Korat cats are a special breed with an interesting history and some unique characteristics. If you’re thinking about getting one, there are a few things to consider. They’re visually appealing with their silver-blue coat and heart-shaped face. However, their temperament and care requirements are also important to evaluate.
I’ve interviewed many Korat cat owners and can help you determine whether it might be the right breed for you. So, let’s discuss the main characteristics of Korat cats to ensure you have all the information you need.]
Korat Cat Breed Overview
The Korat cat is a unique breed with an interesting history. I’ve grown to love these cats over the years, and I’m thrilled to teach you about them. Korat cats are of medium size and have a very distinct appearance. They have a muscular, semi-cobby body structure and wear a remarkable silver-blue coat that appears to shimmer in the right light. The coat is short, close-lying, and gives the cat a very sleek appearance.
One of the most defining characteristics of a Korat cat is its large green eyes. You’ll notice the eyes are quite large and are set within a heart-shaped head. This is significant as the Thais believe that the head shape brings good luck to the owner. The Korat cat is very mild and gentle. These cats are known for being very intelligent, as well as loving and loyal to their family. Additionally, they form deep bonds with their owner and enjoy participating in household activities.
Korat cats have a long, interesting history:
- Originated in Thailand (formerly known as Siam)
- Named after the Korat province
- Considered a symbol of good fortune in Thailand
- First recorded in the ‘Smud Khoi’ book of cat poems, which dates back to the 14th century
The Korat cat has a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. It’s a fairly small breed, as adults typically weigh between 5.5 and 10 pounds. Despite its small size, the Korat is a very strong and durable cat with a ton of personality.
Unique Traits of Silver-Blue Thai Felines
The Korat has a truly unique coat. It’s a single layer coat without an undercoat, which is part of what creates the unique texture. The color is often called silver-blue, but it’s more complex than that. Each hair has a silver tip, which gives the coat a shimmering appearance that changes depending on the light. I fell in love with the Korat partly because of this unique coat.
Another defining characteristic of the Korat is its heart-shaped face. The face’s shape comes from the brow, the sides of the face, and the chin, which combine to form a sweet expression that melts your heart. Their eyes are also larger than average. As kittens, their eyes are a blue-green color. As they mature, the eyes change and become a luminous green. This transformation typically happens between the ages of two and four years, at which point the eye color becomes a vivid emerald green.
Korats first arrived in the United States in 1959, with the CFA recognizing them as a breed in 1966-1967. Since then, the breed has received recognition from cat fancier organizations around the world. Yet despite this recognition, the Korat remains a relatively rare breed—especially outside of Thailand.
Origins and Heritage of Thailand’s Blue-Grey Felines
Korats have a rich history in Thailand. As one of the oldest known natural cat breeds, the Korat’s history dates back to the 14th century. The breed’s historical significance is well documented:
- It was mentioned in “The Cat-Book Poems” (Tamra Maew), written between A.D. 1350 and 1767.
- They were thought to bring good luck and prosperity to the owner.
- In Thailand, they were often given as wedding presents.
- The breed is named after the Korat province in Thailand, where they were first found.
In Thai culture, the Korat is a highly respected and revered breed. They are considered to be living good luck charms and are commonly found in temples. While the Korat was introduced to the Western world in the 20th century, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the breed gained popularity outside of Thailand.
Despite their rise to global fame, the Korat has stayed true to its pure genetic roots. Today, all Korats can be genetically traced back to their original Thai ancestors. This sets the Korat apart as a truly special and unique breed in the cat fancy world.
Medical Concerns for This Thai Feline Breed
As a lifelong cat lover, I’ve discovered that every breed has its own set of health concerns. While Korat cats are generally healthy, they do have a few genetic predispositions you should know about. They can be carriers of GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis genes, which are inherited nervous system disorders.
These conditions can be prevented by genetic testing, which any responsible breeder should do. If you have your heart set on a Korat cat, ask the breeder about genetic testing. Regular vet checkups are important for all cats, but especially for Korats so any potential health issues can be caught early.
The best way to keep your Korat healthy is through preventative care, including:
- Regular vaccinations
- Dental cleanings
- Parasite prevention
- High-quality nutrition
With proactive healthcare, you can help your Korat live a long and healthy life. If you’re considering other breeds, you might want to look into the bengal cat or the persian cat which have their own unique health considerations.
Grooming Needs of Korat Cats
Korats are relatively low maintenance in the grooming department. Their short single coat doesn’t mat or tangle, so weekly brushing is usually all it takes to keep their coat looking nice. Brushing also helps distribute natural oils throughout the coat and removes loose hair.
They don’t need to be bathed unless they get into something messy, as their coat naturally repels dirt and debris. When you do bathe your Korat, use a mild cat shampoo. Regular nail trimming and dental care should also be a part of your grooming routine with a Korat.
When grooming a Korat, you only really need:
- A soft brush or rubber grooming mitt
- Cat-safe nail clippers
- Cat toothbrush and toothpaste
Just remember that grooming time is also bonding time, as most Korats appreciate the attention and physical contact they receive while being groomed. This is similar to the grooming needs of the burmese cat, another Asian breed known for its sleek coat.
Korat Cat Population and Breeding
Korats are a relatively rare breed, particularly outside of Thailand, and the breed’s population is still relatively small compared to other breeds. While this makes the Korat even more special, it also makes finding a Korat kitten more difficult.
Korats have strict breeding standards to preserve the integrity of the breed. As one of the oldest natural breeds, the Korat has no outcrossing and breeding is limited to only other Korats. This ensures all modern Korats can be traced back to their original Thai ancestors and have a pure genetic line.
Therefore, if you want to bring a Korat into your life, it’s essential to find a reputable breeder. Look for breeders who:
- Perform genetic health testing
- Offer health certifications
- Allow you to visit and inspect their cattery
- Are registered with serious cat associations
By ensuring you only support responsible breeding, you’re also supporting the health and happiness of these unique cats. If you’re interested in other rare breeds, you might want to explore the khao manee, another Thai breed known for its striking appearance.
Korat Cat Development and Growth
It’s interesting to watch a Korat kitten transform into an adult cat. Korats have an unusual development schedule, taking as long as 4 years to fully mature. As kittens, Korats are full of energy and playfulness. You can already see their silver-blue coat and large eyes, though these features will become more pronounced as they age.
In the first 12 months, you’ll notice significant growth and changes in your Korat’s appearance. They’ll develop more muscle mass in their body and their facial features will become more refined. The breed’s heart-shaped face will become more prominent as they continue to mature.
In terms of behavior, Korats mellow out as they get older. However, they maintain the same playful spirit and level of intelligence throughout their lives. The dietary needs of a Korat cat change as it grows. When they’re kittens, they require a high-protein, high-calorie diet to support their fast growth. As they mature, that diet should shift to help them maintain a healthy weight as an adult.
Korats are a slow-maturing breed, both physically and emotionally. It’s this slow maturation process that makes them such lovable and unique pets. If you’re interested in other breeds with unique developmental patterns, you might want to look into the oriental shorthair, which also has a distinctive growth process.
Let’s Close This Out
Korat cats are a unique, ancient breed with an interesting background. Their silver blue color and heart-shaped facial features set them apart from other cats. They have particular health and grooming needs. Korats are a slow-maturing breed, and they don’t reach full maturity until 4 years old.
Their rarity and pure lineage are the main claim to fame for Korat cats. If you plan to adopt a Korat, keep in mind they’re more than just cats; they’re living history with special requirements. Select your Korat cat wisely and take excellent care of these special cats.
