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
| 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.
| 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 |
1/7
Origins of the breed
For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.
The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.
2/7
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!
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.
4/7
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.
5/7
Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Korat
6/7
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.
7/7
All about Korats
Not one to vocalise very much, the Korat nonetheless will make their voice heard from time to time. They are known to chirp or even let out a shriek when they really need to draw your attention to something. All in all though, this is a quiet cat who prefers a quiet environment.
Although the two breeds are very similar in appearance, they also have many differences. The Korat is very playful and fun whereas the Russian Blue is more subdued and sensitive. The Korat’s coat is a silver-gray while the Russian Blue sports that super popular bluish-black coat. Korats are also slightly stouter than their Russian counterpart. And their origins differ, too: The Korat breed comes from Thailand and the Russian Blue from – yes – Russia.
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Cat Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book