activitity Level : High

Origin: Turkey

Similar Breeds : Tonkinese

 

History

The breed comes from Ankara in Turkey and is one of the oldest longhaired cat breeds. Historical notes mention written references in 16th century France and broad presence in Europe before decline through Persian breeding programs. Turkey preserved the breed through the Ankara Zoo breeding program. In the 1950s and 1960s cats from that program helped establish breeding lines in the United States.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

Playful

Personality

Affectionate|playful|intelligent|active|inquisitive|adaptable|loyal|outgoing|athletic|agile|sociable|confident

Needs

Needs regular play , perches , cat trees , toys , company and gentle but firm handling. Best in homes where attention is available and another pet may help if people are away often.

Social Needs

This breed wants owner attention , may follow people around , often greets visitors , usually does well with respectful children and other pets , and may dislike being left alone for long periods.

Grooming 

Despite the silky semi-long coat , grooming is fairly easy because matting is uncommon. Weekly brushing is often sufficient , though daily brushing can help during shedding or if owners prefer. Regular nail trims , ear checks , eye cleaning and dental care are also advised.

Nutrition

A high-quality diet with real meat , fresh clean water and portion awareness is recommended. Active cats may need quality calories to support energy. Water can be placed away from food and hydration should be monitored.

 

Breed Standard

The ideal Turkish Angora is a balanced , graceful cat with a fine silky coat over a long firm muscular body. Refinement is more important than size. The breed is intelligent , active , inquisitive and responds best to firm but gentle handling.

Did you know?

The breed is considered a national treasure in Turkey and some accounts say it was beloved by the Prophet Mohammad. It is also often described as an original longhaired cat and an excellent swimmer.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Congenital sensorineural deafness, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Feline dental disease, Hairballs and gastrointestinal blockage, Ataxia

 

Symptoms

1. Lack of response to sound , unusually loud vocalisation , easy startling and seeming to sleep heavily may occur.

1. Heart murmur , increased resting respiratory rate , lethargy and laboured breathing may occur.
2. Sudden hind-limb paralysis might appear in severe cases.

1. Bad breath , red swollen or bleeding gums , tartar , drooling , pawing at the mouth and difficulty eating may occur.
2. Excess salivation , blood in saliva , loose teeth , weight loss and poor grooming might occur.

1. Retching , hacking , gagging and vomiting of a tubular hair mat may occur.
2. Repeated non-productive retching , lethargy , appetite loss , constipation and painful tense abdomen might indicate blockage.

1. Affected kittens may show lack of coordination , severe tremors and inability to walk.

Onset of symptoms

 

Congenital sensorineural deafness

1. Present from birth.
2. It may be noticed around 3 to 4 weeks once hearing should be developed.

Probability Of Onset:

1. Risk may be high only in specific white cats.
2. White cats with two blue eyes may have 60-80% probability , odd-eyed white cats 30-40% , white cats with non-blue eyes 10-20% , and non-white cats no higher risk than general cats.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

1. Usually diagnosed in adults around 2 to 8 years.

Probability Of Onset:

1. Risk may be low to moderate.

Feline dental disease

1. Mild gingivitis may begin around 1 to 2 years.
2. Significant disease is common by 4 to 6 years or in cats over 3 years without prevention.

Probability Of Onset:

1. Risk may be very high and the majority of cats over two to three years may have disease warranting intervention.

Hairballs and gastrointestinal blockage

1. Can occur after the adult coat develops.
2. It is more common in adult cats and during shedding periods.

Probability Of Onset:

1. Risk may be high in long-haired meticulous groomers.

Ataxia

1. Signs are present when kittens begin to walk.
2. This is typically around 3 to 4 weeks.

Probability Of Onset:

1. Risk may be extremely low because the condition is rare.

Reasons

Congenital sensorineural deafness       

 1. No chemical deficiency is indicated because this is genetic.

 

Feline dental disease:

1. No chemical deficiency is indicated because plaque , tartar and inflammation are emphasized.

 

Congenital sensorineural deafness       

 1. No chemical deficiency is indicated because this is genetic.

 

Feline dental disease:

1. No chemical deficiency is indicated because plaque , tartar and inflammation are emphasized.

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

 1. No nutritional deficiency is indicated though taurine is noted as vital for heart health.

Hairballs and gastrointestinal blockage

1. Adequate fiber , moisture and hydration may be lacking when hair passage is poor.

Ataxia

1.No chemical deficiency is indicated because this is genetic.

Normally Treament Methods

Congenital sensorineural deafness:

  1. 1. There is no cure.
    2. Management may require indoor-only living , visual or vibrational cues , gentle wake-ups and breeder transparency.

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:

  1. 1. Echocardiogram screening may help detect disease.
    2. Management may include diuretics , medicines to help the heart relax and blood thinners.

 

Feline dental disease

  1. 1. Daily brushing and home oral care may help.
    2. Professional dental scale and polish , root surface debridement , oral radiography , extraction or surgery might be needed depending on severity.

 

Hairballs and gastrointestinal blockage:

  1. 1. Regular brushing , hairball formula diets , hydration and occasional laxative use may help reduce risk.
    2. If obstruction is suspected then clinical care with IV fluids , laxatives or surgery might be needed.

 

Ataxia:

  1. 1. There is no treatment or cure.
    2. Prevention may rely on responsible breeding and pairing choices. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Congenital sensorineural deafness :

  • 1. No supplement can,might restore hearing.
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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

  • 1. Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for anti-inflammatory support.
    2. Coenzyme Q10 can,might be helpful for heart muscle energy support.
    3. Taurine and L-carnitine can,might be helpful for heart muscle function.
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Feline dental disease

  • 1. Water additives or dental gels can,might be helpful for plaque control.
    2. Dental probiotics can,might be helpful for oral bacteria balance.
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Hairballs and gastrointestinal blockage

  • 1. Hairball remedies can,might be helpful for lubricating hair passage.
    2. Dietary fiber such as psyllium can,might be helpful for moving hair through the gut.
    3. Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for coat support and reduced shedding.
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Ataxia

  • 1. No supplement can,might be helpful because the condition is described as untreatable.
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