TURKISH ANGORA CATS: GRACEFUL AND ATHLETIC

If you are looking for an athletic cat that is also graceful, the Turkish Angora might be a good selection for you.  It is a medium sized cat with fine bones and a silky coat.  Its muscular body is covered by a shimmering coat that comes in all colors other than the oriental shades.  These quick moving cats are vivacious and quick witted. 

BREED HISTORY

Angoras first reached France and Britain, from Turkey, in the 17th century, but by the beginning of this century they had become nearly extinct outside of Turkey, due to cross breading  with other long haired cats.  The breed is now protected in Turkey, according to Dr. Bruce Fogle (Catalog). 

APPEARANCE

Turkish Angoras come in many colors including self and tortie colors, smoke colors, tabby colors, shaded colors, silver tabby colors, and bicolors.  The head is a smooth wedge, with the narrow muzzle continuing the lines without a pronounced pinch at the whisker pads.  The eyes may be copper, gold, green or blue, and tri-eyes are common.  The body is long and slender, but muscular, with legs that are long, hindlegs longer than forelegs.  His ears are large, high set, and slightly pointed, and his eyes are large, oval, and slightly slanted.  The typical Turkish Angora weighs from 6 to 11 pounds.

TEMPERAMENT

The Turkish Angora is an energetic exhibitionist with energy to spare.  If you enjoy quick witted active animals, this may be just the pet for you.