Rescued from near extinction less than 100 years ago, the Turkish Angora is gaining popularity as a most intelligent, fun-loving breed.

After being introduced in Europe in the 17th century, the Turkish Angoras were almost lost as a pure breed over the next few hundred years, due to uncontrolled crossbreeding with other long haired breeds (such as Persians) for the wonderful, silky coat.

At the Ankara Zoo, in the Turkish Capital of Ankara, the Turkish Angoras were kept pure, and early in the 1900's the Zoo, along with Turkish Government, began an extensive breeding program to ensure the future of their prized breed.

Not long ago, early in the 1960's, the Turkish Angoras were introduced into the United States where breeders began working to gain recognition. Finally in the 1970's, as one of the oldest, purest breeds, the Turkish Angoras were accepted into the registries, at first, only as white in color.

The term "Angora" is often mistakenly used for any white, long-haired cat of any breed. The Turkish Angora is the only true Angora, and today the breed is globally accepted in all of it's beautiful array of colors.