Korat

Things you Should Know about the Korat

Have you ever heard of a breed that has been known to be given as a gift only and traditionally was never exchanged for money?

The Korat cat has been a long-standing symbol of luck in Thailand, where this amazing feline originates. With a glistening blue-grey coat that resembles shiny silver, a face in the shape of a heart, and incredibly green eyes, it’s not hard to see why.

Korats have been revered in their home country for centuries. These intelligent and active cats form very strong attachments with their family. The Korat is a perfect cat to provide you with many years of close companionship.

Appearance Matters. What does a Korat look like?

If you look at this cat from the front, you will be able to see a heart shape that delicately frames its face. There is another placed on his head looking towards their back, and one that shapes the nose.

The fourth heart shape Korat breed is known for is the one on its chest. If you count the actual heart muscle, this unusual cat has a total of five hearts. Cool, huh?

Another beautiful feature is the peridot green eyes that come into their full beauty when the cat is anywhere from two to four years old. Young cats and kittens have more gold to amber tones mixed with the green, which then transforms when they grow up.

The ears on this cat breed with green eyes are flared at the base and finish with a rounded tip. This gives off the impression that the cat is alert and engaged.

Korat has a semi-stocky body and a pronounced waist. This breed doesn’t typically weigh a lot, but most are surprised that it feels hefty when lifted. Muscles are nicely developed, with the weight mostly focused on the shoulders and wide chest.

The muscular shoulders are like powerful columns under a short but strong neck. Everything on this cat’s body is built to withstand a challenging environment.

What colors do the Korat cats come in? 

Korat cats come in one color: silver-tipped blue, and it is the only color allowed. 

The coat’s base starts with the silver-blue that is lighter in the shade and continues to get darker and deeper. The tips on the coat are silver, as the color name implies, with denser silver hairs found on the toes and muzzle.

You might sometimes see a Korat kitten with ghost tabby patterns, but those should dissipate when the cat gets older. Shading is also not allowed in adult cats.

What is The Difference between Korat and Russian Blue?

The differences between the Korat and the Russian Blue are subtle but very significant. Korats are cats that do not seem heavy due to their compact frame and musculature. On the other hand, the Russian Blue is elongated but with a thick coat, it appears robust.

The Blues also have straight body lines, whereas the Korats look curvy.

However, Korat cats are often mistaken for several blue cat breeds:

• Chartreux
• British Shorthair
• Nebelung (this is a long-haired blue cat)

Korat is a special cat. Considering its evolution, history, and natural conditions where these amazing cats have developed, it's easy to see why.

It's all Personal. The Korat Temperament

If you’re wondering what Korat cat’s personality is like, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to hear that they are very devoted to their family. 

They do appear to prefer one or two people more than the rest, but they are indeed very friendly. This is important also because this cat will follow you around a lot. If you’re likely to be irritated by that, think twice about this breed.

Historically, these felines go in pairs. This means that they do not do well with being left alone. The Korat will require a lot of your attention.

This is a breed that enjoys mental and physical stimulation in the form of learning new skills, playing with interactive toys, or even a game of fetch.

Quiet and calm surroundings are best for this cat as they do not vocalize themselves very much either. Nonetheless, when they choose to grace you with their voice, it will most probably sound like anything from a light chirp to a powerful scream.

Caring for your Korat

Having a single coat that lies close to the body, Korat looks shiny and delicate. To keep them that way, brush them once or twice a week as their shedding is minimal but persistent.

Obviously, you will need to brush your cat more often during springtime as they are shedding the old coat that kept them warm during winter.

If you suffer from allergies, note that Korat does shed, so it’s not a hypoallergenic breed. However, given that it doesn’t shed as much, future owners with mild allergies might be able to live comfortably with this special cat breed.

The Health and Happiness of your Korat

This is a healthy breed in general; however, a few conditions might affect them.

The genetic neuromuscular degenerative disease appears as GHM1 or GM2 gangliosidosis.  As the name suggests, this is a serious disease that affects the nervous system due to a missing enzyme. Luckily, testing is available for this disease so it can be detected easily.

The other issue that might arise has to do with Korat’s low body fat, which could make them sensitive to anesthesia.

How Expensive is the Korat?

People that want one of these cats as their pet are in luck because they won’t have to dig deep into their pockets to be able to afford one.

On average, a Korat kitten for sale with a good pedigree is priced between $500 and $800. These smart cats bring good luck, and the fact that you won’t have to pay too much for one is always a good sign.

You could say you got lucky before you even got one! Find reputable Korat breeders on our website.

Feline History. Where does the Korat come from?

Thailand is the homeland of this old and rare breed. Depictions of the Korat can have been found in many old books dated from the 14th to 18th century. During those times, the Korat was named Si-Sawat and was gifted to friends as a good luck charm.

The entire Korat family trees in existence today have ancient roots. They connect them genetically to those several-centuries old cats that lived freely in Thailand.

The first Korat cats to arrive in the US also came as gifts. In 1959, an American couple was headed back home to retire after the husband’s employment in the Foreign Service in Thailand. They were given two Korats as a parting gift.

Nara and Darra became the foundation of the breeding lines in the United States. In 1967, the breed received official recognition from the Cat Fanciers Association. Today, all registries accept the Korat as the unique cat that it is.