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Korat

Appearance

Gallery

Origin

Temperament

Appearance

Gallery

Origin

Temperament

Home

Korat

Appearance

Gallery

Origin

Temperament

Appearance

Gallery

Origin

Temperament

Korat

Other names: Si sawat, Malet

The Korat is a breed of domestic cat that originated in Thailand in Korat province and spread throughout the country. It is one of the oldest stable cat breeds and has maintained its appearance throughout centuries. In Thailand, the breed is known as Si sawat, meaning 'color of the sawat seed'. The Korat holds an important place in Thai popular beliefs and is colloquially referred to as the 'good luck cat'. Traditionally, they are given in pairs to newlyweds or esteemed individuals for good luck. Until recently, Korats were not sold but only given as gifts.

length

38-46

15-18.1

cminch

cm inch

hight

23-33

9.1-13

cminch

cm inch

weight

2.7-4.5

5.9-9.9

kglbs

kg lbs

life span

10-15 years

Size

Moderate

Country of Origin:

Thailand

Fur Length:

Short

Breed origin:

Natural

Features:

HYPOALLERGENIC

Recognized by: 6 registers

ACFA

CCCOFA

CCA-AFC

ACA

GCCF

LOOF

TSACC

CFSA

ACF

FIFE

WCF

NZCF

TICA

CFA

Appearance

Korat cats are medium-sized and slender. The body is well-muscled, strong, stocky, and low-set. The front legs are slightly shorter than the hind legs, with small and oval-shaped paws. The tail is of medium length, thick at the base, and has a rounded tip. The head is 'heart-shaped' with well-developed cheeks and chin. The eyes are large, round, convex, widely spaced, very shiny, and bright green in color. Kittens have amber or golden-green eyes which gradually change to bright green as they reach adulthood, typically at 3-4 years of age. The ears are large, wide at the base, slightly rounded, and covered with short, thick hair on the outside. The coat of the Korat breed is short, thick, silky, and satin-like, without an undercoat. It is thin and smooth to the touch. The coat color is a silver-tipped blue that gives it a shimmering appearance. This unique shade is referred to by the Thais as 'rain-cloud grey', with the shimmer likened to 'sea foam'.

Coat type

Eye colour

Fur colour

Body type

Ears

Eyes shape

Fur length

Fur type

Tail

Coat type

Eye colour

Fur colour

Body type

Ears

Eyes shape

Fur length

Fur type

Tail

Gallery

View 9 more photos

Gallery

View 9 more photos

Origin

The Tamra Maeo, also known as the Book of Cat Poems, is a richly illustrated Thai collection of verses written between 1350 and 1767. It describes seventeen different cats, including the Korat. Today, the Korat is considered a national treasure of Thailand, and its export is restricted. The breed was first presented at the National Cat Club show in England in 1896 as a Siamese cat, but there was no interest in the new breed at that time. In 1959, a couple of cats were taken from Thailand to the United States, which marked the beginning of breeding and distribution of Korat cats outside of Thailand. By 1965, the breed was recognized by all major felinological organizations in the United States. From the USA, Korat cats were introduced to England in 1972, and they were officially recognized as a breed in 1975. In 1982, the breed gained recognition by FIFE (Fédération Internationale Féline). The first Korat cats arrived in France in 1988, leading to the establishment of a club named the European Felinological Association for the Protection of the Korat by enthusiasts of the breed. Despite its growing recognition, the Korat remains a rare breed. Cats exhibited in shows must have documented evidence tracing their lineage back to ancestors from Thailand. This practice ensures the preservation of the breed's unique characteristics and heritage.

Parent animals

African Wildcat

Breed origin

Natural

Origin countries

Thailand

Temperament

Korat cats are ideal for keeping in an apartment or house due to their calm and friendly temperament. They are also known for being playful, active, and affectionate. However, it is important to note that while they are attached to their owners and enjoy their company, they can also exhibit selfish and jealous behaviors. These cats prefer a quiet environment and tend to be reserved in their vocalizations. They are intelligent and have a good memory, with the ability to find their way back home if taken to an unfamiliar location. In a group setting, Korat cats establish a hierarchy for feeding, with the dominant cat eating first. Female Korat cats are attentive mothers, teaching their kittens survival skills by providing them with small animals to practice hunting. These cats can also be protective of their owners, reacting with caution or vocalizations towards strangers. However, they will seek comfort and playfulness with their owners in such situations.

Behavior:

Loyal to owner

Friendly toward humans

Friendly toward other pets

Activity Level:

Calm

Keeping conditions

Diet preferences

Reproduction

Grooming

Common health issues

Diet preferences

Reproduction

Grooming

Common health issues

Korat cats require a properly balanced high-protein diet. They are prone to being overweight, so their daily portions should be controlled. They should also have free access to fresh and clean water in order to receive enough nourishment.

Female Korat cats can give birth to up to 9 kittens in a litter, although typically there are 4-5 kittens. Kittens are born with a coat color similar to that of adults and reach full maturity at around three years of age.

Litter size

4-9 kittens

kittens

The Korat breed is known for its short coat, which requires minimal maintenance. Brushing your cat twice a week is essential to remove loose hair and minimize shedding. Additionally, giving the coat a quick polish with a chamois or silk scarf can help enhance its shine. It is also important to clean your cat's ears regularly, trim its nails as needed, and brush its teeth frequently to prevent periodontal disease. By following these grooming practices, you can ensure your Korat stays healthy and looking its best.

Shedding

Infrequent

Grooming intencity

Easy to groom

Korat cats can be born with a fatal genetic condition called gangliosidosis. This is a serious autosomal recessive genetic disease, with symptoms that can be detected from the age of two to three months depending on its type (GM1 or GM2). The first sign of the disease in kittens is head tremors, rapidly followed by ataxia, and then loss of mobility after eight to ten weeks. Death typically occurs before eight months due to progressive neurological dysfunction. The diagnosis of gangliosidosis can be confirmed through urine or blood tests, or by a skin biopsy. Screening tests for healthy carriers have been available since 1998. Additionally, it is advisable to vaccinate Korat cats against respiratory system diseases and to be cautious about variations in temperature and humidity, as the breed is very sensitive to them.