The Korat looks very similar to the Russian blue, although they’re not related!
History
The Korat is among the oldest cat breeds in the world, originating in Thailand nearly 700 years ago!
The first documentation of the Korat dates back to the mid-1300s.
The breed was named after a city in Thailand (formerly Siam) called Nakhon Ratchasim which is commonly known as Korat.
The first two Korat cats were brought to the States in 1959 when they were gifted to the owners of Cedar Glen cattery in Oregon by the Mahajaya cattery in Thailand. The two cats were named Nara and Darra.
Seven years later in 1966, the breed was accepted for championship status by the CFA.
Appearance
The breed has defined, triangular-shaped features and a muscular body
Similar to the Russian blue cat, the Korat has a beautiful coat of blueish-gray fur and big green eyes. Korats have a single coat of fur–unlike the Russian blue that has a double coat–of silver-tipped blue fur.
The breed typically weighs between six and ten pounds (3-5 kg).
Some Korats have dark blue stripes on their tails, which is considered lucky!
Behavior & Physical Traits
The Korat cat is generally laidback, intelligent, playful, friendly, and affectionate.
If properly socialized, most Korats do well with other cats, dogs, and children.
They build strong connections with their favorite humans while being quite standoffish toward strangers.
Most Korats are considered lap cats and enjoy cuddles.
Health & Care
The Korat is a generally healthy breed, although–just like any other cat breed–they are susceptible to specific health issues. These include:
Obesity
Kidney disease
Hyperthyroidism
Gangliosidosis
Diabetes
Periodontal disease
Some Korats have a sensitive stomach and require a special diet recommended by your veterinarian.
It’s important to not overfeed your Korat as the breed is prone to obesity and to ensure that she is properly stimulated both mentally and physically.
The Korat only requires weekly grooming sessions.
The occasional bath also contributes to your cat's overall health and fur.
Brushing your cat’s teeth daily is essential for preventing rot and decay.
It’s recommended that you trim your cat’s nails every 2-3 weeks to prevent their nails from overgrowing.
Annual wellness checkups for your cat are very important as cats are naturally good at hiding pain.
Fun Facts:
It was Thai culture for Korats to be given as gifts rather than being sold.
The breed is commonly called “Si-Sawat” in their home country.
Some Korat kittens are born with ghost tabby markings that fade as the kitten ages.
Works Cited
Coleman, Cheryl, “The Korat,” CFA,
“Korat,” icatcare, 02 Oct 2018,
Taylor, Chad, “Korat Cat Breed Information & Characteristics,” Daily Paws,
W., Emily, “What is a Korat Cat? Personality & Lifestyle,” ASPCA,