Among Thailand’s 17 native cat breeds, the Sisawat or Korat stands out. Its coat shines with a blue-silver sheen, like grey rain clouds¹. This ancient cat is seen as a symbol of good luck. Its beautiful looks and loving nature have made it a beloved pet for many years.

The Korat has kept its original look over time. This has helped it keep its elegant and unique features. It’s a true gem in the world of cats.

Key Takeaways

• The Korat is a captivating Thai cat breed known for its striking silver-blue coat and luminous green eyes.
• Korats are prized not only for their beauty but also for their affectionate and loyal nature, forming strong bonds with their human families.
• This ancient breed has been revered in Thailand as a symbol of good fortune, with its unique appearance and temperament remaining relatively unchanged over the centuries.
• Korats possess an alert and playful demeanour, yet exhibit a gentle disposition that makes them suitable for households with children or other pets.
• The Korat’s combination of elegance and friendliness sets it apart in the world of cats, making it a highly sought-after companion.

Introduction to the Korat Breed

The Korat is a stunning silver-blue breed from Thailand, known for its rich culture and many cat breeds². For centuries, these cats have been loved for their looks and loving nature. They were often given in pairs to bring luck and prosperity to new couples or individuals.

Prized for Beauty and Affectionate Nature

Korats stand out with their bright green eyes and shiny, short coat in silver-blue². Their strong muscles and heart-shaped head make them visually unique². They are also famous for their deep connection with people, being loyal and smart, yet playful.

Origins in Thailand

The Korat has a long history in Thailand, known as Siam². They first came to the West in the late 1800s, as Siamese cats, and quickly became popular worldwide². The Korat breed was recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1979², making it a cherished cat breed.

“The Korat is a national treasure of Thailand, revered for its beauty, affectionate nature, and historical significance.”

Striking Physical Characteristics

The Korat cat stands out with its stunning silver-blue coat³. Its fur shines and has a unique colour that catches the eye. The fur gets darker towards the tips, adding to its charm³. Its eyes are big and bright, shining in green, from light to deep emerald³.

Silver-Blue Coat and Green Eyes

Korat cats have a short, easy-to-maintain coat³. It’s smooth and dense, perfect for any climate³. They are lean but muscular, showing off their athletic build³.

Muscular Build and Unique Heart-Shaped Head

Korats have a sturdy yet semi-cobby body and are surprisingly heavy for their size³. Their head is shaped like a heart, making them instantly recognisable⁴. This breed has been around for centuries, keeping its unique look³.

“The Korat cat is known for its silver-tipped blue-grey color, small to medium build with low body fat, and large green eyes that change color as they mature.”

Personality Traits and Temperament

The Korat is a captivating feline breed known for its remarkable intelligence and playful demeanour⁵. These agile cats quickly learn new tricks and enjoy activities that challenge their minds, like puzzle toys and interactive play⁵. Korats thrive on social interaction and form strong bonds with family members, showing loyalty similar to a canine companion⁵.

At first, strangers might find the Korat reserved. But once trust is built, these cats show an affectionate side⁵. Their high intelligence and trainability make them responsive to positive reinforcement. This allows Korat owners to build a deep, rewarding relationship with their feline friend⁵.

Intelligent and Playful Behaviour

Korats are gifted with exceptional cognitive abilities and a playful nature⁶. They quickly learn new tricks and enjoy mentally stimulating activities, such as solving puzzle toys and playing fetch⁶. These intelligent felines thrive on interaction and bonding with their human companions⁵.

Strong Bonding with Humans

The Korat is renowned for its strong attachment to its human family⁵. These cats form deep, loyal bonds and often show affection similar to canine companions⁵. While initially reserved with strangers, Korats quickly warm up to those they trust, showering them with affection and seeking their company⁵.

“The Korat is a breed that is truly unique in its personality – intelligent, social, friendly, and deeply bonded to their human family.”

Korat

The Korat is a breed of cat from Thailand, known for its stunning silver-blue coat and bright green eyes⁷. These cats have been loved in their country for centuries, keeping their looks and nature the same⁸. Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand’s third-biggest city, is where the Korat breed started⁸. This city, with a population of 466,098 as of 2021, has a deep culture that values the Korat cat.

