Angora cat beauty pageant in Ankara: May the puffiest win


White puffy Turkish Angora cats, which originated in Turkey's capital city Ankara, will be the stars of the upcoming Angora Cats Beauty Pageant.

Between Oct. 6 and Oct. 8, the most beautiful and puffiest Angora cats will take over the podium and display their talents to impress the jury.

The beauty pageant has been organized every year for the last six years by the Municipality of Pursaklar to raise awareness on the importance of the protection of Angora cats and encourage people to adopt animals.

On the first day of the festival, a photo and cooking competition will take place. On the second day, the cats will walk on the "catwalk" and their origins will be overseen.

Moreover, there will be concerts and exhibitions for cat owners and lovers. On the last day of the festival, the winners of the beauty pageant and their owners will be awarded.

The winner of the pageant will win TL 10,000 ($2,799), while second place wins TL 6,000 and third place goes home with TL 4,000. All participants in the pageant will be given cat food.

Angora cat owners who want their cats to take their shot at the pageant can apply for the competition online at www.pursaklar.bel.tr or by phone with the number 444 9 709.

Turkish Angora cats, which are considered one of the most elegant cat breeds, come from Ankara (formerly Angora), where several other animals with silky coats originate. They are also a highly energetic breed and are fun to play with. Sadly though, Turkish Angora cats are facing extinction.