The Korat cat breed is good for a loving, smart, attractive pet. In its native Thailand, this uncommon and old breed is associated with good fortune and financial success. The Korat is easily recognizable by its heart-shaped face, wide, expressive eyes, and silvery-tipped, blue-gray coat. They build close ties with their human companions and are sociable and playful. Read on with Canvas Personalized to learn further about the Korat cat breed you should consider before bringing one into your home!
1. History And Origin Of The Korat Cat Breed
The origins of the Korat cat breed may be traced back to the 14th century, making it one of the world’s oldest stable cat breeds. Nakhon Ratchasima, the province in Thailand from which the word “Korat” originates, is commonly referred to as “Korat” by those who live there. They are also known as Si Sawat, which translates to “color of the sawat seed,” and Malet, which means “cat” in Thai.
Korat cats were considered lucky in their home country, where they were frequently presented as gifts to newlyweds and other celebratory occasions. The National Library of Thailand houses a copy of the ancient poetry collection Tamra Maew, which includes illustrations of this breed.
In the West, Korats were once referred to as “Blue Siamese” after they were imported to the region in the 19th century. However, they were not recognized as a distinct breed from the Siamese, so they were no longer shown at cat shows. In the 1950s, a breeder from Maryland brought two Korats, Nara and Darra, to the United States, thereby reviving the species. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) was the first significant organization to recognize the Korat cat breed in 1966 formally.
2. A Korat Cat’s Characteristics and Appearance
The Korat cat breed has a compact to medium stature and a sturdy build. Male Korats tend to be larger than females, but both sexes weigh around 10 pounds on average. The breed is roughly cobby in appearance, with a wide chest, a bent back, and long, lean limbs. The Korat’s elegant gait is partly because the front paws are shorter than the back.
The Korat cat breed has a heart-shaped head, flat face, strong chin, and well-defined muzzle. The ears are big, sharp, and set high on the head. The eyes are big, round and stand out on the face. They are also far apart. The eyes can be green or amber, but most breed guidelines say that green eyes are better. The cat’s eyes are very expressive and show how it feels.
The most noticeable thing about the Korat cat breed is the color and texture of its hair. There is no undercoat, and the hair is short, fine, and shiny. The color is a constant blue-gray, and the tips are silver, which makes the coat shine. The silver tips stand out on the face, ears, legs, and tail. The color of the cat’s hair can change a little bit based on the time of year and how old the cat is.
3. Behavior/Temperament
The Korat cat is a unique and unusual breed. This cat has a commanding presence and an insatiable need for human companionship. Korats are smart and interested, always eager to learn new things and explore their environment. They also talk a lot, making sounds different from those of other breeds to talk to their owners.
Regarding their human families, Korats are fiercely loyal and faithful. They will accompany you everywhere, rest their heads on your shoulder or lap, and even share your bed. They aren’t reserved with new people, yet they always gravitate toward spending time with their favorite person. They are also highly active and like to play with toys and other pets, often engaging in games of fetch or chase.
Although not known for aggression or territoriality, Korats may become possessive or jealous of their owners. They may not get along with other pets in the house if they see them as competition for your love and attention, such as cats or dogs. They may also experience stress or depression if left alone for extended periods, particularly if their environment or routine is disrupted.
4. Care Requirements And Health Problems
Training & Exercise
Like all cats, Korats benefit greatly from regular playtime. The Korat, on the other hand, is a very social cat that enjoys playing with humans. These independent felines cherish every moment of positive engagement with their human companions, and playtime is no exception. The game of fetch is popular among Korats. Because of their tremendous intellect, Korats are also very easy to train. Teach them tricks and provide them with puzzle toys to keep them occupied and mentally stimulated.
Gromming & Shedding
A healthy and clean Korat kitten is the result of regular grooming. A Korat’s short, single-layer coat makes it easy to maintain. Its silvery-blue fur may be kept bright and healthy with a weekly or two combing. Keep your Korat’s ears, teeth, and nails tidy and trimmed regularly.
This kind of blue cat is also known for its relatively minimal shedding. A well-groomed Korat is less prone to shed the copious amounts of hair that can irritate those with cat allergies when petted. They are not completely hypoallergenic, though.
Common Health Problems
The Korat is generally quite healthy. However, it is important to check the health of both of its parents before buying from a breeder.
They might be at risk of developing GM1 or GM2 gangliosidosis. This very uncommon genetic disorder causes a lack of an enzyme that harms brain function. It’s lethal, but genetic testing can help find it. Before breeding, a Korat cat needs to be checked for this illness.
5. Diet and Nutrition
The Korat is no exception to the rule that all animals should eat the best possible diet. They don’t need a special diet, although staying between 6 and 10 pounds is best. As obligate carnivores, cats must get the protein they need from their food. Cats require an AAFCO-approved diet for optimal health. These omega fatty acids and protein content will be just right for Korats. Always check with your vet if you have any concerns.
6. Where to Adopt or Buy Korat Cats
Although it may be more difficult to track down a purebred Korat kitten than with other breeds, it is well worth the time and effort to do so. These exotic felines are quite unlikely to wind up at a rescue organization. Going to a cat exhibition is your best bet because you can meet breeders of many different kinds of cats, including Korats. If you want to find a breeder, check out the Cat Fanciers Association website.
Depending on the breeder, location, quality, and demand, the cost of a Korat cat can be anywhere from $400 to $2,000. Costs for food, litter, toys, grooming supplies, medical care, insurance, etc., are all part of cat ownership and should be considered.
| Name | Location | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Adopt a Pet | Nationwide | https://www.adoptapet.com/s/adopt-a-korat |
| GoKitty | Nationwide | https://gokitty.com/kitten/listing/breed/korat |
| Jinx | Eastchester, NY | https://www.adoptapet.com/pet/33391797-eastchester-new-york-korat |
| Lucas | Long Beach, CA | https://www.adoptapet.com/pet/33391798-long-beach-california-korat |
| Penguin | Los Angeles, CA | https://www.adoptapet.com/pet/33391799-los-angeles-california-korat |
| Sydney | Chicago, IL | https://gokitty.com/kitten/profile/id/100000 |
>> Another related post that you may be interested in:
- Chausie Cat Breed: A Wild-Looking Hybrid with a Friendly Personality
- Devon Rex Cat Breed: Profile, Personality & How to Care
The Korat cat breed is irresistible due to its stunning silver fur, sweet demeanor, and high IQ. They are a type of cat native to Thailand, yet their beauty and grace have won them fans all around the globe. The Korat’s unique appearance, highlighted by its shimmering silvery blue coat and hypnotizing green eyes, contributes to its obvious attractiveness.
Adopting a Korat cat is a big responsibility requiring attention and playtime. With their unique qualities and cute dispositions, Korat cats will surely become much-loved pets in any household. If you’re interested in learning more about other types of cats, check out the other articles in this catalog.
