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Korat Cat: Breed Profile, Characteristics, and Care Guide

By:
| Updated: April 24, 2023
Korat Cat bright eyes

If you’re looking for a beautiful, intelligent, affectionate, and lucky cat, you might want to consider the Korat cat breed. This stunning silver-blue cat with a heart-shaped face has a long and rich history in its native Thailand, where it’s considered a symbol of good fortune and happiness. But don’t let its elegant appearance fool you: this cat is also playful, vocal, and demanding of attention. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Korat cat breed, including its characteristics, health issues, grooming, diet, and suitability for different types of owners. Whether you already own a Korat cat or you’re thinking of getting one, you’ll find this guide helpful and informative.

Breed Overview

Weight 6 to 10 pounds
Length 15 to 18 inches
Coat Length Short hair
Coat Color Blue-gray with silver tips
Coat Pattern Solid only
Eye Color Green is preferred, amber is acceptable
Personality Intelligent, social, friendly, demanding, affectionate
Lifespan 15 to 19 years
Hypoallergenic No
Good with Kids Medium
Good with Pets Medium
Origin Thailand

History of the Korat Cat

The Korat cat breed originated in Thailand, formerly known as Siam, where they are formally considered a national treasure. Literature indicates that the Korat has been around as far back as Thailand’s Ayutthaya period, which spanned 1350 to 1767. The most notable book from this time period, Tamra Maew (The Cat-Book Poems), depicted 17 cat breeds thought to bring luck to their owners. Among the cats listed was the Korat.

Because of this, Korats were traditionally given as gifts to brides to bring luck and happiness to the newly married couple. They were also presented to important community members as a sign of respect and appreciation. Korats were never sold or traded in their native land.

Korats eventually made their way to the West in the mid-20th century. The first pair of Korats arrived in the US in 1959, thanks to Cedar Glen Cattery. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) granted the Korat cat championship status in 1966, and today, these incredible cats are recognized by breed registries worldwide.

Appearance of the Korat Cat

The Korat is a small-to-medium feline with a sturdy, strong build and lively, alert expression. Its large, prominent green or amber eyes amplify this breed’s expressiveness. Here are some of the main physical and behavioral features of the Korat cat breed:

Size

The Korat cat is not a very large cat, although it is muscular and solid. It weighs between 6 and 10 pounds, with males being slightly larger than females.

Coat

The Korat cat has a short, smooth coat that is blue-gray in color with silver tips that give it a shimmering effect. The coat is fine and close-lying, with no undercoat or markings.

Korat cat laying in yard among leaves
Photo: Pixabay

Eyes

The Korat cat has large, round eyes that are set wide apart on its face. The eyes are green in color, although amber is acceptable for kittens and young adults. The eyes are very expressive and reflect the cat’s mood and health.

Face

The Korat cat has a heart-shaped face that is broad at the forehead and narrows at the chin. The nose is straight, with a slight downward curve at the tip. The ears are large, pointed, and set high on the head.

Temperament

The Korat cat is very intelligent, social, friendly, playful, and vocal. It loves to spend time with its family, but it can demand attention and be jealous of other pets or people. It is not shy or timid, but rather confident and curious. It can be trained to do tricks and fetch toys, but it also likes to have its own way.

Unique traits

The Korat cat has some unique traits that set it apart from other breeds. For example, it matures slowly, taking two to four years to develop physically and mentally fully. It also has a low percentage of body fat, which makes it sensitive to cold temperatures and anesthesia. Additionally, it has a keen sense of hearing and smell, making it alert to any environmental changes.

Health

The Korat cat is generally healthy and has a long lifespan of up to 19 years. However, like any other breed, it can be prone to some genetic or acquired health issues. Some of the common health problems that affect this breed are:

  • Gangliosidosis
  • Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)
  • Dental problems
  • Respiratory infections

Grooming

The Korat cat has a low-maintenance coat that does not require much grooming. However, grooming is still important for the cat’s health and well-being. Here are some of the grooming needs and tips:

Brushing

The Korat cat’s short coat does not shed much or mat easily, but it still benefits from brushing once or twice a week to remove loose hair and dirt, distribute natural oils, and stimulate blood circulation. Use a soft-bristled brush or a rubber curry comb to gently stroke the cat’s fur in the direction of growth. Avoid using metal combs or slicker brushes that may damage the coat or irritate the skin.

