Believed to have originated in the Korat province of Thailand, has a long history as a treasured companion cat in their native land. Their distinctive appearance and lively personality led to them being given as gifts to royalty and honored individuals. Today, remain popular pets while also serving as symbols of good fortune in Thailand.
Introduction The Marvelous Korat Cat Breed
While still relatively uncommon in the West, the Korat is slowly gaining more devotees worldwide. Here’s a quick overview of the breed:
Affectionate with Family: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Amount of Shedding: ⭐⭐
General Health: ⭐⭐⭐
Potential for Playfulness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tendency to Vocalize: ⭐⭐
Kid-Friendly: ⭐⭐⭐
Friendly Toward Strangers: ⭐⭐
Easy to Groom: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Intelligence: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pet Friendly: ⭐⭐⭐
Appearance
The Korat is a medium-sized cat with a muscular, athletic build. Their signature coat is a stunning silver-blue color with each hair having a silvery white base and blue tips. Their eyes are large and luminous green. Other distinguishing features include their heart-shaped head and large, upright ears.
Characteristics
Energetic, playful, and highly observant. They bond closely with their families and don’t like to be left alone for long periods. Tend to choose a favorite person who they shadow devotedly. They get along well with cat-friendly dogs, other pets, and polite children.
Popularity
While popular pets in Thailand, Korats are still quite rare in most parts of the world. However, they are gaining more notice and admirers as people discover their stunning appearance and engaging personalities. Recognized by all major cat registries but competition wins are still infrequent outside Thailand.
Temperament
Intelligent, alert, and easily intrigued, Korats thrive when kept active and engaged. They love interactive play and learning tricks or games. Tremendously loyal once they bond with their chosen person. They do well with consistent, positive training. Greet guests politely but are never overly demanding of attention.
Lifespan
When properly cared for, Korats typically live 15-20 years. Some may reach their early 20s.
Coat Color
Signature coat is a silver-blue color tipped with silver. Each hair strand has a silver base with a blue tip. The overall effect is a shimmery blue coat with a metallic sheen when light hits it. No variations are allowed.
Considered one of the oldest natural cat breeds. They likely share ancestry with the Siamese, also native to Thailand. No outcrossing is permitted.
Caring for Your Korat Cat
Korats are relatively easy keepers but do require attention and enrichment to thrive. Here are some care tips:
Food:
- High-protein food for lean muscle mass. Canned, raw, or grain-free dry formulas.
- Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health. Prone to dry skin.
- Antioxidants to support their active lifestyle and longevity.
Environment:
- Multi-level cat trees and wall shelves to climb and perch on. Korats love heights.
- Window perches with view of outdoors. Keeps their curious minds engaged.
- Toys that allow interactive play, like wands and treat puzzles. Outlets for energy.
Grooming:
- Weekly brushing to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils. Enhances their shimmery coat.
- Nail trims every 2-3 weeks to prevent overgrowth and injuries. Check for ingrown nails.
- Ear cleaning once a week to prevent buildup and infection in their large ears.
- Positive association with grooming from kittenhood.
Take Care Method:
Provide affection, playtime, and mental stimulation daily. Prevents boredom and behavior issues. Keeps cats content.
Finding Your Korat Cat
Here’s what you need to know about acquiring one of these marvelous cats:
Locations of Popularity:
Korats remain most popular in Thailand. In North America and Europe, exist but are still somewhat sparse. Be prepared to widen your search or be put on a waitlist.
Average Price:
Expect to budget $800-$1500 for a Korat kitten. Retired adult breeders may be under $500. Show quality with pedigree run over $2000 in many cases.
Adoption/Rescue:
- Korat Cat Association Rescue (America)
- Thai Korat and Thai Cat Rescue (UK)
- Korat Cat Club Queensland (Australia)
- What to Check Before Adopting/Buying:
- General Health: Ensure kits are vet-checked for any issues needing treatment before adoption.
- Vaccine Status: Kittens need 3 sets of boosters for maximum immunity. At least one year’s annual booster.
- Medical History: Review any pre-existing conditions that may require ongoing care/monitoring.
