Korat

For centuries, Thailand has treasured the Korat cat breed—a rare and antique breed. Distinguished by their elegant, silver-blue coats and captivating green eyes, these felines are frequently linked to good fortune and wealth in their native country. They are a fantastic companion for people who value a special, devoted pet because they are not only gorgeous but also smart and loving.

The Korat is a very unique breed in terms of both appearance and personality. Their calm but inquisitive disposition contrasts with their medium-sized, muscular bodies. Although they have a strong bond with their humans and are known to be devoted to them, they also enjoy exploring.

Whether you are drawn to Korats because of their captivating personalities or their amazing appearances, they are guaranteed to make an impression. For cat lovers who want a devoted, lively, and perceptive companion, this breed is perfect.

Origin	Thailand
Coat	Short, silver-blue
Temperament	Affectionate, intelligent, playful
Average Lifespan	15-20 years
Activity Level	Moderate
Unique Feature	Heart-shaped face

History of the origin of the breed

Although this breed has been around for hundreds of centuries, Europeans were unaware of its existence until the 1960s. Their name sounds like "Khorat." The more well-known Siamese cats originate from Siam, which is now Thailand, the homeland of the Korat people. The manuscript "Poem about cats" is direct proof that these cats are the oldest members of the cat family. It was written between 1350 and 1767.

The most striking cats in the world, comprising 17 breeds including Siamese, Burmese, and Korat, are described in this historical evidence. Regretfully, historians have been unable to determine the precise publication date of this work. However, it is certain that it was painted, adorned with gold leaves, and had text on hip branches. Additionally, each author hand-rewrote the pages when they grew worn out. These instances greatly exacerbate the difficulty of pinpoint dating.

The breed’s name is connected to the area where they initially surfaced, Nakhon Ratchasima, which is frequently shortened to Khorat. Although cats are common in other parts of Siam, it is found in the highlands of northeastern Thailand. There is a legend that claims Chulalongkorn’s ruler named cats Khorats. He asked, "Where do these beautiful creatures come from?" after seeing the animal, to which they replied, "from Khorat, our master."

Thanks to Oregon breeder Jean Johnson, who brought several individuals with her, cats from Siam made their way to North America. Johnson lived in Bangkok for six years, during which time she persisted in her attempt to purchase a few Korats but was unsuccessful. These animals are sold for a pretty steep price even here. But before she left in 1959, she had gotten a few of these breed’s babies. These were two separate-sexed kittens from the same litter, Nara and Darra, from the well-known Bangkok cattery Mahajaya.

Breeder Gail Woodward brought two individuals of different sexes and then another one, Mai-Luk, to be the second import of Korats. They went on to become the pioneers of the North American Korat breed. The owners of other catteries were instantly drawn to the elegant and distinctive visitors from Siam, and despite the challenges involved in importing these cats, an increasing number of Korats were exported from Thailand.

The number of people grew very slowly because those who wished to take out the cats in a frustrated fur coat frequently had to return empty-handed. The primary objective of the KCFA organization, which was founded in the 1960s of the previous century, was to preserve and promote the breed. Cats were only permitted to breed if the breeders were positive about their provenance. Following the release of the first standard, a group of breeders banded together and focused all of their efforts on getting the major feline associations in America to recognize the Korats that were being exported there.

Modern Korats resemble their ancient counterparts because the primary objective of the breed’s breeding program was to maintain the animals’ natural exterior, which had not altered in many centuries. Breeders succeeded in expanding the gene pool considerably in 1968 when nine purebred individuals from Bangkok arrived. These strange cats eventually became champions in every American organization.

Breeders took the problem seriously, did not look for financial gain, and devoted all of their energy to producing cats that met all the requirements and still possessed the health and beauty of their ancestors. Even in the United States of America, korats are extremely rare and possess all the traits of the original members of the breed.

Description and appearance

The Korat breed of cats can be described as graceful, strong, balanced, and devoid of needless massiveness. Their eyes are painted a vibrant color, their body is outlined with smooth lines, and everything about them suggests that the animal is poised to move at any time. When you hold the seemingly light Korat in your arms, you’ll realize that it actually has a more impressive body mass.

