Korat

According to CFA, the Korat was first found in a part of Thailand's Korat province ^[1]. The earliest record of the breed is in the Cat-Book Poems (Smud Khoi), produced during the Ayutthaya period (1350–1767); it illustrates 17 "good luck" cats of Thailand, of which the Korat is the best known ^[1]. TICA relates that the name dates to King Rama V, who asked what kind of cat he had been given and was told it came from the Korat plateau in north-east Thailand ^[2]. In Thailand the breed is also called the Si-Sawat cat ^[2]. Jean Johnson imported the first two Korats to the US in 1959 ^[1], and ten years later Daphne Negus brought back nine more from Thailand to strengthen the bloodlines ^[1].

• Coat: short, single, glossy and fine, blue with silver tipping ^[1][2]. Blue is the only colour ^[2].
• Head: eyebrow ridges, prominent cheekbones and a rounded, tapered muzzle form the "heart-shaped" head; large ears with rounded tips ^[1].
• Eyes: large, luminous and peridot green ^[1]. The adult colour only settles at 2–4 years ^[2].
• Body: medium, muscular and surprisingly heavy ^[1]. Korats don't reach full maturity until two to four years of age ^[1].
• Weight: TICA gives about 6–8 lb for females and 8–10 lb for males ^[2].

Korats are extremely intelligent and can learn tricks, but only with their consent ^[1]. They crave stimulation, so interactive toys, puzzle toys and treats are recommended ^[1]. This is a cat that demands attention, considers itself head of the family, bonds strongly with its owners and takes an interest in everything ^[1]. Korats make a wide range of sounds and will speak up when they want attention ^[1]. They're energetic but not hyperactive and usually get on with other pets; when a new pet arrives, keep the focus on the Korat to head off jealousy ^[1]. TICA notes they dislike being left alone for long or ignored and may become withdrawn ^[2].

• Coat: a single coat that sheds lightly; weekly brushing is enough ^[1].
• Basics: trim nails, brush teeth and keep ears clean, as for any cat ^[1].
• Mental exercise: puzzle toys, fetch and a high perch to survey their domain ^[1][2].

• Gangliosidosis (GM1, GM2): according to TICA, the only known inherited disease in the breed; a DNA test has existed since 1998 and the disease is now almost eradicated ^[2].
• Overall: CFA describes the Korat as a natural, typically relatively healthy breed ^[1].
• Lifespan: TICA estimates 15 years or more ^[2] and GCCF 15–18 years ^[3]. These are registry estimates; we found no breed-specific study.

Ask breeders for the parents' GM1/GM2 test results, and talk to your vet about any specific concern.

Don't confuse with…

• Russian Blue: also silver-tipped blue with green eyes, but with a plush coat and a wedge-shaped head ^[5].
• Chartreux: a dense, woolly coat and gold-to-copper eyes ^[6].
• Blue British Shorthair: stocky, with a round, massive head ^[7].

• The Korat is the best-known "good luck" cat of Thailand's ancient Cat-Book Poems ^[1].
• Korats were traditionally given to brides ^[1].
• Their eyes change from blue to amber to green as they mature ^[2].