Korat

Breed Description

The Korat cat breed has ancient roots and a unique history that dates back centuries. The origin of Korats is linked to modern-day Thailand (formerly known as Siam), where they have been known for several centuries. In this country, these cats are considered symbols of luck and prosperity. They were called “Si-Sawat,” which translates to “color of the seed of sa” (a type of tree). These cats are mentioned in ancient texts, such as the “Siamese Cat Books,” dated from the 14th to the 18th centuries.

In these manuscripts, Korats are described as animals with a silvery-blue coat, symbolizing fortune and abundance. According to Thai tradition, Korat kittens were often sought after from breeders and then gifted to newlyweds as a talisman for happiness in married life. These cats were also used in various rituals and ceremonies aimed at attracting good fortune and protection from evil spirits. Given the attitudes of Europeans towards cats at that time, one can agree that the motivation behind such a gift was well-founded.

The first documented encounter of the Western world with Korats occurred in 1959 when American breeder Jean Johnson brought a pair of cats from Thailand to the United States. Jean Johnson was captivated by these animals and decided to breed them to preserve the purity of the breed and share it with the public. She succeeded, and this served as a catalyst for the breed’s development.

In 1966, the Korat was officially recognized by the CFA (Cat Fanciers Association), and later by other international feline organizations such as TICA (The International Cat Association) and FIFe (FГ©dГ©ration Internationale FГ©line). This recognition contributed to the breed’s popularity worldwide. Today, you can find cat breeding facilities where prices can reach 100,000 rubles or more in many countries around the world. For your convenience, we have listed the best cat breeding facilities on the map of our website.

Currently, despite everything, the Korat remains a rare and valued breed, preserving its authenticity and unique qualities. Reputable cat breeders make significant efforts to maintain the purity of the breed and prevent it from interbreeding with other cat types. This helps preserve the genetic uniqueness of Korats and their distinctive physical traits. For Korat enthusiasts in our country, well-known cat breeders often refer to their cats as “karats,” clearly hinting at their value.

Appearance

Without a doubt, Korats stand out with their elegant and harmonious appearance. These medium-sized cats have muscular bodies and a distinctive silver-blue coat that captures the attention of those around them. Many reputable breeders compare the shape of a Korat’s head to that of a human heart. Indeed, its shape gives them a unique and recognizable look. Their eyes are large and expressive, often a bright green color, which enhances their attractiveness even further.

The Korat’s fur is short, sleek, and shiny, closely fitting the body. Its coloration is very recognizable and valued, as is the color of their irises. This type of coat makes their care fairly simple. The body of this breed of rat-catchers is compact yet strong, with well-developed muscles. They have average-length legs, which add to their harmony and grace in movement. Their paws are oval and neat, while their tails are medium-length, tapering toward the tip. On average, they weigh between 3 to 4 kg, but sometimes males can reach 5 kg, with a typical height at the shoulder of around 25 cm. Naturally, mature males can occasionally be much larger than their counterparts, reaching up to 35 cm, but this is more of an exception than a breed characteristic.

Отличительные черты

Голова

Уникальной формы, напоминающей форму сердца, что делает их легко узнаваемыми среди других пород. Эта особенность придает кошке мягкое и дружелюбное выражение. Лоб широкий и слегка выпуклый, переход от лба к носу плавный, без резких углов. Череп широкий, с хорошо развитыми скулами, что добавляет объема и придает голове четкие очертания.

Морда

Short and rounded, with smooth lines. The nose is of medium length, with a slight curve known as the "stop." The chin is strong and well-defined, ensuring a proper bite. Cheeks are full and rounded, particularly in adult males, giving the face a certain fullness and volume.

Уши

Large, broad at the base, and slightly rounded at the tips. They are set wide apart and positioned high, which adds expressiveness to the cat and highlights the shape of the head. The inner surface of the ears is usually covered with sparse fur, while the outer surface is smooth and shiny.

Глаза

One of the most appealing traits of the breed. Very large, round, widely spaced eyes that give the cat an open and friendly expression. The iris color ranges from bright green to amber, becoming richer with age. They always seem lively and sparkling, which makes their gaze very expressive.

Зубы

Strong and healthy, with a correct scissor bite. The jaws are well-developed and powerful, allowing the cat to confidently catch and hold its prey. Strong jaws also ensure good chewing of food and support overall oral health.

