Turkish Angora

The Turkish Angora (Turkish: Ankara kedisi, 'Ankara cat') is a breed of domestic cat. Turkish Angoras are one of the ancient, natural breeds of cat, having originated in central Turkey, in the Ankara region (historically known as Angora). The breed has been documented as early as the 1600s and is believed to be the origin of the mutations for both the coloration white (the dominant white gene is in truth the absence of color) and long hair. The breed is also sometimes referred to as simply the Angora or Ankara cat, and in some obsolete works as the Angola.

Turkish Angora cats have a silky tail, mediumlong length coat, no undercoat and a balanced body type. Though known for a shimmery white coat, Turkish angora cats can have one of more than twenty colours including black, "blue," and reddish fur. They come in tabby and tabbywhite, along with smoke varieties, and are in every color other than those that indicate hybridization (cross breeding), such as pointed, chocolate, lavender, and cinnamon.

Ankara Zoo Angora in 2012 January
Eyes may be blue, green, amber, yellow, or oddeyed (e.g., one blue and one amber or green). Ears are pointed, large and wideset. The eyes are almond shaped and the profile forms two straight planes. The plumed tail is often carried upright, perpendicular to the back.

Turkish Angora cats are active, intelligent, athletic and involved. They bond with humans, but often select a particular member of the family to be their constant companion. They seek to be "helpful" in any way they can with their humans, and their intelligence is at times remarkable, showing basic problem solving skills. They are easily trained, including deaf Turkish Angoras, both because of their intelligence and their desire to interact with humans.
Turkish angoras are energetic, and often seek out "high ground" in the home, including tops of doors, bookshelves, and other furniture. Some ride on their owners' shoulders. Their personality makes the breed desirable to certain people. They get along well in homes with other animals, children, and high activity.

The UC Davis only studied American cat fancy registered Angoras rather than the "true" Turkish Angora or Ankara Kedisi directly from Turkey, and especially from the Ankara Zoo.
The latest genetic study[11] included a few cats imported from Turkey. The study confirmed that ″Turkish versus USAoriginating Turkish Angoras (...) are resolved as separate breed populations The American Turkish Angoras are categorized as descendants of European randombred cats, and cats imported from Turkey ″were assigned to the Eastern Mediterranean″ group.