Turkish Angora
TUR-kish ang-GOR-uh
Playful, Intelligent, Social, Determined. Origin: Turkey (Ankara).
An adult Turkish Angora weighs 7-10 lbs (male) or 5-8 lbs (female), needs 150-300 calories daily, and lives 12-18 yrs. The breed's primary health watch is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. All numbers below come from breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Turkish Angora needs 150 to 300 calories per day. An average male (8 lbs / 3.9 kg) needs around 230 kcal; a female (6 lbs / 2.9 kg) roughly 190 kcal.
Estimate for a typical adult Turkish Angora. For kittens, seniors, or specific conditions, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
The Turkish Angora is an elegant, active breed with a silky, single-layer coat. They are generally healthy and long-lived. A notable genetic link exists between white coat, blue eyes, and deafness; white Turkish Angoras with one or two blue eyes have a higher rate of hereditary deafness. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) appears in some lines. Their playful, intelligent nature keeps them physically fit. Life expectancy is 12 to 18 years.
Exercise and activity
High; athletic and playful. Enjoys climbing, interactive play, and water. Some Turkish Angoras enjoy swimming. A balanced mix of active play and quiet companionship suits most Turkish Angora cats. They adapt to their owner's lifestyle but should not be entirely sedentary.
Care and traits
Turkish Angora cats have a long, silky, single coat (no undercoat; less prone to matting) coat. Origin: Turkey (Ankara).
One of the most ancient natural cat breeds, recognized as a national treasure in Turkey (breeding programs at the Ankara Zoo). White Turkish Angoras with blue eyes have a high rate of deafness. Their single coat (no undercoat) means less matting than Persian or Himalayan coats.
The Turkish Angora is well-suited for families with children. They are typically patient and tolerant, though all cat-child interactions should be supervised until children learn appropriate handling. Teaching children to respect the cat's space and body language prevents most problems.
Turkish Angoras are elegant, intelligent cats with a mischievous streak. They are problem-solvers who learn to open doors, drawers, and cabinets. Their long, silky coat has no undercoat, making it surprisingly easy to maintain with weekly brushing. White Turkish Angoras with blue eyes may be deaf, a known genetic link in the breed.
Tools for Turkish Angora owners
Frequently asked questions
Daily calorie needs for a Turkish Angora range from 150 to 300 kcal. An average individual at 8 lbs falls near the middle of that range. Two measured meals daily keeps most medium cats at a healthy weight. Avoid free-feeding unless your cat self-regulates well, which many do not. Use our calorie calculator with your cat's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 7-10 lbs (3.2–4.5 kg), while females are lighter at 5-8 lbs (2.3–3.6 kg). Feel for ribs along the sides. They should be easy to find under a thin layer of flesh. View from above: a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs indicates healthy condition.
Veterinarians most frequently screen Turkish Angora cats for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. HCM causes the heart muscle to thicken, reducing its efficiency. Screening via echocardiogram can detect it before symptoms appear. Annual cardiac checks are recommended for breeds with known HCM prevalence. Other conditions to monitor include ataxia. Not every Turkish Angora will develop these conditions, but awareness and regular vet checkups make a real difference.
Moderate play needs that most owners can easily meet. One or two interactive play sessions of 10-15 minutes daily, combined with access to a cat tree and window perch, keeps this breed content. They enjoy play but are equally happy relaxing. Every cat, regardless of breed, benefits from some daily play and enrichment. Even five minutes of chasing a wand toy is better than nothing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on TICA/CFA standards and veterinary sources. Individual cats vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your cat. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026