Корпус

Medium-sized, muscular, and compact. With a well-developed chest and strong back, which provides agility and endurance. Flexible and proportional, making their movements smooth and elegant. The chest is deep, with broad ribs, creating an impression of strength and power.

Конечности

Of medium length, proportional to the body, with well-developed muscles. The front paws are somewhat shorter than the hind ones, giving the cat a slightly forward-leaning posture. This does not hinder mobility and agility. The pads are oval-shaped, dense, and resilient, allowing the cat to move silently and climb confidently. The claws are sharp and strong, which helps the Korat hunt effectively and defend itself. The hind legs have strong thighs, providing powerful bursts of speed.

Хвост

Of medium length, proportional to the body, thickened at the base and tapering to the tip. Flexible and agile, it helps the cat maintain balance during movement and jumps. Covered with short, smooth fur, in line with the cat's primary fur type, making it a harmonious part of the overall appearance. There should be no kinks.

Шерсть

Короткая, гладкая и блестящая, плотно прилегающая к корпусу. Мягкая и шелковистая, без подшерстка, что уменьшает вероятность спутывания и облегчает расчесывание. Обладает отличными терморегулирующими свойствами, что позволяет кошке чувствовать себя комфортно в различных климатических условиях.

Окрас

The unique silver-blue color of the coat, which is not found in any other breed. The silver shade is created by the special structure of the fur, where each hair has lightened tips. This gives the Korat an unmatched and refined appearance. The coat color can vary from light blue to dark silver-gray, but it always has a characteristic metallic sheen.

Character

The Korats, as renowned cat breeders in Russia say, are curious, with a friendly and energetic demeanor. They are known for their strong attachment to their owners and their desire to always be close to them. Korat kittens are very social; they enjoy spending time with people and actively participate in all family activities. These cats are very intelligent and are widely recognized for their high intelligence, allowing them to learn quickly and understand commands.

Korat cats are quite active and love to play. They cannot resist climbing trees, playing with toys, and exploring new places. These cats require plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation to feel happy and healthy. Toys, scratching posts, and interactive games will help maintain their interest and activity. Increasingly, cat breeders and trusted Korat kitten breeders recommend training these precious mousers to use a cat wheel. Running on it helps the owner keep their pet in optimal physical shape.

One characteristic of Korats is their strong attachment to a single person. They choose a “favorite” owner and follow them everywhere. These cats do not like to be left alone for long periods and can become bored without attention. Korats get along well with children and other pets, but they require respectful treatment. This should not be called pride; rather, they simply know their worth and are disdainful of those who do not respect them. When discussing good relationships with other animals, it refers to living in the same house with other cats or dogs. Friendships with birds and rodents (such as guinea pigs) are unlikely because instincts will emerge sooner or later. There can often be a strong friendship with dogs, as Siamese cats share common personality traits. They can even play together without showing aggression toward each other.

Despite claims from some cat enthusiasts that Korats are aggressive, this is far from the truth. They are not prone to aggression; on the contrary, they are friendly and affectionate by nature. These cats love to be petted and caressed, and they happily sit on laps and purr to express their gratitude. It is important to remember that Korats have a strong need for emotional support and attention, so it is essential to devote enough time and care to them.

Care and Maintenance

The care of Korats does not require special efforts but does need regular attention. These cats have short fur that is not prone to matting, yet it still needs occasional brushing. A soft brush or comb once a week is sufficient to remove dead hairs and keep the coat in good condition. An undeniable advantage over completely hairless cat breeds, such as the Canadian Sphynx, Donskoy Sphynx, or Ukrainian Levkoy, is that there is no need for extra skin care or concerns about sunburn.

The diet of Korats, as noted by reputable breeders, should be balanced and complete. High-quality commercial cat food that matches the age and health status of the cat is recommended for formulating their diet. It should be no less than super-premium or holistic. The benefit of using prepared food is that they have ideal proportions of all nutrients and vitamins. Additionally, it is much easier to consider the individual needs of each specific cat or kitten. For example, if a pet has been neutered or spayed, regular food could seriously harm them. Catteries and cat breeders recommend using food specifically for neutered and/or spayed cats in such cases. It is important to monitor the weight of Korats, as they are prone to gaining excess weight. To facilitate usage, high-quality food manufacturers indicate the necessary portion sizes based on the animal’s weight. Some owners prefer natural foods. For formulating a diet from natural products, it is best to consult professionals to create a menu. Pet nutritionists can calculate several options for your Korat. Balanced nutrition and regular physical exercise will help maintain optimal shape and health.

