Korat Cat… Everything You Need to Know at a Glance!

The Korat cat is one of those cat breeds where when you look at them, you get the idea that they “know” something that you don’t! Or, to put it another way, they’re not a “silly” type of cat. These guys will have a quiet and severe mood about them, and while they may not like to jump around and “beg” for your attention, they are pretty sweet once they get to know you.

And if…

You happen to be one of his “favorites,” and you’re sure to find these guys can be quite loving. If you decide to adopt one of these beautiful cats, you’ll need to understand that these guys aren’t the most active cats in the world. So, if you’re looking to become the center of your cat’s world, adopting a Korat kitten probably isn’t the “best” option for you.

This is why…

In this article, we wanted to take a moment and discuss what it might be like to own a Korat cat so that if you can ever get your hands on one, you won’t be disappointed six months later!

So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.

Korat Cat Fast Facts

Country of Origin:  Thailand

Size:  Medium

Weight:  8 to 10 pounds

Eyes:  Round

Head:  Round

Lifespan:  15 years

Origin of the Korat Cat

The Korat cat breed is a breed that has been around in its native land of Thailand for many, many years. Illustrations and descriptions of this magnificent creature can be dated back to the mid-1300s when it was first believed to be an animal that would bring good luck to the Thai people. Historically, many cat breeds have been considered to bring good fortune and good luck to their owners; however, unlike other cat breeds, these early Korat pets were never “sold.” Instead, a pair of Korats would be given to others as a highly valued gift,  further cementing their value to the Thai people.

And because…

The Korat cat wasn’t just a pet for the noble elite; Thai people of all kinds found their reason for valuing them. For example, Thai farmers believed that the Korat cat’s blue-gray coats resembled rain-bearing clouds that would help their crops grow, while Thai merchants thought the Korat’s silver-blue coat was a good “omen” for prosperity.

Korat Cats in the West

Even though the Korat Cat Breed dates back to the early 1300s, this beautiful blue cat didn’t “officially” make it to the West until the late 1800s, when it was first exhibited in London as a cat breed belonging to the Siamese class. Now, it’s possible that the Korat was entered into this exhibit as a Siamese because it is actually from Sia. However,t this didn’t keep this feline from being “disqualified” from its first competition because it didn’t look like a Siamese cat!

But needless to say…

All this cat from the Korat province of Thailand needed was to be appropriately introduced to the rest of the world before his luminous green eyes, and startling stare would quickly win the heart of any casual observer, which is precisely what happened. Ultimately, the Korat cat breed eventually made its way to the US during the late 1950s when a pair of Korats were given to the US ambassador to Thailand. From there, breeding programs quickly started, and their popularity grew exponentially, so in 1967, the breed was officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association (AFC).

Physical Characteristics

The Korat cat is a medium-sized cat. However, this cat also has a robust and compact build, which may make you think that he is more significant than he is. Or, to put it another way, these cats don’t “feel” like skin and bone when you pick them up. Best known for their blue single-coat fur, the Korat’s eyes are also quite spectacular. At birth, Korat kittens will be born with bright blue eyes, which will slowly change colors to an amber color. Once fully grown, all adult Korats will have a deep emerald green hue, often referred to as peridot green about green emeralds.

Also…

Unlike many other “types” of cats, the Korat cat is only a shorthaired cat. For this reason, caring for your Korat will make it relatively easy to maintain their coat. Plus, shedding isn’t a significant concern for Korat owners because they have a sparse undercoat.

Personality and Temperament

If you’re looking for a relaxed and calm cat that isn’t interested in chasing a ball of yarn all around the house, purchasing a Korat kitten or, better yet, adopting a Korat rescue cat might be a good fit for you. This is because while these cats love being around people, they don’t “crave” people’s attention like many other cat breeds.

So, don’t be surprised if your Korat likes to share the couch with you, provided that you don’t take up too much room! Because in your Korat’s mind, it is his couch, not yours, and he is sharing it with you, not the other way around. They also aren’t always the “best” kind of cat for families with small children because these cats tend to develop a strong bond with only one or two members of the family, which could create an issue for those he doesn’t necessarily “bond” with.

Potential Health Concerns

Anytime you decide to purchase a pedigree animal, you potentially increase your risk of adopting an animal that may have a heightened risk for some type of genetic disorder. The good news is that when it comes to the overall health of the Korat cat breed, there aren’t all that many medical conditions you will need to be on the watch for. This is because, comparatively speaking, the Korat cat breed is a relatively health one.

That said…

The Korat breed does have a higher risk of suffering from a fatal genetic condition known as gangliosidosis. When present, the affected Korat kitten will display a wide variety of severe symptoms, which will ultimately cause the kitten to die at a very early age. Unfortunately, there is no current treatment for gangliosidosis. However, any responsible Korat cat breeder will have any breeding pairs tested before producing a litter, which will help avoid having any kittens born with this disease.

This is why…

If you decide to purchase Korat kittens, you’ll want to be sure that you only work with a reputable breeder and one that specializes in the Korat breed. Lastly, although the cat breed is generally very healthy, we here at IndulgeYourPet know that regardless of how careful you may be when picking out your new furry little family member, illnesses and accidents can occur.

This is why…

We always recommend that all of our readers take a moment and see exactly what it might cost to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new Korat cat. The last thing you want to happen is for your loved one to develop an illness or suffer from an accident and then have to bear the cost of treatment to care for your animal all on your own.

Now, will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?

No, probably not. But until you know precisely how much one of these policies will cost, how will you know if one isn’t right for you?

Check out our Best Pet Insurance Companies article for more information about pet insurance policies.