Thai Lilac Cat Breed Information

Group

Short Haired

Weight

5-7 kg

Length

25-30 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Thai Lilac Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

The Thai Lilac is a unique and charming breed that loves being around people. It forms close bonds with its owner and family and is happy to spend hours playing with children at home.

Its most distinctive feature is of course its lilac coat but the breed also has a bubbly personality that sets it apart from other more reserved felines.

If you’re looking for an energetic and enthusiastic playmate that loves affection then this may be just the breed for you!

In this guide we’ve laid out all the key facts, information and tips you need to learn more about this one-of-a-kind kitty.

What Is the History & Origin of the Thai Lilac Cat?

The Thai Lilac breed first appeared in Thailand in 1989 as the result of two Korat cats mating and producing a pink kitten. This occurred naturally without humans intervening and the first pink cat was named Jenanca Lilac Lilee.

It’s thought that their distinctive coat colour is caused by recessive genes and rather than trying to breed this out of them, breeders instead began purposefully breeding Thai Lilacs to retain their unusual colour.

In 2014 the world’s first Thai Lilac Point, Clairabelle Pixie Dust, was born in the UK as the result of mating two Korat parents. A second Thai Lilac Point kitten, Clairabelle Ninja Rococoa, was also born from Korat parents and the Jusarka line has now produced the third and fourth Thai Lilac Point kittens.

The breed has now become popular around the world and in 1993 the Korat Breed Advisory Committee gave recognition to the Thai Lilac.

What Is a Thai Lilac Cat Breed?

The Thai Lilac is a medium-sized cat with a beautiful coat and a big personality. They’re still a fairly new breed and new owners are constantly being charmed by their unique appearance and friendly, curious nature.

They’re an incredibly social breed that loves to be around people and they hate missing out on anything interesting! If something is going on in the house you can guarantee your Thai Lilac will be in on the action.

Who Is a Thai Lilac Cat Best For?

Thai Lilacs are very social kitties and they’re best suited to owners who can give them lots of love and affection. If you’re looking for a cat breed that is happy to entertain itself, and likes spending time alone, then this cat is probably not for you.

They also do better in households that have enough space for them to climb, play and explore, as they’re naturally inquisitive and can become bored quite easily. If you have other cats at home, don’t worry as the Thai Lilac will probably become their best bud.

What Does a Thai Lilac Cat Look Like?

Thai Lilacs have an adorable appearance, with heart-shaped faces, short, cute noses and large ears. Their coat is not actually pink but, as the name suggests, is a light shade of lilac which can appear pink in a certain light.

Their eyes are slanted and large, and as kittens, they will have either amber, yellow or amber-green eyes. The colour of their eyes changes as they grow older and most Thai Lilacs will have clear green eyes by the time they turn two years old.

Despite their cuteness, Thai Lilacs have an athletic build and are quite muscular which is different to the slender bodies of the Siamese, a breed they’re often compared to.

Coat

Colours

The Thai Lilac’s coat is short and soft and has a beautiful pinky-beige and lilac colour that gives off a pink hue when caught under the right light. The coat will also be tipped with silver giving it an appealing sheen.

Patterns

The coat will be solid in colour and consistent throughout, with no patches or stripes to be seen.

Thai Lilac Cat Grooming & Shedding

Compared to many other cat breeds the Thai Lilac is pretty low maintenance and their coats tend to be low-shedding. They’ll need to be brushed once a week to prevent any matting or knotting and to keep their coats in good condition.

These grooming sessions can also be a great way for you and your cat to bond.

As they originated in Thailand their coats are only quite short and though they can adapt to most climates they prefer to live somewhere warm rather than cold.

You’ll need to brush their teeth weekly to keep their mouths healthy and you should provide them with a scratching post to promote healthy scratching which will keep their claws filed down.

How Do Thai Lilac Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

This breed is a bundle of curiosity and playfulness who adore spending time around their owners and families. They’re never ones to miss out on anything you’re up to and tend to follow their owners around everywhere they go.

They make perfect family pets as they really enjoy playing with children and they relish the attention that they get from kids. Quite frankly, for a Thai Lilac, the more attention the better!

As much as they love their human companions they also get on well with other domestic animals and love to have other feline company in the home. However, they do like to get their own way so it’s important to make sure that the other cat is happy to be a little submissive.

Living Needs

As this breed is very social and devoted to their humans they require a lot of affection and attention. It’s important to make sure you interact with them a lot throughout the day and take the time to play with them.

This will help to strengthen the bond between you and your feline friend and will prevent them from feeling left out and lonely.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Thai Lilac Cats?

Habits

This breed does tend to become bored and agitated if it isn’t getting enough attention or is frequently being left alone for long periods. This can sometimes lead to unwanted behaviours like scratching furniture or generally being destructive in the home.

Activity Level

Thai Lilacs are certainly not short of energy and they do require a good amount of physical stimulation to keep them satisfied. Having a sturdy cat tree in the home provides them with something that they can use to burn off their excess energy, and they will have fun playing around with it.

Vocalness

If you’re after a quiet and docile cat then this breed is not the right choice as they do have a bit of a reputation for being pretty vocal. They like to meow and they’re very talkative which is adorable but can perhaps be a bit too much for some owners.

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a Thai Lilac Cat?

Height

An adult cat from this breed will typically grow to around 60cm length from the tip of its nose to the tip of its tail, with a shoulder height of about 25 to 30 cm.

Weight

They’re a little heavier than other cat breeds of a similar size and will usually weigh around 7kg when fully grown.

Size

This breed is medium-sized with a strong, sturdy body that makes them good at climbing and generally quite athletic.

Are Thai Lilac Cats Easy to Train?

Although they generally get on well with kids and other animals, early socialization is still important to make sure your kitty is well-behaved and well-rounded. Make sure to reward them when they’re good and give them lots of praise.

Does the Thai Lilac Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

Luckily, Thai Lilacs are generally very healthy and there aren’t any specific health issues that they’re susceptible to. However, there is a gene that they could inherit from their Korat side, which causes gangliosidosis, a disease where their nervous system is affected to the point of paralysis.

The best way to keep your cat healthy is to schedule regular checkups with a vet so that if they do develop any illnesses they can be treated early.

What Is the Lifespan of a Thai Lilac Cat?

Thai Lilacs usually live for a long time and their average life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.

How Much Does a Thai Lilac Cat Need to Be Fed?

The exact diet plan that’s right for your cat will depend on several factors including their age, size and activity levels. But, generally, they will need to be fed high-quality cat food that’s high in protein, nutrients and vitamins.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Thai Lilac Cat in Australia?

The price for a Thai Lilac kitten will vary quite widely depending on the breeder but you should expect to pay anywhere between $350 and $1,200.

Thai Lilac Cat FAQs

Are Thai Lilac cats hypoallergenic?

Thai Lilacs are considered to be hypoallergenic as they’re less likely to cause a reaction in people who suffer from allergies. Some allergy sufferers will still experience a reaction to this breed, however, and it’s always best to test this before taking a kitten home.

Are Thai Lilac cats prone to separation anxiety?

Due to their very social nature, Thai Lilacs are prone to separation anxiety and they don’t usually react well to being left alone for long periods.

Do Thai Lilac cats get along well with other household pets?

Thai Lilacs do tend to get on well with other pets in the home and they enjoy having playmates to interact with. However, early socialization is key to making sure they behave properly around other animals and their dominant streak doesn’t become too pronounced.