A rare Thai breed, the Korat is an affectionate constant companion that is gentle and good with children. Though this cat has an action-packed personality, the Korat moves slowly and cautiously and does not like sudden, loud noises. The breed is said to have extraordinary powers of hearing, scent and sight. The Korat’s silver-tipped blue coat, described in Thailand as rain-cloud gray, has a shimmering effect.
DID YOU KNOW? Discovered in the Korat province of Thailand, the Korat has been cherished in her native Thailand for centuries as a symbol of good fortune. The expressive, oversized eyes of the Korat have an intense gaze that is said to take one’s breath away. The eyes are blue at birth but change to amber with green around the pupil during adolescence and then luminous green in two to four years.
The need-to-know
- Highly active and inquisitive cat
- Sociable and dependent cat
- Somehow talkative cat
- Average build cat breed
- Requires grooming once a week
- Outdoor cat
- May require familiarisation before living with children
Personality
Korat cats have a quiet, sweet nature but are very intelligent and playful. They make ideal household pets and can be devoted to their human companions.
History and Origins
Country of Origin: Thailand
Other Names: : Si-Sawat
The Korat cat breed is named after a province in Thailand. In Thailand, where the breed is often known as 'Si-Sawat' (meaning good fortune) - a pair of Korat cats were a traditional gift for a bride. A Korat cat may have been entered in a British cat show in the 19th century as a Blue Siamese cat. They first appeared in America in the 1950s and arrived in Great Britain from there in 1972. They are one of the few breeds that are only available in one colour, in this case silvery blue.
Nutrition and Feeding
Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.
Other Information
Health and common issues
The Korat cat is quite a long-lived cat with ages of 18 and 19 not uncommon. Korat cats are known to suffer from gangliosidosis, an inherited enzyme deficiency that affects the nervous system causing paralysis. There is a test for this and owners should check that the breeder's cats have been tested and are free from the problem before buying a kitten.
Best cat breeds for children
While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.