The Angoras of Turkey are a natural breed of cat which thrived in their homeland for centuries.  They were brought to Europe and North America by sailors and hybridized with the local populations in these areas.  In the early 20^th century the Turkish government established a breeding program at the Ankara Zoo to preserve the pure white Angora cats.  In the 1950's and 1960's the first cats were taken to North America, Sweden and Britain to form the foundation stock for the pedigree Turkish Angora.

In North America, white Turkish Angoras were recognized for championship early in 1970's and by 1978 most associations had recognized a wider range of colours and patterns.

The Turkish angora are medium sized, with a graceful, slender body with long, slim neck and tapering, plumed tail.  The wedge shaped head has large, slightly slanted eyes, a medium long nose, and pointed erect ears.

The coat is fine and silken, with no woolly undercoat so it requires only moderate care.  The long, full tail is often carried high, or over the back touching the head.

This breed is rather athletic in their play.  The Tourkish angora has a gentle disposition preferring to live with one doting owner.  They make very stylish and beautiful companions.