Let's talk Korats

Maybe it’s the gray-blue fur or the irresistible gaze but many who come to know the Korat cat become doting fans. With origins in Thailand and a rare status in the feline world, the intrigue only gets better. This is a super smart cat and one with very elevated senses. Watch them scale to new heights in the house and engage in carefree play here, there, and truly everywhere. Above all, the Korat cat likes to be wherever you are as they get along well with family and fellow pets alike.

Official name: Korat

Other names: Si sawat, Malet

Origins: Thailand

Black and white portrait of a Korat peering into the frame

Shedding level:		Warm weather?
Energy level (high, low, medium) *:	High	Family pet? *
Compatibility with other pets:

* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.

Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.

For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.

Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.

All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.

25 - 31 cm Height

Up to 5 kg Weight

25 - 31 cm Height

Up to 3.5 kg Weight

Baby cat:	Birth to 4 months
Growing kitten:	4 to 12 months
Adult:	1 to 7 years
Mature:	7 to 12 years
Senior:	From 12 years

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Get to know the Korat

All you need to know about the breed

A notable coat and a fabulous outlook on life make the Korat cat a stand-out among felines. Their signature silvery-gray-blue fur is the first thing that gets noticed, along with their doting large green eyes that exude a dose of both calm and curiosity.

Well-known in Thailand, from which they come, and found throughout Europe and Asia, the Korat remains fairly rare in North America. They are often confused with the Russian Blue, the Chartreux in France, or sometimes England’s British Shorthair, although there are distinct differences that mark each of these breeds.

The Korat cat possesses a few other fabulous features as well: Their legs are on the shorter side but are all muscle, and their paws are oval-shaped. Their body is often called cobby—catspeak for sturdy but not bulky. The rounded edges that finish them off make for a very pretty physicality.

The Korat also has a very low amount of body fat which makes them sensitive to anaesthesia during surgery. Veterinarians should take care to administer the right doses during any procedure.

Along with heightened senses of sight, smell, and hearing, the Korat is endowed with incredibly high intelligence. They bond very strongly and will want to follow family members. Think of the Korat as an independent yet velcro feline.

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2 facts about Korats

1. Strokes of luck

The Korat breed is considered a good luck charm in their native Thailand, and has traditionally been given – and still often is – as wedding presents to new couples, seen as tokens of fertility and prosperity. Usually always given in pairs as well to the two people joining in union, the Korat forms a strong bond with those they are close to.

2. Big-hearted

Find the five hearts on the Korat and you win a prize! This breed has a heart-shaped face and nose, and if you look down at the top of their head, you’ll find one there, too. The fourth heart is formed by their fur, in a muscular area of the chest when the Korat is in a sitting position, and the fifth, of course, lies deep within, beating strongly for you!

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History of the breed

Hailing from the beautiful shores of Thailand, the Korat breed can be traced back to the 14th century. Throughout the ages, they earned a reputation as a good luck charm in their home country. The Korat breed takes their name from Nakhon Ratchasima – more commonly known as Korat – the northeastern Thailand town where the cat is said to have originated.

One of the first Korat cats was seen outside of the Far East in 1896 exhibited at a show in England, although it’s unclear whether the cat was actually a Korat or a more blue-hued Siamese type. In 1959, a pair of Korats given as gifts accompanied a couple back to the United States after their return from Thailand, thus the cat entering North America.

The Korat Fanciers Association was founded in 1965 in the U.S. to promote the breed, and the Cat Fanciers Association recognised the Korat in 1967.

Black and white portrait of a sitting Korat

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From head to tail

Physical characteristics of Korats

1. Ears

Ears large at base, set high on head giving alert appearance, rounded tips.

2. Body

Medium-sized curvy body, muscular, curved back, broad chest.

3. Coat

Hallmark short-haired, single coat giving off silvery blue sheen.

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Things to look out for

From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Korat

Korat sat on a bookshelf, peering around the corner

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Caring for your Korat

Grooming, training and exercise tips

The grooming routine for the Korat couldn’t be simpler. Weekly brushing will suffice to keep their short, single-layer coat looking its best; following up with a chamois cloth or silk scarf is a great trick to bring out the natural sheen. To note: Brush your Korat more often in springtime when they shed their winter coat. Bathing rarely needs to be done unless very necessary. Clip their nails often to keep them neat. Periodontal disease in cats is a concern and brushing their teeth is vital to their health, using a vet-approved toothpaste of course. Start when they are young, as getting your cat used to the process is more difficult when they’re older and brushing should be done daily, if possible. When it comes to exercise for the Korat, they will need room to stretch their legs as this is an active breed. They relish running, jumping, and climbing. Toys and cat trees can provide the mental and physical stimulation they need. The Korat is even known to like going for walks on a leash! This is a cat who is most content to go where you go and their compliance is equally as keen when it comes to training the Korat, as their temperament is a cooperative one. They accept commands simply and because of the way they bond to humans (strongly), they’re more than glad to comply. A strong stroke of approval or kitty treat (taken from their daily meal allotment) will serve as their just reward.

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