The Turkish Angora is a breed of domestic cat with a rich and ancient history, originating from central Anatolia, specifically the Ankara Province in modern-day Turkey. Documented as early as the 17th century, this natural breed is often simply called the Angora or Ankara cat outside of the United States. Known for its slender and elegant body, the Turkish Angora has a lineage that traces back to the African wildcat, with its ancestors being among
the first cats domesticated in the Fertile Crescent. Its journey from ancient origins to a recognized pedigreed breed is a testament to its enduring appeal and distinct characteristics.
Early European Recognition and Persian Connections
Longhaired cats, including the ancestors of the Turkish Angora, were introduced to Britain and France from regions like Asia Minor, Persia, and Russia as far back as the late 16th century. By the 17th century, the Turkish Angora was already acknowledged as a distinct breed in Europe. However, its history is closely intertwined with that of the Persian cat, leading to some historical confusion and overlap in classification. For instance, in his 1788 work, "Animals Drawn from Nature and Engraved in Aqua-tinta," Charles Catton listed "Persian cat" and "Angora cat" as interchangeable names for the same breed.
This close association continued into the early 20th century, where the Angora was sometimes used to enhance the coat of the Persian. However, the physical characteristics of the Angora have always been distinct from the Persian, especially as the Persian show cat evolved to have an increasingly flat-faced appearance in recent decades. The similarities were such that Frances Simpson, in her 1903 book "The Book of the Cat," expressed difficulty in differentiating between Angoras and Persians, noting that Angoras seemed to have gradually disappeared from common classification at large shows.
Preservation Efforts and Modern Breed Standards
Despite periods of ambiguity and its use in developing other breeds, efforts were made to preserve the pure Turkish Angora. In the early 20th century, the Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo in Ankara initiated a dedicated breeding program. This program focused on protecting and maintaining pure white Angoras, with a particular emphasis on odd-eyed specimens. However, the primary criterion for selection in this program was solely the cat's color, without considering other breed characteristics.
The Turkish Angora eventually gained formal recognition as a championship pedigreed breed. It was brought to Canada in 1963 and subsequently accepted by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1973. Initially, only white Angoras were recognized by the association. This restriction was lifted in 1978, and today, all North American registries acknowledge the Turkish Angora in a wide array of colors and patterns. While their overall numbers remain relatively small, the breed's gene pool is continuously expanding, ensuring the continuation of this ancient and elegant feline.
Distinctive Appearance and Characteristics
The Turkish Angora is renowned for its striking appearance. It possesses a silky coat that drapes over a long, muscular body. While famously associated with a shimmery white coat and a luxurious, plumed tail, Turkish Angoras can exhibit a diverse range of coat colors. The only disallowed coat colors are chocolate, lavender, or colorpoint. Their head is typically small to medium in size, characterized by a smooth wedge shape. The body is long and slender, showcasing a fine bone structure.
Their eyes are large and almond-shaped, and can come in various colors including blue, green, amber, or yellow, with heterochromia (two different colored eyes) also being a notable trait. The ears are pointed, large, and set wide apart. The profile of the face forms two straight planes. The distinctive plumed tail is often carried upright, perpendicular to the back, adding to the breed's elegant silhouette.
