Anatolian cat: description, character of the breed, features and interesting facts

Anatolian cat is little known among the townsfolk who do not possess specific felinological knowledge. Therefore, people often confuse it with representatives of the Angora breed. After reading today's publication, you will learn a lot of interesting things about these animals.

A bit of history

Scientists have not yet been able to disclose the secret of the origin of these animals. According to one version, they were domesticated by ancient Egyptians and developed simultaneously with human civilization.

According to the second theory, their homeland is Turkey. Archaeologists, who conducted excavations in the eastern part of the country, were lucky to find the remains of human settlements, the approximate age of which is estimated at nine millennia. In addition to household items, ritual cemeteries were found there. This indicates that these animals were domesticated long before the Egyptians.

Today an Anatolian cat, the description of which you will find below, is considered the national treasure of Turkey. But professional breeders became interested in them only at the end of the last century. In 1995, they were first shown at one of the German exhibitions. Three graceful beauties with blue eyes and snow-white fur coat made a real sensation at this event. It was then that Dutch and German breeders drew attention to them. They bought several representatives of this breed and engaged in their further breeding. In 2000, these animals were officially recognized as a WCF association, although individual felinologists still consider the Anatolians a species of Turkish Van.

Appearance

The Turkish Anatolian cat is distinguished by a strong and powerful physique. The weight of these stocky, muscular animals ranges between 5-7 kilograms, and the females are slightly smaller than males. Under the beautiful body are strong, not too long paws with wide oval pads.

On a compact wedge-shaped head with a strong chin and rounded cheekbones, there are beautiful almond-shaped eyes and a straight small nose. Some representatives of this breed have fluffy brushes on the tips of large erect ears.

Coat and coat

The body of Anatolian cats is covered with a dense short water-repellent fur. To the touch, it may seem a little harsh. But in fact, the wool of these animals is very thin and silky.

As for color, it can be anything other than Siamese. Very often among the representatives of this breed there are completely white individuals with blue eyes. Therefore, inexperienced people confuse them with Angora cats. Animals of red color can have white markings, located on the abdomen, muzzle and paws. No less common is black, blue, tortoiseshell, cream and smoky hair color.

Anatolian cat: the nature of the breed

These animals are characterized by a mild playful disposition. They are very affectionate and friendly. Despite the fact that the representatives of this breed respectful of all members of the family, they from the first days choose one owner. It is this man who becomes the center of the universe for them.

Anatolian cat always tries to be close to its adored owner. However, she will not impose her own society on him. It is enough for her to simply observe the object of her love, without being confused under his feet.

In addition to the beautiful character, nature generously endowed the representatives of this breed with a lively mind and a beautiful memory. They quickly remember not only their nickname, but also the names of all sorts of objects. If the owner spends a little time training his pet, then his cat will not only learn the various commands, but will also bring him small things like a console or a ball.

These fluffy creatures perfectly coexist on the same territory with other animals and even get on with the dogs. Despite the highly developed hunting instinct, they will never harm homemade hamsters or parrots.

Care instructions

Anatolian cat (Turkish shorthair) perfectly adapts to any conditions of detention. She is very clean and spends a few hours a day to maintain the beauty of her shiny coat.

The wool of this animal is not prone to the formation of coils, so it will not be difficult to comb it. To bathe such a cat you need not more than twice a year. And this procedure also will not bring difficulties, since the Anatolians are not afraid of water. Once a week it is desirable to clean the eyes and ears of the pet with a cotton swab dipped in a weak solution of potassium permanganate or in warm boiled water.

That the animal does not spoil the wallpaper and upholstered furniture, it is necessary to take care of its claws. They are regularly cut with a special device, which you can buy at any pet store. Another important aspect is maintaining the cleanliness of the cat's tray. It should always be fresh and dry, otherwise the pet will simply cease to cope with the need.

If possible, try to walk your cat sometimes on the street. Well, if you have a fenced site, on which the animal will be able to run freely on the grass.

Life expectancy and health

Due to the fact that the Anatolian cat was not subjected to selection works, the purpose of which was to change certain qualities, it retained all the best that it inherited from its wild ancestors. This is a very hardy animal, has strong immunity and, if properly cared for, can survive for up to twenty years.

By analogy with other aboriginal breeds the Anatolians can boast of excellent health and the absence of genetic pathologies. But, like any other living being, they sometimes get sick. Individuals with blue or multicolored eyes are occasionally diagnosed with congenital deafness on one or both ears.

From time to time, white representatives of this breed reveal heterochromy. This disease is manifested in the fact that the cat's eyes are painted in different colors. By itself, heterochromia is not dangerous to the life of the animal, since vision does not deteriorate from this.

What to look for when buying?

The purchase of an Anatolian cat, whose price is at least 300-400 dollars, is a very important and responsible step. To date, in Russia there are only a few nurseries professionally engaged in breeding these animals. You can buy such a kitten not only there, but also at a specialized exhibition.

It is important to understand that no serious breeder will sell a baby who has not reached the age of eight weeks. By this time, the kittens have already formed their own immunity and they are completely transferred to independent nutrition.

Before you make a final choice, observe the behavior of the kids. A healthy kitten is curious enough and playful. He will not sit quietly on the sidelines. He has a shiny smooth fur, clean eyes and ears. Be sure to pay attention to the belly of the baby. It should be soft, not swollen. A firm stomach is the first sign of helminthic invasion or poor performance of the digestive system.

Feeding advice

Anatolians are indiscriminate in everything that concerns food. They can equally well be given both industrial and natural fodder. In the first case, it is desirable to purchase superpremium- or holistic-class products, produced by proven world manufacturers.

Those who expect to feed their pets with natural food, you need to remember that the basis of the cat's menu should be high-quality fresh meat. It can be lamb, beef, rabbit or poultry. In addition, the ration of the animal must be supplemented with boiled eggs, sea fish, rice, buckwheat, cottage cheese and yogurt. Periodically you can offer your anatolus zucchini, cucumbers and carrots. To improve digestion, the cat is not harmed by young grass, wheat or oats sprouted.

Interesting features

Anatolian cat is unique in its own way. Unlike most of the relatives, it practically does not meow. Instead, the animal makes sounds that are very similar to chirping birds. It is able to clearly pronounce individual vowels and even imitate human intonations.

These are very musical cats. With their tail they can beat the rhythm of the tunes they listened to. They are able to frown and show a glance at the objects that cause their anxiety. A hungry cat can beg for food, nodding at the refrigerator.

Unlike most of the relatives, the Anatolians do not have fear of water and love to play with it. They can sit for hours, watching the stream flowing from the tap. They also like to fiddle with rustling packages and chase after abandoned items.

Anatolian cat: owner feedback

People in whose houses the representatives of this breed live, note their external attractiveness and complaisant character. Due to their musicality, playfulness and natural curiosity, they give the hosts a lot of positive emotions. To the main advantages of Anatolians, many owners attribute their short coat, which does not require permanent combing, interesting colors, good and mischievous temper.

The only thing that afflicts some potential owners is the high cost of kittens of this breed.