Longhair cat Medium size 3-5 kg

Turkish Angora

An elegant, energetic longhair that stays playful and people-oriented well into age - the silky coat is low-mat and easy.

Quick overview

Medium
Size
3-5 kg, 23-30 cm
High
Activity
Athletic and lively
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Social, likes to be involved
Easy
Handling
Bright and interactive
Moderate
Coat care
Silky single coat, brush weekly
Good
Fit with kids
Playful with children
Good
Other pets
Sociable with other pets
Light
Health burden
Deafness in some white lines

The Turkish Angora typically weighs 3-5 kg, stands 23-30 cm, and lives 13-18 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want an active, interactive longhair that stays kitten-like for years,
you like a people-oriented cat that follows you and joins in,
you prefer a silky coat that rarely mats and brushes easily,
you have vertical space - shelves and trees - for a climber.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want a placid lap cat that stays put,
the home is empty long days with no companionship,
you cannot provide climbing and play for an athletic cat,
you are set on a white, blue-eyed cat without checking its hearing.

A typical day with a Turkish Angora

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    Up early, greets you and wants play
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Climbs, patrols high perches and shelves
  3. 13:00 · Noon
    Nap in a warm, sunny spot
  4. 17:00 · Afternoon
    Energetic play, fetch and chase
  5. 19:30 · Evening
    Social time with the family, some lap time
  6. 22:00 · Night
    A last dash, then sleeps near its people

Temperament and training

Sociability High
Playfulness Very high
Independence Moderate
Vocality Moderate
Tolerance of handling Moderate
Hunting drive High
Common owner mistakes
Treating an athletic, playful cat as a passive lap ornament · Not providing enough vertical space and play for a climber · Overlooking hearing checks in white, blue-eyed individuals

Family and environment

Kids Good
Playful and interactive with respectful children.
Other cats Good
Sociable; enjoys a playmate on long days.
Dogs Good
Confident with calm, cat-friendly dogs.
Apartment Ideal
Fine indoors given vertical space and play.
Seniors Conditional
Affectionate but energetic; wants activity.
First cat Great fit
Friendly, healthy and easy to groom.
Busy household Conditional
Adaptable, but appreciates company and enrichment.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Congenital deafness Linked to white coat and blue eyes; ask about the line
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) Thickening of the heart muscle; genetic screening exists for some lines
Ataxia A rare inherited neurological condition seen in some kittens
Dental disease Plaque and gum inflammation; routine dental care helps

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Turkish Angora cost in the US?
Pet-quality kittens from reputable breeders commonly run $800-$2,000, with show lines costing more. Over a long 13-18 year life, food, litter, grooming and routine vet care typically add $12,000-$20,000 or more, and a chronic condition can add thousands on top.
Are all white Turkish Angoras deaf?
No, but the risk is real. Congenital deafness in cats is linked to the white coat and blue eyes, and it is more common in white, blue-eyed individuals, sometimes in just one ear. A reputable breeder will test hearing, so ask before you buy.
Is the Turkish Angora high-maintenance to groom?
Less than you might expect. It has a silky single coat with little undercoat, so it mats far less than a Persian and usually needs only weekly brushing, with a bit more during seasonal shedding. Grooming is one of the easier parts of the breed.
Is a Turkish Angora a calm lap cat?
Not really. This is an athletic, playful breed that climbs, explores and stays active well into adulthood. It is affectionate and enjoys its people, but it wants interaction and vertical space more than a quiet lap all day.