Physical Characteristics
Turkish Angoras have a mostly white, silky, medium-long length coat, no undercoat, and fine bone structure. Although they are known for their shimmery white coat, currently there are more than twenty varieties including black, blue, and reddish fur. They come in tabby and tabby-white, along with smoke varieties, and are in every color other than pointed, lavender, and cinnamon.
The Turkish Angora's eyes may be blue, green, or amber, or even one blue and one amber. The gene responsible for white coats and blue eyes is closely related to hearing ability, and presence of a blue eye can indicate the cat is deaf to the side the blue eye is located.
Ears are pointed and large, eyes are almond shaped and the head is massive with a two plane profile. Another characteristic is the tail, which is often kept parallel to the back.
Temperament
Turkish Angoras are an intelligent, adorable, and a very curious breed which is very active throughout its lifespan. They also tend to bond with their owners and try to be the center of attention, often doing their part in conversations. They usually don't like to be held for long, but like to stay in human presence, happily playing for hours.
History
Turkish Angoras descended from the African wildcat. The mountainous regions of Eastern Anatolia isolated cats brought by traders from Egypt, and through inbreeding and natural selection they developed into longhaired breeds like the Turkish Van and the Turkish Angora. The Turkish Angora was recognized as a distinct breed in Europe by the early 17th century.
In 1917, The Government of Turkey in conjunction with the Ankara Zoo began a meticulous breeding program to protect and preserve what they considered a national treasure, pure white Turkish Angoras with blue and amber eyes. The program continues today and the Zoo has its own cat facility which houses the white Turkish Angoras for its breeding program.