Korats are loved for their beauty and kind nature, making them great pets⁹. They live between 11 to 15 years and weigh 5 to 6.5 kg, winning the hearts of cat lovers around the world⁹. The breed came to the US in 1959 and the UK in 1972, spreading its popularity globally.

Korat cats are a rare breed from Thailand⁷, known for their amazing hearing, smell, and sight⁷. Their “rain-cloud gray” coats make them stand out⁷. In Thailand, Korats have been seen as symbols of good luck for centuries⁷. Their big eyes change color, adding to their unique beauty⁷.

With⁷ 18% of UK homes having a cat, the Korat’s popularity shows its lasting charm as a special pet.

“The Korat is a breed that has remained relatively unchanged for centuries, with its distinctive appearance and affectionate nature making it a beloved companion in Thailand and beyond.”

Health, Care, and Maintenance

Korat cats are known for their strong health and long lives, often reaching their late teens with the right care¹⁰. But, they can face certain genetic conditions that need careful attention. GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis are rare but serious issues that affect the nervous system¹¹¹². It’s vital to have regular vet check-ups to spot and manage these diseases early.

Korats can also face heart issues like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and dental problems such as periodontal disease¹⁰. They might also get overweight because they love to eat but don’t always move enough to burn calories¹⁰. Keeping their diet balanced and exercising them regularly can help prevent obesity.

Common Health Concerns in Korats

• Genetic disorders such as GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis¹¹¹²
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)¹⁰
• Dental issues, including periodontal disease¹⁰
• Obesity, which can lead to various health problems¹⁰
• Vaccine-preventable infections like panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and rabies¹⁰
• Heartworm infection, which has no treatment¹⁰
• Parasitic infestations, including fleas, ticks, ear mites, and worms¹⁰

Spaying or neutering Korats helps reduce cancer risks and stops unwanted litters. It also cuts down on territorial and spraying behaviours¹⁰. Korats have genetic predispositions to certain diseases, making it key to have health plans and early detection strategies tailored to them¹¹.

By knowing about common health issues and taking proactive steps, Korat owners can help their cats live long, healthy lives.

Grooming Requirements for the Short Coat

The Korat’s short coat makes grooming easy¹³. It sheds less and has a close-lying nature. A weekly brush keeps its shimmery, blue-grey fur looking great¹³. This keeps hairballs at bay, a problem for many cats¹³.

Good dental hygiene is key for the Korat’s health. Brushing with vet-approved toothpaste stops periodontal disease. This is a big problem for many cats, including Korats¹³.

The Korat is great for those wanting an easy-to-care-for pet¹³. Its short, silky coat and minimal shedding are perfect for people with allergies. But remember, no cat is completely hypoallergenic¹³.

To sum up, the Korat’s short, close-lying coat needs little grooming. Just a weekly brush and dental care are enough¹³. Its easy care and other great qualities make the Korat a top choice for cat lovers¹³.

Korat Cat History and Origins

The Korat is an ancient Thai cat breed, cherished in Thailand for centuries¹⁴. It has kept its original look since the early days¹⁵. This breed is seen as a sign of good luck and wealth, with a history going back to the 13th century or before¹⁴. Traditionally, Korats were given in pairs to newlyweds or those seeking luck, showing their high value¹⁴. Their silver-blue coat and bright green eyes have won hearts in Thailand and globally.

The first Korats came to the US in the 1950s, and more arrived with military personnel from Vietnam in the late 1960s¹⁴. They became a champion breed by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1966¹⁴. Korats take five years to fully grow, and only the blue variety is shown in competitions¹⁴.

In the UK, the first Korats entered quarantine in March 1972, with names like Brandywood Saeng Duan and Samelko Sahm¹⁵. By 1974, over 20 Korats were in the UK¹⁵. The Korat Cat Fanciers Association in the US started in 1965 by a group of enthusiasts¹⁵. The breed got Championship status in the UK from GCCF after about 10 years¹⁵. The first Korats in the US were brought in 1959 by Jean Johnson, starting the breed’s history in the West¹⁵.