Preparing for Your Korat Cat
Here are a few key things to do to get ready for your Korat cat’s homecoming:
- Cat-proof your home by securing harmful items and preventing access to high risk areas. Safety first!
- Have scratching posts, carpeted cat trees, and approved scratch surfaces available. Helps protect furniture!
- Stock up on food, litter, bedding, grooming tools, and toys to have on hand.
- Find a trusted vet nearby to establish a relationship prior to needing care. Allows prompt treatment if health concerns arise.
- Purchase/make interactive puzzle toys to keep their sharp minds challenged. Alleviates boredom.
- Consider pet insurance to defray costs of vet care down the road.
Common Diseases:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Serious heart condition. Breeding cats should be screened.
- Food allergies: Korats may be prone. Hypoallergenic diet may be needed.
- Periodontal disease: Common in all cats. Provide dental care.
Core Vaccines:
- FVRCP: Protects against major feline viruses. Kittens need 3 boosters.
- Rabies: Required by law. Give one year after kitten vaccine series completes.
- FeLV: For cats with outdoor access. Transmitted through saliva/blood.
Naming Your Korat Cat
Choosing the perfect name for your Korat cat is fun! Here are some tips:
- Pick 2-3 syllables so it’s easy for them to learn their name.
- Names like Sterling, Blue, or Luna nod to their gorgeous coat.
- Thai names like Rama, Sirikit, or Kaew honor their heritage.
- Playful names like Jade, Gem, or Flash suit their lively spirit.
- Browse our list of popular Korat cat names for more inspiration!
Do Korats like going outside more than staying in?
While curious and energetic, can thrive as indoor-only cats provided they get adequate playtime, exercise, and mental stimulation to occupy them. Outdoor access should be limited to protect them.
Are Korats intelligent cats?
Yes! Highly intelligent breed. They excel at learning tricks, playing games, and solving puzzles. Providing mental stimulation helps prevent boredom and behavior issues.
How many different types of Korat cats are there?
There is only one recognized Korat breed. Coat color variations and outcrossing is not permitted by breed standards to preserve the signature look and personality.
How can I stop my Korat cat from biting?
Redirect biting during play to appropriate toys instead of hands. Never play roughly or use your hands as toys. Say “no bite” then ignore if biting continues. Provide acceptable chew toys while teething. Praise gentle play.
How can I stop my Korat from scratching furniture?
Provide ample scratching posts and boards around your home. Reward use of these with treats and praise. Discourage furniture scratching by covering with foil or double-sided tape. Keep nails trimmed to minimize damage. Never declaw!
How can I raise and socialize a friendly Korat cat?
Socialize kittens young through gentle handling and positive introductions to new sights, sounds, people and pets. Continue socialization into adulthood. Give strangers treats to offer during visits.
How can I train my Korat cat?
Highly trainable using positive reinforcement like treats and praise. Target training and clicker training work very well. Start with basics like sit, stay, come, leash walking. Keep training sessions short, fun and engaging.
How often should my Korat see the vet?
Adult need annual wellness exams to catch problems early. Senior cats, 8+, should visit the vet biannually as risks increase with age. Seek prompt vet care for any signs of illness or injury. Preventative care is key!
Are Korats good family pets?
Yes, when properly socialized, make wonderful family cats! Their playful spirit and affectionate nature endear them to children and adults alike. Younger kids should be supervised to prevent rough handling.
Are Korats good with other pets and children?
Raised with other pets and children generally do very well together. Slow, positive introductions. Always supervise young children to be sure interaction is gentle and safe for both.
Can Korats aggravate allergies?
No cat is truly hypoallergenic but shed minimally, producing less dander. Allergy sufferers should still spend time with the breed prior to adopting, as sensitivity varies. Keeping the home clean also helps reduce allergens.
Are Korats aggressive?
No, Korats are typically quite gentle and not prone to aggression when properly socialized from kittenhood. However, fearful, undersocialized may become defensive and nip or scratch. Proper handling minimizes this risk.
Do Korats have problems with excessive shedding?
No. short single coat that sheds minimally year-round. Weekly brushing easily keeps up with their shedding. Unlike double-coated breeds, they do not have heavy seasonal shedding episodes.
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