Personality:
- Will try to be the dominant cat in a multi-pet household.
- Intelligent, gentle, quiet, and affectionate with their owners.
- Extraordinary powers of hearing, sight, and scent.
- Not as vocal as their Siamese cousins.
- Protective of their humans and household.
History:
Considered to be the native cat of Thailand where it is a symbol of good luck. Earliest picture of a Korat is found in the ancient book of paintings and verses known as The Cat-Book Poemsin Bangkok’s National Library. In 1959, the first known pair of Korats were imported into the United States. Accepted for championship in the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) 1966.
Body Type:
- Medium-sized with muscular, hard bodies and broad chests.
- Back is carried in a curve.
- Head is heart shaped with large, rounded ears.
- Green eyes are large and luminous.
Coat:
- Single coat is short, glossy, and fine.
- Hair does not float off, making them easier to tolerate by some people with allergies.
- Silver-blue base color with silver tips creates a halo effect.
Health and Wellness:
- Because of the limited gene pool, Korat breeders have had a difficult time eliminating kinked tails and/or white lockets from their breed.
- Although these defects do not affect the well being of the cat, they are grounds for disqualification in the show ring.
- Some lines have indicated problems with gangliosidosis, a condition caused by an enzyme deficiency. Can cause severe neurological degeneration.
What you should know:
- If the pedigree of a Korat cannot be traced back to Thailand, it is not a true Korat.
- It is a myth that these cats were developed as fighting cats. The Korat is a lover, not a fighter.
- The best age to purchase a Korat kitten is between three and five months of age.
- Because they bond so strongly with their owners, older kittens and cats may have difficulty adjusting to a new home.
- Considered to be a rare breed.
