It wasn't until the 1890s that Angoras were distinguished from Persians. These early Angoras had a longer, silkier coat with an angular head and larger ears, which distinguished them from other longhaired breeds. This distinction didn't last long, however, and some places, including the UK stopped recognizing them as distinct breeds. It was not until the 1960's that the British decided to begin the process of recreating the Angora cat. Their program was based on using longhaired Orientals and successfully resulted in a feline with specific features: a soft coat, dense, bushy tail, and an overall body type of the Oriental cat. In order to differentiate between the Turkish Angora breed, the British chose to call their newly created breed the British Angora.

The British Angora is known for its frisky and active temperament. Intelligence is an important characteristic of the British Angora; they remain alert and aware of everything going on around them.

The British Angora is a longhaired version of the Oriental Angora. Its coat is fine and silky, consistent with its graceful appearance. They are bred in a large spectrum of colors and patterns. Self-colors, tortie colors, smokes, tabbies and shaded versions all include the range of colors from black to blue, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon and caramel. Specific to the self-colors, are the additional colors: fawn, red, cream and apricot. Fawn is a variant color for the torties. Smokes, tabbies and shaded versions also include the color silver. Regardless of the color or pattern of your British Angora's coat, it's of medium length. None have a woolly undercoat. Their refined air is dramatically set-off by a long and elegant tail.

The colors and patterns of the British Angora cats' eyes are the same as those of the Oriental Angora; however unlike the Oriental Angora, green eyes and odd-eyed whites are also recognized. The unique odd-eyed white visually sets these beautiful cats apart. An odd-eyed white's eyes can be green, blue or remarkably bestowed with one green eye and one blue eye! In addition to its unusual eyes, the British Angora will often use an array of facial expressions is its way of delighting and engaging its owner.

Regular is grooming is necessary. However, because of the British Angora's tight undercoat it's an easy task that both you and your feline will enjoy.

Angora pedigrees are produced by crossing specifically: Oriental Longhairs, Oriental Shorthairs, Balinese or Siamese. The Turkish Angoras are not allowed in the United Kingdom Angora breeding program.