Have your set your mind and heart on adding a Turkish angora treasure to your family? Wonderful choice — and an important one. Here's what you should know before you start your search.

Not all Turkish angoras are created equal

A well-bred pedigreed Turkish angora from a committed and ethical preservation breeder is much different. They will most likely be longer-lived, sounder in structure and temperament, and raised with a strong, thoughtful foundation that sets them up to thrive, not just survive.

What to look for in a preservation breeder:

A committed, authentic program - A thoughtful, serious breeder has been doing this for years, has a defined point of view and will share it, breeds selectively and does not over-breed, and can explain every decision they make. They are not producing kittens constantly.

Transparency - You should be able to see all health testing, pedigrees, contracts, and care documentation and requirements prior to committing.

Health screening - Both parents should have documented health screening beyond a DNA report. Echocardiograms by a cardiologist is the gold standard for heart screening/health - HCM can effect any and all cats (it is thought to have a genetic component), FELV testing of parentage and any other appropriate tests needed for that specific breed. Ask to see the actual documentation. A preservation breeder who health tests their cats is open and willing to share these documents with you.

Socialization - Ask the preservationist how they socialize their kittens, what is their weaning process, how long do they keep the kittens with its mother and siblings? Kittens should not be forcefully weaned nor removed from their mother prior to 12 weeks of age. Kittens learn much from their mother, siblings and human families during the critical first 12 weeks of it’s life.

Lifetime support. A breeder who cares about their cats and are invested in every kitten they produce for life. They take cats back if circumstances change. Preservation breeders are there for you, to help you, guide you and available to you for your Turkish angoras lifetime.

When to be cautious:

Be thoughtful about breeders who always have kittens available, who can't show you health testing documentation, or whose price seems surprisingly low. Quality, thoughtful breeding is expensive — thorough health screening, holistic raw feeding, early socialization work, the careful selection of parentage — none of these things are in-expensive or of low value.

Be equally thoughtful about breeders who seem more interested in selling you a Turkish angora than in learning about your home environment, your lifestyle, and whether you and the kitten would be a good fit for each other.

Final note!
Good breeders don't always have cats available. If you find a program you trust and believe in, please be willing to wait.

• Turkish Angoras are very lively, loyal and inquisitive felines.

• They can be mischievous and have a sense of humor.

• They can be strong-willed, determined and can be the dominant feline in a multi-pet environment.

• They are VERY clever and smart.

• That being said, they can be leash trained to walk on a cat-safe harness, learn tricks and are awesome at feline agility.

• They will follow you around like a dog and will actively participate in your activities.

• They can open cupboards, doors and "figure things out" after watching their human execute the task. They like to perch on high places. This can include your shoulder, tops of doors, cabinets and refrigerators. 

  
  If you feel you can offer the time, attention, affection and environment for this amazing, unique breed please fill out the adoption questionnaire!

  
  *Contact information is solely used as a means of contact and will never be used for any other purpose/use*