The Korat Cat Breed
A Symbol of Good Luck

History

The Korat cat breed hails from Thailand, where they are known as the 'Si-Sawat'. This ancient cat breed dates back to the 14th Century. They were named by King Rama V.

Legend has it, that he asked where the beautiful cat was from and the reply was 'Korat", a province in Thailand...and so the cat was named. It is a natural cat breed and it is believed that its ancestors are from the jungles of Thailand.

In Thailand the Korat is seen as a symbol of luck and good fortune and for this reason, these cats are often given as wedding gifts. Their green eyes are said to represent the color of young rice seeds and therefore the symbol for good crops, their silver-blue fur the color of rain clouds, which signifies wealth.

There is no doubt, that owning a Korat is bound to be a prosperous relationship!

The first Korat was shown in Britain in 1896, but it was judged as a Siamese, and not surprisingly, a very poor quality Siamese!

In 1959, the American ambassador to Thailand was presented with a pair of Korats that he sent back to the USA to the breeder Jean Johnson. Her love for these cats had started long before, as she had seen the cats on previous trips to Thailand. Ms Johnson also imported her own cats, Nara and Darra from a cattery in Thailand and so the breed was 'born' in the West.

However, it wasn't until 1966, that the Korat cat breed was recognized by governing bodies in the West.

Korats remain a rare cat breed, even in the land of their birth, Thailand.

Features

The Korat cat breed is medium-sized, compact, semi-cobby with a broad chest and a body that tapers in the waist. They are muscular cats but are also supple, strong, graceful and agile, which allows them to move quickly. Their tails are medium-length, heavy at the base and tapering to a rounded tip. The Korat's back legs are longer than the front, well proportioned with a heavy bone structure.

Their heads are heart-shaped, whether looking at it straight-on or down over the top of the head. Eyebrow crests accentuate a heart-shape on the face. Ears are large, round tipped, set high with a large flare at the base. This gives the Korat an 'alert' expression.

Another distinguishing feature are this cat breeds eyes. Wide open, round, large and prominent when open, but they do have a slight oriental slant when closed. Their eyes are always alert and observant. Kittens initially have blue eyes (as do all kittens) and then turn golden-green. A mature Korat has peridot-green or luminous green eyes - the final color is only seen at around 2 years.

Their coats are special and not simply another 'blue cat'! It has a single coat, short, fine, dense, glossy and lies close to the body. The fur along the spine tends to part when the cat moves.

The Korat cat breed comes in one color only. Any other color - and it's not a Korat!

Blue-Silver tipping (or if you prefer, Silver-tipped blue), the roots are a lighter silver-blue, this darkens to a deeper blue further up the hair shaft, but as it reaches the tip - it turns silver. This unique coloring gives the cat a shimmering effects - almost as though the coat is frosted - sometimes referred to as an aura.

If you are in any doubt and need to have a thorough understanding of the standards pertinent to your country, then contact a governing body, association, or federation in your country.

Personality and Temperament

Korat have exceptionally well developed senses especially those of sight, sound and smell. As they are sensitive to noise, they prefer a tranquil, quiet environment and tend to dislike harsh, loud sounds and sudden movements.

They are lively, playful, active cats, who prefer the company of their human owners to that of strangers and other cats.

The Korat cat breed is a dominant cat, some say they are demanding and opinionated! Lovers of the Korat would disagree!

Korats are a very talkative breed, with a pleasant melodious voice.

Gentle and affectionate, they do love attention and will remain loyal to their owners. They respond well to and prefer gentle touch. It's for this reason that they don't make ideal show cats unless they have been trained to accept excessive handling since kittenhood.

Intelligent, independent, strong-willed (what cat isn't) who are very observant and aware of their surroundings. They love to get involved in household activities.

Visit our Korat Cat Breed fast facts page for cat information and cat pictures.

Grooming

The Korat is a low maintenance cat breed.

Using a grooming glove or a rubber brush once or twice a week, will remove all dead hair without harming the coat.

Bathing is not often required. Show cats should be bathed a week before show-day to allow the coat to recover its natural oils.

Whilst your Korat will do its own grooming, a weekly brushing or combing will help to maintain a healthy coat.

It may be an idea to visit our comprehensive pages on grooming. These pages will give you insights into the importance of grooming, cat care, and the tools that you will require for grooming.

Images Courtesy of :

© Robert Fox of Photopaws UK . Highbreeze Celebrian - Breeder: the late Anthea Whitehouse , Owner: Liz Monument of Persephonies Korats. www.korats.co.uk

© Korat kittens: Owner: Liz Monument of Persephonies Korats

WikimediaCommons Public Domain photo; Photo by: Veda Napha Naramit. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Veda,chat-adulte-m%C3%A2le-race-korat.JPG