The Common Diseases in Turkish Angora

The Turkish Angora cat is known for its friendliness, intelligence and playful demeanor. They are dog-like in their personalities and devotion to their owners. White cats are most common, although other colors are permitted in the cat fancy. Its lush coat does not require a great deal of maintenance. Careful breeding in Turkey has preserved this rare feline's lineage, and the cat was not imported into the United States until the mid-1950s. Although generally healthy, there are some common diseases that may affect the breed.

  1. Genetic Deafness

    • Turkish Angoras are good cats for families.

      A Turkish Angora may have yellow or blue eyes. Those with blue eyes have a genetic susceptibility to deafness. If the cat has bi-colored eyes, there may be deafness on the side of the blue eye. Although the deafness is a defect, the cat can live a long and healthy life, but its disability must be taken into consideration to protect it. A deaf cat should never be allowed outside.

    Lymphoma

    • Lymphoma has been found in Turkish Angora cats and is among the most common feline cancers. Symptoms of this cancer of the lymphatic system include weight loss, vomiting, lack of appetite, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, weakness, and swelling of the lymph nodes. If any of these signs are present, contact your veterinarian immediately. Although the disease is incurable, chemotherapy may prolong the cat's life for two years or more. There is no way to prevent the disease, but there is evidence that cats living in homes with cigarette smokers have a higher incidence of lymphoma.

    Hypertropic Cardiomyopathy

    • Commonly known as HCM, hypertropic cardiomyopathy is another disease that has occurred in Turkish Angoras. In this disease, the walls of the cat's heart enlarge, affecting its pumping capacity and leading to premature death. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, panting, weakness, loss of appetite and general lethargy, but symptoms can be subtle. HCM cannot be cured, but medication may prolong life, although not usually more than two years after diagnosis. Blood-thinners are prescribed, along with diuretics. Some owners have found that their cat's health improved when dietary changes were made, such as feeding food with high taurine contact. Cats with HCM should be kept as stress-free as possible.