Thanks to its ancient roots, the Korat likely won’t have other coat colors, keeping its traditional look from over 600 years ago¹⁵. Its features, like a heart-shaped head and large green eyes, have stayed the same, showing little change from breeding¹⁵. The Korat is known for being gentle, smart, and adaptable, loved by many families¹⁵. In Thailand and the West, the name “Korat” only refers to the blue-coated cats, following an old tradition¹⁵.

The Korat is an ancient Thai cat breed, cherished in its home country for centuries. Its unique silver-blue coat and vibrant green eyes have captivated admirers both in Thailand and around the world. With a history dating back to the 13th century or earlier, the Korat is considered a symbol of good fortune and prosperity in Thailand, and has remained relatively unchanged in appearance over the years.

The Korat as a Symbol of Good Fortune

The Korat cat is a big part of Thai culture and stories, seen as a sign of good luck and wealth⁷. These cats are loved in Thailand for bringing joy and riches to their owners⁷. Their beautiful coat and bright green eyes are believed to keep away bad luck and change bad vibes to good⁷.

Old Thai stories and texts show the Korat as a highly respected and lucky friend, known for its beauty and loving nature⁷. This deep cultural importance has made the Korat very popular and a national treasure in Thailand⁷.

Traditional Beliefs Surrounding the Breed

In Thailand, Korats are often given in pairs to newlyweds or those looking for luck, showing they are seen as bringers of fortune⁷. Their stunning look, with a shimmering coat and bright green eyes, is thought to have spiritual power that keeps away evil and turns bad energy into good⁷.

Korats are very much cherished in Thai culture, loved for their beauty and kind nature⁷. Their lasting popularity and importance have made them a symbol of good luck in Thailand⁷.

Bringing Korats to the West

In 1968, Daphne Negus, a Korat cat enthusiast, embarked on a journey to Thailand. Her aim was to bring back nine Korat cats to improve their bloodlines in the United States¹⁷. This was a key moment for the Korat’s introduction to the West. Before this, the first Korats, named Nara and Darra, had arrived in the US in 1959¹⁷.

Negus worked hard to network with top Thai cat breeders and judges. She chose to work with Mme. Ruen Abhibal Rajmaitri to select and import the best Korat cats¹⁷. Since then, more Korats have been brought to the West, including the United Kingdom. These cats have won the hearts of people all over the world.

In the UK, it took over 70 years for Korats to return after two cats were brought from the USA in 1972¹⁸. By 1974, Korats were recognized by the GCCF in the UK. They didn’t get Championship status until 1984¹⁸. In the last 10 years, about 130 Korats have been registered with the GCCF each year¹⁸.

The ‘Thai Korat Kitten Project’ faced many challenges. These included registration, pedigree requirements, and dealing with Thai and EU export/import rules. The project also had to choose the right airlines¹⁹. Korat breeders from Denmark, Poland, Norway, and Australia supported the project financially¹⁹.

Nong Noon’s offspring, Morakot Elfi Arinya, was expected to join Australia in 2015¹⁹.

“The Korat’s history dates back to the 1350s, and it is considered the most highly prized cat by Thai people, symbolizing wealth and fertility.”¹⁸

Conclusion

The Korat is a captivating cat breed loved by many around the world. They come from Thailand and are famous for their beautiful looks, loving nature, and deep cultural meaning. Korats stand out with their unique “silver-tipped blue” coat and strong muscles. They also have a special heart-shaped head²⁰.

Korats are smart, playful, and love being with people. They make great family pets needing lots of attention and play. Korats are very loyal and get along well with gentle kids²⁰. They also have low grooming needs because their fur is short and doesn’t shed much²¹.

The Korat breed is becoming more popular worldwide. Their beauty and charm will continue to win over cat lovers for years. With a long life of up to 15 years or more, and being one of the oldest cat breeds²¹, the Korat is a special Thai cat breed. They are perfect as a companion cat.

Source Links

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18. PDF – http://www.korats.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Julie-Cherkas-Korat-Article-1.pdf
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21. Discover the Charm of Korat Cats | Mavyn – https://www.mavyn.com/blog/discover-the-charm-of-korat-cats