Breed standards

Individuals of the Korat breed are described as follows in the official document:

1. Head – in shape it resembles a heart, due to the convex superciliary part and softened lines on both sides of the muzzle – down to the chin.
2. Muzzle – the narrowing of the muzzle at the junction of the upper jaw with the cheekbones is weakly expressed. The nose is like a "lion"s", there is a small bulge on the lobe, cheeks and chin are well developed.
3. Ears – set high, large, with rounded tips and wide base. The outside of the shell is well covered with thick fur.
4. Eyes – protruding significantly, set wide apart, rounded. When they are closed, their “Asian cut” becomes noticeable. The shade of the iris can only be bright green or amber. The color is fully established by the age of 2-4 years.
5. Body – medium in size, characterized by sophistication, grace and well-developed muscles, with a wide chest and smoothly curved back. The distance between the limbs is decent.
6. Limbs – medium in length, well muscled, proportional to the overall build, with neat, oval paws.
7. Tail – with a thick base, medium in length, tapering towards the end. The standard allows for kinks that are not noticeable to the naked eye.

There is only awn, the coat is short, the hairs are soft and thin, and there is no undercoat. The individual cat may have "cracks" on its back when it moves. The fur is a good fit for the body. Because the Korat’s coat is only one layer, it feels and looks just like silk to the touch. It is also luxuriously glossy and soft.

Colors

In young kittens, the stripes are hardly noticeable; as they get older, they vanish and the coat turns a consistent silvery-blue color. The guard hairs’ unique ticking, which has a lightened base, a dark middle section, and a light end, is what gives them such an odd tone. The areas with shorter fur are more pronounced in terms of the shining effect. Standard characteristics include dark-gray-blue or lavender-colored paw pads, lips, and earlobes.

Korat character

Regarding the Korat, we can state that it is a perceptive, calm, and loving animal that requires reciprocity from its owner. However, other than maybe its fellow breeders, such a pet is not very affectionate with other pets and will not tolerate having other animals in the house. The following are the primary characteristics and routines of the Korat:

1. Adores its owner, is incredibly devoted to him.
2. Tries to dominate other animals, but respects the owner and quickly accepts his high position in the domestic hierarchy.
3. Understanding – learns the rules of the house well, if you raise the cat from childhood, there will be no problems in the future.
4. Gets along well with children – can be a companion for games and fun, but does not like sharp sounds, noises and other things.
5. Sociable – there are many rumors about the "talkativeness" of Korats, and most often they correspond to reality – these pets can purr, purr, growl and even whisper, naturally, they communicate with the owners exclusively affectionately.
6. Sensitive – the cat immediately catches the mood of the owner, does not impose his company, understanding that the moment is inappropriate. He will definitely feel sorry for a sad family member, he will try to cheer up a bored one.

Numerous owners attest to the fact that these Thai cats can reduce stress; their "purring" helps people’s nervous systems by getting rid of pain, anxiety, and tension. Those who live a quiet, unhurried life and have no one with whom to interact are advised to get a sensitive Korat, as this animal will shower its devoted owner with affection.

Particularly the younger ones, these ambassadors from the feline realm are highly animated and lively. Without a doubt, they will search every nook and cranny of the house, open every cabinet and chest of drawer, and, should they find a small object of interest, steal and conceal it.

Life expectancy

Korats are unique among cats in that they have nearly perfect "purity" in the breed. People look a lot like their prehistoric ancestors, are generally in good health, and live for around 13 years on average.

Korats do not require complicated care or specialized procedures because they are not irrational or demanding pets. They have the option of residing in a spacious rural home or a tiny apartment. This type of pet requires the same things as regular cats do:

• a tray with suitable filler;
• two bowls – for food and water;
• a place to rest – a mattress, a house or a complex;
• scratching posts.

