All You Need To Know About The Korat Cat Breed

Last Updated on August 14, 2023 by Fumipets

One of the oldest and most reliable breeds in the world is the Korat cat. According to the Korat and Thai Cat Association (KTCA), Korats are usually presented in pairs and are revered in their home country of Thailand as a “good luck cat,” with particular significance when given to women as wedding presents.

It is simple to see why the breed has had such a long history of popularity in their own country. Korats are clever, affectionate lap cats that form close relationships with their family. They also have one of the most exquisite coats in the whole cat universe.

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Appearance

According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), Korats only exist in one color: a stunning blue with silver-tipped fur that gives them a dazzling, halo-like look. They are a small-to-medium-sized breed with little body fat, big ears that face forward, and round, stunning emerald green eyes.

The Korat cat is frequently referred to as “the cat with five hearts” because, in addition to the one pounding in their chests, when seen from the front as well as the top, their heads form a characteristic, Valentine’s heart shape.

They have heart-shaped noses as well, and between their front shoulders in chest muscles is a fourth heart form that is clearly evident.

Temperament

The Korat is a very intellectual cat that is also a very considerate family member. Compared to most cats, korats are more relaxed. They will make time to play and be active, but they like cuddling on their owner’s lap just as much.

According to Sarah Wooten, DVM, “Korats form close bonds with their human family and enjoy cuddling.” They are incredibly intelligent and like solving food puzzles, getting along with kids when properly socialized, and playing games and training.

They may be wary or distant among strangers, but they will always look for their family to keep them secure and they will observe events from there. While Korats may live in households with other pets, they often thrive in groups of other Korats.

As long as socialization and introductions are done slowly, Korats can and do learn to get along with other cats as well as canines who get along with cats owing to their sociable, laid-back attitude. Make sure there are enough toys for everyone in the home, no matter what sort of other animals are there.

The Korat is not a cat that will like spending a lot of time alone since they are so gregarious. Everything should be OK if you work from home or have many pets, but a Korat left alone might experience separation anxiety and exhibit certain undesired habits as a consequence.

Living Needs

The Korat cat is willing to spend her days following her favorite family members around the home since she is a lap cat. It’s crucial to have toys available for her to use when she wants to play.

Like many cats, your Korat will like using scratching posts to keep her claws sharp, climbing cat towers, and relaxing in window hammocks to watch birds all day.

The Korat is an animal that adapts well to changes in temperature or living space size. She’s going to be relatively content wherever you are, whether that’s a multi-story house or a studio apartment, as long as she knows where to eat and where to defecate.

The Korat’s stunning coat also doesn’t shed hair too much, making her a “tolerable” option for those who have hair allergies, according to the CFA.

However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that no cat is totally hypoallergenic, and allergies may still remain even with low-shedding cats like the Korat. Spend some time with the breed to evaluate how your allergies respond before taking home a Korat kitten. 

“The allergens that people are reacting to are in the saliva in fluids, rather than the hair itself,” explains Carol Margolis, DVM, DACT, of the Gold Coast Center for Veterinary Care on Long Island, New York.

People might aggravate pre-existing allergies or even acquire new ones with extended contact, even in a lab environment where PPE is used in educational settings.

Care

Korats do not need much grooming. They have a single coat of short, glossy hair that sheds very little, so giving them a simple brushing once a week will keep them looking beautiful.

Long-term health will be improved if you give your Korat’s ears and teeth some weekly care, but that will be the extent of any necessary grooming. Make sure her litter box is constantly kept clean, of course, and.

Health

The Korat cat has a rather good health rating, as you would anticipate from a naturally occurring breed that is around 800 years old, according to the KTCA. Nevertheless, Korats are prone to several common feline illnesses. 

Like other cats, Korats are prone to obesity and dental disorders, according to Wooten. And by just keeping your Korat in good shape, giving them the best food you can buy, and maintaining their teeth in pristine condition, you may go a long way toward avoiding illnesses.

According to Wooten, older Korats are also more prone to hyperthyroidism and renal illness. Be alert for frequent vomiting or diarrhea as some Korats might have sensitive stomachs.

These cats, according to Wooten, benefit from consuming sensitive stomach cat food and staying away from human table food and abrupt diet changes.

History

The “Treatise on Cats,” which was written probably about 1350, has the earliest recorded reference to the Korat. 17 “Good luck cats,” including the Korat cat, are described in the book.

The artwork provided in the book, albeit not very detailed, shows a cat that is quite similar to the Korat we see today, demonstrating the breed has altered very little over almost eight centuries.

The Korat cat, which takes its name from the Thai region of Korat, is a customary wedding present among Thais and is seen as a sign of wealth for newlyweds. Korats were never marketed until the middle of the 20th century; instead, they were always given as presents.

According to the CFA, a pair of cats presented to the proprietors of the Cedar Glen Cattery in Oregon in 1959 were the first Korats imported into the country.

According to the CFA, almost all American Korats can trace their ancestry to that initial mating couple. The Cat Fanciers’ Association recognized the breed as a Champion in 1966.