The Turkish Angora cat breed takes its name from Ankara, Turkey.
Ankara was historically known in English and other languages as Angora, which explains the breed’s traditional name. The Turkish Angora is a natural breed associated with central Anatolia and is especially famous for its long, silky coat and elegant build.
Although white Turkish Angoras are widely recognized, the breed can occur in many coat colors and patterns. Odd-eyed individuals, with one blue eye and one amber or gold eye, are particularly prized, though not every white cat is a Turkish Angora.
The breed is sometimes confused with the Turkish Van because both are Turkish cats. The Turkish Van is associated with a distinctive color pattern and the Lake Van region, while the Turkish Angora is linked historically to Ankara.