The Korat is a Thai cat breed surrounded by many traditions. In general, Korats are considered a symbol of good luck. They also symbolize wealth because of their silver coat, and they bring their owner a good harvest (their coat looks like rain clouds, and their eyes look like young green rice). What’s more, in Thailand it has long been a custom to give a pair of Korats to a bride. These heart-faced cats are believed to guarantee a happy marriage.
Breed History
So, the Korat comes from Thailand, where it’s also known as the Si-Sawat. Pictures of Korats appear in a manuscript dating back to the 14th century. There are records that they were shown in England in the 19th century. Back then they were called “blue Siamese” cats, since Thailand’s old name is Siam. But they didn’t fit the standards of traditional Siamese at all. People even tried to classify them as Russian Blues, but that didn’t work either. So by the early 20th century, Korats had disappeared from view entirely.
The pedigree of today’s Korats begins with a pair of cats, Nara and Darra, brought to the US in 1959. Following old Thai tradition, they were given to an American, Mrs. Jean Johnson, whose husband worked in Thailand, and they went to her Cedar Glen cattery. Since then, more and more Korats have been exported from Thailand. The CFA accepted the Korat for championship status in 1966.
This breed looks a lot like the British Shorthair.
Korat Personality and Traits at a Glance
| Affection for family | ★★★★★ |
| Shedding | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Playfulness | ★★★★☆ |
| Vocality | ★★★★★ |
| Good with kids | ★★★☆☆ |
| Friendliness toward strangers | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Ease of grooming | ★★★★★ |
| Gets along with other pets | ★★★☆☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
Korat Cat Breed Overview
Korat cats are small to medium-sized: females weigh about 6.5–9 lb, and adult males about 9–11 lb. These are compact, strong cats. Their main distinguishing features are a heart-shaped face, a silver-blue coat, and green eyes.
Here’s the TICA breed standard and a detailed description:
- Head: heart-shaped, smooth with gentle curves, and broad. The brow line forms the top of the heart. The forehead is large and flat. A strong, well-developed lower jaw and chin;
- Ears: set high, alert, large with rounded tips, wide at the base, with little fur;
- Eyes: unusually large for the face and round. Color: green, or amber at most. Kittens are born with blue eyes, which then turn yellow and amber-green. The final color settles as the cat matures, at 2–4 years;
- Nose: in proportion to the head, with a downward curve like a lion’s;
- Body: semi-cobby, medium-sized, well muscled. The distance from the neck to the base of the tail equals the distance from the base of the tail to the floor. A broad chest with visible space between the front legs;
- Legs: the front legs are slightly shorter than the hind legs, in proportion to the body, with oval paws;
- Tail: powerful at the base, medium length, tapering to a rounded tip;
- Coat: short to medium length, with no undercoat, lying close to the body, silky and glossy.
How can you tell you’re looking at a Korat and not, say, a Russian Blue, which it’s often confused with? Korats are heavier, sturdier, and lower to the ground, with a rounder body. The Russian Blue has a double coat, while the Korat has a single coat with no undercoat. Another key difference is the Korat’s must-have heart-shaped head.
Personality
Korats are very energetic, smart, and affectionate cats. They can get along with other cats, but they like to feel their special status and their owner’s great love. Korats are genetically used to being loved and even respected. But they’re trainable and can learn household rules. The key is to start training from kittenhood, for example, to make sure they use the litter box.
These cats can play calmly with children and aren’t aggressive. But their senses are very sharp: hearing, sight, and smell. They don’t like loud, sudden noises.
Korats often love to “chat.” They have a good “vocabulary,” from soft purring to a loud yowl, but they only use the full range in extreme cases.
Care and Health
Like any natural breed, Korats are generally very healthy. Still, during their breeding, cases of a genetic disease, gangliosidosis (delayed physical development in kittens, neurological symptoms), have been noted. Atelosteogenesis (incomplete, abnormal bone formation) has also occurred. But Korats can live up to 20 years.
Korats can be sensitive to allergies, drafts, and colds. So it’s important to see your vet regularly and feed your cat properly.
Feeding
Korat breeders haven’t yet settled on the best way to feed these cats. One thing is clear: if you buy dry food, choose only super-premium brands. If you feed natural food, it should include lean meat, freshly cooked unsalted grains, organ meats, and greens. No sausage, baked goods, fatty pork, or beans. With a natural diet, it’s important to give your cat vitamins too.
Care comes down to the basics: weekly brushing, very occasional baths when needed, and cleaning the ears, teeth, and eyes.
Color
The Korat is blue. The hair is lighter at the roots, darker in the middle, and silver at the tips. That gives the whole cat a silver sheen, especially strong where the fur is shortest. The paw pads, nose, and lips match the coat: dark blue or lavender with a pinkish tint. Kittens may have shading or tabby markings, but these fade with age.
How Much Does a Korat Cost?
In the US, a Korat kitten usually costs from about $500–$800 for a pet, and more for breeding and show kittens. As usual, the price depends on the pedigree, sex, and the cat’s qualities. The more silvery the coat, the higher the price.
Where to Buy a Korat in the US
Korats are rare, and catteries that specialize in them are few. Here’s where to start your search:
- CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) Find a Breeder – https://find-a-breeder.cfa.org/;
- TICA (The International Cat Association) breeder listings – https://tica.org/find-a-cat/find-a-cat-breeder-listings/;
- Korat Cat Fanciers Association (a breed club founded in 1965 by American and Canadian breeders) – https://koratworld.com/kcfa.html;
- Si Sawat Cattery (USA).
Whoever you buy from, check reviews of the seller. If it’s the exotic Thai look that draws you to these cats, take a look at other Thai cats. And if you love the Korat’s unusual color, consider the Russian Blue.
