Longevity
Life expectancy
With good care, a suitable diet and a secure lifestyle, the Turkish Angora can live a long time. Its longevity is generally in a high range for a purebred cat, which makes it a long-lasting companion when its lifestyle hygiene is well followed.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
This breed is considered rather robust. Its slender body should not make one forget that it is an agile, toned and well-muscled cat. Its good overall condition depends mainly on a quality diet, a stable weight, a stimulating environment and preventive veterinary follow-up.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Particular vigilance is required in white individuals, more exposed to the risk of deafness. In young cats, any disorder of coordination or locomotor development should lead to a prompt consultation. Apart from that, prevention relies mainly on the usual care for the domestic cat.
Deafness in some white individuals: Turkish Angoras with a white coat have a higher risk of congenital deafness, which justifies special attention to hearing.
Kitten ataxia: Some kittens may present coordination and locomotor system disorders requiring prompt veterinary care.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Turkish Angora adapts well to a temperate living environment, but its light undercoat makes it less protected than a very thick-coated cat against prolonged cold and damp conditions. It appreciates comfortable, dry and secure places. In hot weather, it must always have shade, air and fresh water available.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The Turkish Angora is naturally active, which often helps to maintain its figure, but this does not eliminate the need for weight monitoring. After sterilization or in the case of a more sedentary lifestyle, an excess ration can lead to gradual weight gain. Measured meals, daily play, and regular monitoring of body condition are recommended.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Vaccinate against the usual feline diseases according to the veterinary protocol.
- Monitor the hearing of white subjects and consult in case of doubt.
- Have any coordination disorder in the kitten examined quickly.
- Regularly check ears, teeth, skin and the presence of parasites.
Vaccination
Turkish Angora vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Turkish Angora need? Like all cats, Turkish Angoras should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. Kittens receive their initial Turkish Angora vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if they live indoors. Depending on their lifestyle (outdoor access, living with other cats, shows, travel), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Depending on lifestyle Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisDepending on lifestyle Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Turkish Angora booster shots are given annually for feline herpesvirus and feline leukemia if your cat goes outdoors. For feline panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your cat's lifestyle.
Which boosters does your Turkish Angora need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Turkish Angora
Recommended follow-up is based on regular clinical examinations, vaccination against the usual feline diseases and particular attention paid to hearing in white lines. In the kitten, any abnormality of gait or coordination warrants prompt veterinary advice. Dental, skin and parasite monitoring is also part of good habits.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
