Short Haired
2.7-4.5 kg
22.8-33 cm
10-15 years
Offered as a present to newlyweds in ancient Thailand, the Korat cat signifies luck and good fortune. Its peridot green eyes are instantly recognisable and are just one of the many reasons this gorgeous breed is so popular.
Whether you want to find out more about the breed history of the Korat or how you can best care for this ghost tabby, check out our guide below!
Originating in Thailand, known as the Si-Sawat cat, the Korat cat is believed to be a lucky breed. The first recorded history of this lucky feline dates back to the 1300s, where it can be found in a collection of ancient cat book poems!
Due to their lucky nature, Korats were gifted in pairs to new brides and loved ones. This tradition can still be found in the Northern regions of Thailand today!
In terms of their impact on the West, the first sighting of the Korat was in an English show during the late 19th century- where it was entered under the name ‘Blue Siamese’. However, it wasn’t until 1967 when the Cat Fanciers Association recognised this silver feline!
The Korat breed is a short-haired cat closely related to the Siamese. It has a piercing emerald stare and a slick silver or blue coat that looks almost mythical, especially at night.
The Korat is easily one of the most loyal cat breeds available today. They love growing close to their owners and even other pets. This means they are a perfect feline companion for anyone who works from home or already owns other animals.
Korats love sticking in pairs due to their history of being gifted together. When adopting a Korat cat, consider adopting a duo, particularly if you are regularly away from your home.
They can get along with young children thanks to their laidback nature, but they require some personal space. Families make great homes for Korats as this energetic breed will always be on the hunt for someone to play with!
The appearance of the typical Korat is just one of the reasons they are so popular. Like many cat breeds today, they possess a medium-length tail with a rounded tip and a heart-shaped head.
The eyes are easily one of the most beautiful aspects of the Korat. The deep peridot green perfectly complements their shiny coat, offering an almost otherworldly appearance.
Korat cats are a short-haired breed with distinctive grey cat hair. You can quickly tell whether or not your Korat is a genuine breed based on whether or not their coat is a blue or grey colour.
As previously mentioned, all Korats have a distinctive grey or even blue coat. Korats aren’t a crossbred breed, so you can expect all Korat cats to possess this striking coat colour!
Although it is possible, most Korats have a solid coat that features no distinctive patterns. Some will boast a light tabby pattern, but this is fairly uncommon.
Korats have a single-layer coat, so you will rarely find cat hair throughout your home. In terms of Korat grooming, they typically require a brush every couple of weeks to avoid any potential knots and shedding.
You will need to trim your cat’s nails, just like any other breed, and brush their teeth to promote healthy oral hygiene.
Thanks to their history of being a good-luck breed, Korats are used to being the centre of attention. This means you can expect your Korat to seek your approval and affection constantly – they make perfect lap cats.
They are fairly energetic and love to play with pets and even younger children. Their high levels of intelligence do they mean they will require frequent mental stimulation, so offering them a range of toys and experiences is the best way to keep them happy.
Although they are used to being pampered, Korats are a surprisingly amenable breed. They have no particular living needs and will thrive in an array of environments. However, due to their size and curiosity, they are best suited to larger apartments and buildings.
Korats also love climbing onto high surfaces to flaunt their famous alert expression to the world. Consider installing a cat tree or a similar platform into your home if you are looking to adopt a Korat.
The main defining trait of a Korat is that they just love attention. This can lead to them picking up on habits from your other pets simply to ensure that they get the most attention that they possibly can. It isn’t uncommon for your Korat to act cheeky if it isn’t getting the attention it craves!
As they are extremely loyal, Korats will quickly latch onto their favourite family member and follow them wherever they go. Be careful when walking around a Korat, as they love to wrap themselves around your feet and legs.
Each cat is unique, and the same applies to Korats. However, you can expect this breed to be fairly active during the day and grow tired as the day goes on. Your Korat will usually match your energy levels, as they love being close to their favourite owner!
The Korat is fairly quiet and will only meow when they truly require your attention, such as when to eat. They will softly purr when they receive affection, and they may even chirp at birds and similar prey from the window of your home.
When fully grown, the typical healthy male Korat will reach a height of around 22.8 to 33cm tall!
This medium-sized cat has a low body fat percentage; it is relatively on the light side. A fully-grown adult cat will weigh between 2.7kg to 4.5kg depending on a range of genetic factors.
You can expect a fully-grown Korat to be extremely similar in size to your average domestic breed. They are almost always medium-sized and surprisingly light, so you don’t need to worry about adapting your home to suit a larger feline.
The more intelligent your feline is, the easier it will be to train. Korats are known for being an intelligent breed which means teaching them how to use a litter tray or even to perform a few tricks can be incredibly rewarding.
Korats love to learn new things every day, making them one of the easiest breeds you can train.
Much like many purebred cats, Korats are resistant to a range of common feline health issues. However, this doesn’t mean they are completely immune, as even the sturdiest of breeds are prone to some genetic health problems.
Due to their low body fat percentage, Korats often suffer from a few neuromuscular diseases such as Feline Dysautonomia. They may also suffer from anaesthesia sensitivity, so let your vet know if your cat requires anaesthesia.
As the Korat is an entirely natural breed, its lifespan is fairly typical for a feline. You can expect your Korat lap cat to live for anywhere between 10 to 15 years, so be prepared for many years of snuggling!
Knowing when and how much to feed your cat breed is incredibly important. Thankfully, Korats aren’t particularly fussy and will happily adjust to a range of feeding times and types of cat food.
Typically, a fully-grown adult Korat will require two large meals a day. As kittens, you can expect them to need around 3 or 4 smaller meals to ensure they are well fed!
If you are looking to adopt this silver feline, you should expect to pay between $400 and $600 for a vaccinated kitten. Ideally, when adopting kittens and cats, only adopt from reputable breeders; you can be certain that your cat’s parents are both healthy and cared for!
A great way to check whether or not your feline is a Korat is to check the colour of your cat’s coat and eyes. Almost all Korats will have shiny grey coats and dazzling green eyes, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these traits – although they are often mistaken for the Russian blue cat!
Like many other cats, Korats can adapt to a range of different climates and lifestyles. However, due to their vulnerability to diseases and preference for warmer climates, keeping your Korat indoors during winter may be best.
The Korat cat can be an incredibly sociable breed and tend to get along with pets, including other breeds and even pet-friendly dogs. However, they do prefer sticking with other Korats, so keep this in mind if you plan to find your Korat a new feline friend!
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