Ankara Cat Conservation Center Facilitates Nearly 700 Adoptions
Ankara, February 1, 2026 – The Ankara Cat Conservation, Sustenance, and Promotion Center, founded in 2017 to preserve the endangered Ankara cat, has successfully bred and rehomed nearly 700 cats. The center, located in Ankara’s Pursaklar Municipality, has cultivated close to a thousand cats since its inception, with each animal microchipped and registered for lineage tracking.
A National Treasure Under Protection
Ayşegül Korkmaz, a Veterinary Technician at the center, emphasized the Ankara cat’s status as an endemic breed protected under Turkish Republic law. “The Ankara Cat is a national treasure, an integral part of our culture, unique to Anatolia and especially Ankara. As Pursaklar Municipality, we are dedicated to protecting and ensuring the continuity of this breed,” Korkmaz stated. She also noted that the center operates as a Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry-approved breeding facility.
Rigorous Care and Breeding Protocols
Korkmaz detailed the meticulous daily care routine at the center, which includes refreshing food and water, and thoroughly cleaning litter, feeding, and resting areas each morning. Cat behavior is regularly monitored. “We track cats that are not engaging or are withdrawn. If this behavior persists for one to two days, we initiate a clinical control process, checking their eating, drinking, and defecation. Behavior is a crucial health indicator for us,” she explained.
All cats receive annual vaccinations. Breeding is carefully planned, with pregnancies commencing in March. Births occur in sterile, secluded areas, and female cats are permitted to give birth only once a year.
Strict Adoption Procedures and Lineage Tracking
Regarding adoptions, Korkmaz outlined a comprehensive process. “We collect contact information from citizens interested in adopting an Ankara cat. Kitten deliveries are scheduled at specific times based on births. Before adoption, we microchip and passport our kittens at the center and register them in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s online system. This allows us to track which cat goes to whom,” she said. Since 2017, all parent cats have been microchipped. The cats are bred monogamously, maintaining detailed pedigrees similar to human family trees, which helps monitor birth rates and genetic continuity. In total, between 600 and 700 Ankara cats have been adopted since 2017.
The Importance of Early Socialization
Korkmaz also discussed the Ankara cat’s temperament, highlighting their active and predatory nature. She stressed the importance of proper interaction during kittenhood. “Generally, they are active, playful cats and very devoted to their owners. We encourage holding them more during kittenhood and not over-stimulating their natural activity. If you further encourage their inherent energy, you might end up with a cat that climbs walls. We also advise against playing with their hands and feet, as incorrect play can lead to behavioral issues later on,” she warned.
Currently, the center houses 50 adult Ankara cats, with only three being male. Korkmaz explained that male cats are kept in separate areas due to their dominant nature. Mating efforts are scheduled to begin in March, following their vaccination period.
Source: https://www.dha.com.tr/yerel-haberler/ankara/ankara-kedisini-yasatan-merkezden-700e-yakin-s-2809171