Nails

The Korat cat’s nails need to be trimmed every few weeks to prevent overgrowth and injury. Use a pair of cat nail clippers or scissors to cut off the tip of each nail, being careful not to cut into the quick, which is the pink part that contains blood vessels and nerves. If you accidentally cut too far, apply some styptic powder or cornstarch to stop the bleeding. Alternatively, you can use a nail file or grinder to smooth out the edges of the nails.

Ears

The Korat cat’s ears need to be cleaned regularly to prevent infection and irritation. Use a cotton ball or a soft cloth moistened with warm water or a mild ear cleaner to gently wipe the inside of each ear, avoiding the ear canal. Do not use cotton swabs or anything else that may push dirt or wax deeper into the ear or damage the eardrum. If you notice any signs of ear problems, such as redness, swelling, odor, discharge, or scratching, consult your veterinarian.

Eyes

The Korat cat’s eyes need to be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infection and irritation. Use a soft cloth or a cotton ball moistened with warm water or a mild eye cleaner to gently wipe the corners of each eye, removing any crust or discharge. Do not use the same cloth or cotton ball for both eyes to avoid spreading any infection. If you notice any signs of eye problems, such as redness, swelling, cloudiness, tearing, or squinting, consult your veterinarian.

Bathing

The Korat cat does not need frequent bathing, as its coat is naturally clean and shiny. However, you may bathe your Korat cat occasionally or as needed to keep it fresh and odor-free. Use a mild shampoo designed for cats and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Avoid getting water or shampoo in the cat’s ears or eyes. Dry your Korat cat with a towel or a blow dryer on a low setting, and keep it warm until it is completely dry.

Diet and Nutrition

The Korat cat has no special dietary needs but thrives on a high-quality diet that meets its nutritional requirements. Here are some of the dietary needs and tips for the Korat cat breed:

  • Protein: The Korat cat needs a high amount of protein from animal sources, such as meat, fish, eggs, or dairy. Protein provides the essential amino acids that the cat needs to grow, maintain, and repair its tissues and organs. The protein content of the cat’s food should be at least 30% on a dry matter basis.
  • Fat: The Korat cat needs a moderate amount of fat from animal sources, such as chicken fat, fish oil, or tallow. Fat provides the essential fatty acids that the cat needs for skin and coat health, hormone production, and energy. The fat content of the cat’s food should be between 15% and 20% on a dry matter basis.
  • Carbohydrates: The Korat cat does not need a lot of carbohydrates in its diet, as it can produce glucose from protein and fat. However, some carbohydrates from plant sources, such as rice, barley, oats, or potatoes, can provide fiber and other nutrients that the cat may benefit from. The carbohydrate content of the cat’s food should be less than 10% on a dry matter basis.
  • Vitamins and minerals: The Korat cat needs a balanced amount of vitamins and minerals in its diet, such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B complex, and vitamin C. These nutrients support the cat’s immune system, bone health, blood health, nerve function, and antioxidant defense. The vitamin and mineral content of the cat’s food should meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards for cats.
  • Water: The Korat cat always needs fresh water available to stay hydrated and healthy. Water helps the cat regulate its body temperature, digest its food, eliminate waste, and prevent urinary tract infections. The water bowl should be clean and filled with fresh water daily. The cat’s water intake should be about one ounce per pound of body weight per day.

Personality

The Korat cat is suitable for different types of owners who can appreciate its beauty, intelligence, affection, and playfulness. However, it is not suitable for everyone, as it also has some drawbacks that may not suit some lifestyles or preferences. Here are some of the pros and cons of owning a Korat cat:

Pros

  • The Korat cat is a rare and ancient breed that brings good luck and happiness to its owners.
  • The Korat cat has a stunning silver-blue coat that is easy to groom and does not shed much.
  • The Korat cat has large green eyes that are very expressive and reflect its mood and health.
  • The Korat cat is very intelligent and can be trained to do tricks and fetch toys.
  • The Korat cat is very social and friendly with people and other pets.
  • The Korat cat is very affectionate and loyal to its family.
  • The Korat cat is very playful and energetic but not hyperactive or destructive.

