The Korat cat is one of those types of cat breeds where when you look a them, you get the idea that they “know” something that you don’t!
Or to put it another way…
They’re not really a “silly” type of cat. These guys are going to have a quiet and serious mood about them, and while they may not like to jump around and “beg” for your attention, they are actually quite sweet once they get to know you.
And if…
You happen to be one of his “favorites,” you’re sure to find that these guys can be quite loving.
That said…
If you do 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, then adopting a Korat kitten probably isn’t going to be 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 are ever able to 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. In fact, illustrations and descriptions of this magnificent creature can be dated all the way back to the mid 1300’s where it was first believed to be an animal that would bring good luck to the Thai people.
Now…
Historically, many different cat breeds have been believed to bring good fortune and good luck to their owners, however unlike other cat breeds, these early Korat pets were never actually “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 own reason for valuing them.
For example, Thai farmers believed that the Korat cats blue-gray coat resembled rain bearing clouds that would help their crops grow, while Thai merchants believed that the Korats silver blue coat was a good “omen” for prosperity.
Korat Cats in the West
Despite the fact that the Korat Cat Breed dates back to at least 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 Siam, but this didn’t keep this feline from being “disqualified” from its first competition because it clearly didn’t look like a Siamese cat!
But needless to say…
All this cat from the Korat province of Thailand really needed was to be properly 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 exactly 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 where quickly started and their popularity began to grow exponentially which is why in 1967, the breed was officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association (AFC).
Characteristics of the Korat
The Korat cat is medium sized cat. However, this cat also has a strong compact build which may make you think that he is actually bigger than he really 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, first to an amber color, then once fully grown, all adult Korats will have a deep emerald green hue often referred to as peridot green in reference to 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 be relatively easy with regards to maintaining his or her coat. Plus, because they have a very sparse undercoat, shedding isn’t a major concern for Korat owners.
Korat Cat Temperament
If you’re looking for a cool and calm cat, that isn’t going to be all that interested in chasing a ball of yarn all around the house, then 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 do love being around people, they don’t “crave” the attention of people like many other cat breeds will.
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, at the end of the day, 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 that have small children because these cats will 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.
Korat Cat Breed Health
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 serious symptom, 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 prior to producing a litter, which will help avoid having any kittens born with this disease.
This is why…
If you do decide to purchase Korat kittens, you’ll want to be sure that you only work with a reputable breeder, and one that only specializes with the Korat breed.
Lastly…
Despite the fact that the Korat cat breed is generally a very health cat breed, 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 like to recommend that all of our readers take a moment and see exactly what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy on your new korat cat. Because the last thing you want to have 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 right for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you know exactly how much one of these types of policies are going to cost, how will you know if one isn’t right for you?
For more information about pet insurance policies, feel free to check out our Best Pet Insurance Companies article.
This is not true, well atleast the health part because I’m pretty sure my cat was a korat breed and they only lived for 1 year because of a heart condition.