This elegant cat with a silky white coat was favored by the kings of France.

The Angora, which originated in Turkey, bears the name of the capital city of Turkey, formerly called Angora, but now called Ankara. This ancient breed remained true to its original type for many years.
In the 17th century, Italian explorer Pietro Della Valle brought several Angoras back to his home country. This cat, with its immaculate, fluffy coat, was considered a gift “fit for a king.” The European aristocracy, particularly the court of Louis XV, favored Angoras. In the 18th century, Linne renamed the breed Cattus angorensis to distinguish it from domestic cats and Chartreux cats. Buffon described it as the “solid white, longhaired cat of Angora.”

In the 19th century, after contributing to the development of the Persian (to which the Turkish Angora transmitted the gene responsible for long hair), the breed almost disappeared as a result of the remarkable popularity of Persians. After the Second World War, the breed was on the verge of extinction. Breeders in Europe and the United States imported Angoras from Turkey, where the breed is now protected. The Torio’s, American breeders, purchased Yildiz and Hildizcik from the Ankara Zoo. In 1970, the C.F.A. registered the first Turkish Angoras. The breed was officially recognized by the C.F.A. in 1973, and by the F.I.Fe in 1988. Despite its remarkable beauty, this breed is rare.

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Characteristics

This active, lively well-balanced cat is playful, but easygoing.
This Turkish Angora enjoys other cats and gets along well with dogs. This breed is highly adaptable, even adjusting well to travel.
The Turkish Angora is extremely affectionate and gentle. He loves a good petting session. In fact, you may never be able to get your Turkish Angora off your lap! Though talkative, the Turkish Angora has a soft voice.
This cat is strong, athletic, and agile. He loves water and is an excellent hunter. The Turkish Angora needs room to run.