Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora has a unique appearance, with its elegant body and silky soft fur. In fact, this cat is considered a national treasure in Turkey! However, the cat breed does not only have a distinct appearance, they are also playful, affectionate and intelligent. Read more about what you can expect as a Turkish Angora owner here!
Fast facts
Child-friendly
Attention needs
Energy level
Talkativeness
Fur care
Clearing
Facts about the breed
It is difficult to pinpoint the exact origins of the Turkish Angora, but it is believed to have originated in Turkey sometime in the 15th century. While its exact history remains a mystery, it is believed that the breed has its roots in the African wildcat. Some believe that this cat's distinctive, silky coat is the result of a spontaneous mutation, while others believe that it developed its coat as protection from the harsh, snowy climate of Ankara (formerly Angora).
The earliest written documentation of the Turkish Angora actually dates back to the 16th century. The breed was probably introduced to Britain and France in the late 15th century. The breed was attempted to be crossed with Persian cats in the early 1900s and lost its status as a separate breed. However, Turkey considered the breed a national treasure and preserved it through a breeding program at the Ankara Zoo.
What can you expect as an owner of a Turkish Angora?
Farming and trade
If you want to become the owner of a Turkish Angora, you should make sure to find a reputable breeder. How much a kitten costs will vary, but you can expect a price of between 12,000 - 18,000 kr for a Turkish Angora kitten.
Having purebred cats as pets has become very popular, but unfortunately this has resulted in many unscrupulous breeders who engage in unethical breeding for profit. Therefore, it is important for you as a buyer to get information about how the cat was bred so that you do not contribute to cats with hereditary and serious diseases being born. If a purebred cat is sold without a pedigree, you will never know whether the kitten has been stolen, or whether illegal trade has taken place.
A serious breeder in a federation must follow strict requirements for animal welfare and health. Good breeders will also demand something from you to ensure that the cat has a good life. Remember to check if the breeder is registered through the Norwegian Cat Breeders' Association (NRR) / FIFe / TICA and that the pedigree, health certificate (and possibly the purchase contract and vaccination card/veterinary passport) are included.
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