Care and hygiene

The Korat has no undercoat, so its fur is clean and doesn’t tangle or fall out. The animal still requires the usual care, though:

1. Cleaning the fur with a brush with natural bristles.
2. Cleaning the teeth with a special brush and toothpaste – once every 3-4 weeks. For prevention, it is recommended to give the pet dental toys and treats.
3. Bathing the cat – frequent washing is not required, several procedures per year are enough as needed. You should use detergents intended for cats.
4. Regular examinations – the owner should examine the fur, ears and eyes for inflammation, dirt, parasites. In case of serious problems, the pet should be shown to the veterinarian, the ears can be cleaned with a cotton pad soaked in antiseptic, and the eyes can be washed with boiled water or chamomile infusion.

It’s important to remember that your pet needs to be dewormed and vaccinated on schedule every six months.

Korat nutrition

This breed’s offspring are given low-fat calcined cottage cheese and kefir in addition to their mother’s milk. After that, baby food in cans can be incorporated into the diet. Kittens are gradually introduced to meat, such as turkey, chicken, and beef, which is scalded in boiling water.

Kittens typically find new homes between the ages of three and four months, at which point they are able to consume both natural and dry food. In the latter scenario, it is crucial that 70% of the pet’s meal be composed of meat—meat, seafood, and offal. Well-cooked grains, veggies, herbs, eggs, fermented dairy products, and cottage cheese make up the remaining portion of the diet.

Kittens receive four to five feedings daily, adolescent cats receive three feedings, and older pets may transition to receiving two meals per day.

Diseases and breed defects

Because the breed was created in a natural setting free from human interference, its members are generally healthy and have robust immune systems.

The only issue with Korats is their propensity for gangliosidosis, a condition that causes kittens to grow more slowly than normal and consequently has an adverse effect on the functioning of their nervous systems. If the illness worsens, the sick children pass away before turning ten months old.

A disease called atelosteogenesis, which is linked to poor bone tissue formation and development, is diagnosed infrequently.

Buying a Korat – tips and recommendations

Prospective owners should try their hardest to obtain a pet of this breed. The main source of difficulties is the absence of single-breed nurseries in Russia. You have the option of using the expensive services of foreign breeders or middlemen.

What to pay attention to

First and foremost, the owner needs to determine why they are buying the kitten. You can purchase a pet-class baby that isn’t meant for breeding or exhibition.

Purchasing an adult animal that has already been taken out of the breeding program or a kitten without paperwork that may be restored will save you money. Because this breed of animal is very expensive, purchasing a pet from an unknown seller is not advised.

Korat price

The cost of a kitten without a pedigree reaches 30,000 rubles, you can buy a pet-class baby for 30,000-40,000 rubles. For a kitten with documents and good data, you will have to pay much more – up to 80,000 rubles.

Nurseries

In Russia and the former CIS, not a single nursery is registered.

Owner reviews

Many owners concur that Korats are intelligent, well-mannered, inquisitive, and highly curious. They don’t run along the walls or create messes in the house, but they also can’t be blamed for being idle or lazy.

Most owners claim that a four-legged friend like this can make a lonely person’s day or fit right in with a big, welcoming family. In any event, not only the owner but every household will have a spot in their hearts for this strange creature.

The Korat is a rare and historic breed of cat from Thailand, distinguished by its eye-catching green eyes and striking silver-blue coat. These cats make wonderful companions because they are very loving, perceptive, and devoted. They enjoy interactive play, develop close relationships with their owners, and are frequently regarded as lucky charms in their home countries. For families or individuals searching for a loving, active pet, the Korat is a great option because of their gentle disposition and lively personality.

Photo of Korat

The Korat cat is exceptionally unique in terms of appearance and disposition. This breed is noticeable in any space thanks to its eye-catching silver-blue coat and vivid green eyes. But what truly captures people’s hearts is their kind, loving disposition. Since korats are known to develop close relationships with their families, they are the ideal companions for anyone looking for a devoted and caring animal.

With their trusted humans, Korats are lively and playful, despite their potential shyness around strangers. They will gladly participate in anything you’re doing because they adore attention. For families, singles, or even seniors looking for a close feline friend, this makes them an enjoyable and engaging option.

All things considered, the Korat is a stunning, devoted, and perceptive breed that will enrich any home with happiness and companionship. The Korat is a great option if you’re looking for a cat that will look great in your home and be a close, loving companion.

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