Cons

  • The Korat cat is very vocal and can be noisy or annoying to some people.
  • The Korat cat is very sensitive to noise and stress and can be easily startled or upset by changes in its environment.
  • The Korat cat has a low percentage of body fat and can be sensitive to cold temperatures and anesthesia.
  • The Korat cat can be prone to genetic or acquired health issues requiring regular veterinary care and testing.
  • The Korat cat is a rare breed that may be hard to find or expensive to buy.
Korat Cat peeking out from behind tree or bushes
Photo: Pixabay

Where to Buy a Korat Cat

The price of a Korat cat can vary depending on the source, the location, the quality, and the demand. Generally, a Korat kitten can cost between $400 and $2,000, while an adult Korat cat can cost between $200 and $500. However, these prices are only estimates and may not reflect the actual market value of a Korat cat. You should always do your research and compare different sources before buying a Korat cat.

The Korat cat is rare because it is one of the oldest and purest cat breeds in the world, originating in Thailand over 900 years ago. It was never sold or traded in its native land but only given as gifts to bring good luck and happiness. It was first introduced to the West in the mid-20th century, and since then, it has been recognized by various cat associations worldwide. However, it is still limited in number and distribution, and thus hard to find or expensive to buy.

  • Breedlist may have some breeders registered to help you in your search.

Conclusion

The Korat cat is a beautiful, intelligent, affectionate, and lucky breed that originated in Thailand over 900 years ago. It has a distinctive silver-blue coat with silver tips, large green eyes, and a heart-shaped face. It is a very social, friendly, playful, and vocal breed, but also demanding of attention and show jealousy toward other pets or people. It has some unique traits, such as its slow maturation, low body fat percentage, and sensitivity to noise and stress. It is a rare breed that may be hard to find or expensive to buy, but also possible to adopt from a shelter or a rescue group.

We hope this article has given you everything you need to know about the Korat cat breed. If you own a Korat cat or you’re thinking of getting one, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts or experiences with us in the comments below. And don’t forget to subscribe to our blog or follow us on social media for more articles on cats and other pets. Thank you for reading!

More Cat Breeds

If you’re interested in learning about similar cat breeds, check out:

FAQ

How much are Korat cats?

The price of a Korat cat can vary depending on the breeder, the location, the quality, and the demand. Generally, a Korat kitten can cost between $400 and $2,000, while an adult Korat cat can cost between $200 and $500. However, these prices are only estimates and may not reflect the actual market value of a Korat cat. You should always do your research and compare different breeders before buying a Korat cat.

Are Korat cats hypoallergenic?

No, Korat cats are not hypoallergenic. There is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic cat breed, as all cats produce some amount of allergens in their saliva, urine, and dander. However, some cat breeds may produce fewer allergens than others or shed less hair that can carry the allergens. The Korat cat is one of these breeds, as it has a short coat that does not shed much or mat easily. However, this does not mean that a Korat cat will not cause any allergic reactions in sensitive people. The best way to determine if you are allergic to a Korat cat is to spend some time with one and see how you react.

Are Korat cats rare?

Yes, Korat cats are rare. They are one of the oldest and purest cat breeds in the world, originating in Thailand over 900 years ago. They were never sold or traded in their native land but only given as gifts to bring good luck and happiness. They were first introduced to the West in the mid-20th century, and since then, they have been recognized by various cat associations worldwide. However, they are still limited in number and distribution, and thus hard to find or expensive to buy.

What is the difference between a Korat cat and a Russian Blue cat?

The Korat and Russian Blue cats are blue-gray cats with short coats and green eyes. However, they are different breeds with different origins, histories, and characteristics. The Korat cat originated in Thailand over 900 years ago, while the Russian Blue cat originated in Russia in the 19th century. The Korat cat has a silver-tipped coat that gives it a shimmering effect, while the Russian Blue cat has a double coat that gives it a plush texture. The Korat cat has a heart-shaped face with large ears and eyes, while the Russian Blue cat has a wedge-shaped face with smaller ears and eyes. The Korat cat is very social, friendly, playful, and vocal, while the Russian Blue cat is more reserved, quiet, and independent.

What is the origin of the Korat cat?

The Korat cat is a native breed of Thailand, formerly known as Siam. It is one of the oldest and purest cat breeds in the world, dating back to at least the 14th century. It is named after the Nakhon Ratchasima province of Thailand, which is nicknamed Korat by the Thai people. The Korat cat is also locally known as Si Sawat, which means “the color of sawat seed.” The Korat cat is considered a national treasure and a symbol of good luck and happiness in Thailand. It was traditionally given as a gift to brides or important community members. It was first introduced to the West in the mid-20th century by American breeders who imported a pair of Korats from Thailand.

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