Felis catus
Anatolian Longhair
The Anatolian Longhair is the longhaired division of the Anatolian Cat, a natural landrace from the Anatolian plateau of Turkey distinct from the Turkish Angora and Turkish Van. The WCF and some national European registries recognize the breed. The standard describes a medium to large, sturdy cat with a semi-long, dense coat and a broad range of accepted colours.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- Turkey (Anatolia)
- Origin period
- Natural landrace of the Anatolian plateau; WCF recognition
- Coat type
- Long
- Coat colors
- All colours and patterns except colourpoint
- Size category
- Large
- Average lifespan
- 12–16 years
- Recognition
- —
Origin
The Anatolian Cat is indigenous to the Anatolian plateau, the central and eastern mainland of Turkey. Unlike the Turkish Angora (associated with Ankara and the central plateau, fully longhaired) and the Turkish Van (from the Lake Van region, with a specific white-and-coloured pattern), the Anatolian Cat represents the broader, more genetically diverse Turkish domestic cat population. The WCF recognized both coat-length classes, acknowledging the natural diversity of the Anatolian landrace.
Standard
The WCF standard describes a large, sturdy, well-muscled cat with a broad, slightly rounded head, medium-large ears, and large round to oval eyes. The longhair division has a semi-long to long, dense coat with a thick undercoat and a plumed tail. All colours and patterns are accepted except colourpoint, consistent with the natural Anatolian cat population in which colourpoint is not indigenous.
Distinction from Turkish Angora and Turkish Van
The Anatolian Longhair occupies a distinct niche among Turkish cat breeds. The Turkish Angora (fully longhaired, CFA/TICA/FIFe/GCCF recognized) is associated with the Ankara region and the Ankara Zoo breeding programme. The Turkish Van (semi-longhaired with coloured head and tail, CFA/TICA/FIFe/GCCF recognized) is from the Lake Van region. The Anatolian Longhair represents the broader Turkish domestic cat population from the Anatolian plateau — accepting the full range of coat colours and patterns found in that population.
Sources & further reading (2)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-27
- registry-breed-profile — accessed 2026-05-27
Frequently asked questions
How is the Anatolian Cat different from the Turkish Angora?
The Turkish Angora is a fully longhaired breed centered on the Ankara region and is recognized by CFA, TICA, FIFe, and GCCF. The Anatolian Cat is a broader landrace representing Turkey's mainland domestic cat population in both coat lengths; it is recognized by the WCF only. The two breeds overlap geographically but have distinct standards and registry trajectories.
Which registries recognize the Anatolian Longhair?
The WCF and some Continental European national registries recognize both coat-length classes of the Anatolian Cat. CFA, TICA, GCCF, and FIFe do not carry the breed.
Is the Anatolian recognized by CFA or TICA?
No. CFA and TICA recognize the Turkish Angora and Turkish Van but not the Anatolian Cat in either coat-length class. The WCF is the primary international registry recognizing the Anatolian. Some Continental European national registries affiliated with WCF also carry the breed.