Regular veterinary visits are an essential part of taking care of a Korat. Routine check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention will help maintain the cat’s health at a high level. It is important to pay attention to any changes in behavior or condition and to seek consultation from a specialist promptly. During warm weather, additional protection against ticks using special sprays or tablets is recommended.

Oral hygiene for Korats is also important. It is advised to regularly brush their teeth with special cat toothpaste and visit the veterinarian for professional teeth cleaning. This will help prevent tartar buildup and maintain the health of the teeth and gums.

Ear and claw care for Korats does not require special effort but needs to be done regularly. Ears should be checked and cleaned once a month to prevent dirt buildup and infections. Claws should be trimmed every two to three weeks to prevent excessive growth and damage to furniture. A scratching post should be accessible to the animal, as using this device allows them to stretch and release accumulated energy.

Korats love active play and entertainment. Provide your cat with plenty of toys, scratching posts, and climbing spaces. Various interactive toys are suitable to help the cat expend energy and stay in shape. It’s also beneficial to spend time with the cat, playing and interacting with them. This will strengthen your bond, and they will return your affection.

Training and Education

Training and educating Korats can be an engaging and rewarding process for both the cat and its owner. These cats are known for their high intelligence and curiosity, making them good candidates for learning various tricks and commands. As renowned cat breeders assert, you cannot force a cat to perform even simple commands like “sit,” “come,” and “give paw.” The issue is not that these commands are meant for dogs, but rather that a cat will only do what it wants. The owner’s task is to recognize the cat’s inclination for certain actions and then, based on those observations, develop them in the pet and start utilizing them. Positive reinforcement is recommended for this, encouraging the hunter with kind words, petting, or treats. You will need to be patient and consistent in your actions; otherwise, there may be misunderstandings between you two.

Interactive toys and various cat puzzles are an excellent way to expand a Korat’s intellect. Such activities stimulate the cat’s brain and help it stay active and engaged. Try using a laser pointer for cats, toys with food inside that it must retrieve, mazes where it needs to find an exit, or set up a running wheel for your precious four-legged companion.

The more you interact with your Korat, the quicker it will remember your voice and learn to distinguish the tones of your mood. Experienced cat breeders have long noticed this trait in their charges. For those owners who plan to walk their cats in the future, it’s advisable to get the cat accustomed to a harness from the very first weeks of life and to take it outside often. Of course, all necessary vaccinations should be done before introducing the kitty to the outside world.

Please note that if you decide to buy a kitten from a cattery, the area is usually fenced, and the animals do not roam unsupervised. However, the breed is extremely curious, and you bear full responsibility for the kitten’s safety during walks.

How to Choose a Kitten

First of all, you must clearly understand why you decided to buy a Korat kitten. This is a responsible process that requires care, thoroughness, and certain knowledge. It’s not worth taking risks or reacting to low prices for kittens in various ads. If you are planning to get a pet for companionship, it would be better to adopt from a shelter.

However, if you are serious about raising such a unique kitten as a Korat, study the offerings from breeding catteries. Our cattery website helps you find the nearest one on the map. Be sure to check its reputation. If you decide to get a pet from a private breeder, make sure they have good reviews and breed cats professionally, adhering to all breed standards and animal care regulations. Visit them in person to see for yourself that the animals are kept in good conditions. Request documents for your kitten and carefully review the sales contract.

During your meeting with the kitten, pay attention to its behavior and appearance. A healthy kitten is active, playful, and curious. Its coat should be clean and shiny, eyes clear without signs of inflammation or discharge. Ears and nose should also be clean and free of unpleasant odors.

Health and Diseases

Typically, Korats are healthy cats. However, like any other breed, they may be predisposed to certain genetic diseases. One of the most concerning conditions is lordosis-an abnormal curvature of the spine that can cause breathing issues and heart problems.

Regular visits to the veterinarian and routine check-ups can detect potential issues at early stages. It is also important to ensure regular vaccinations and parasite prevention.

A balanced diet and maintaining an optimal weight play a crucial role in keeping Korats healthy. Proper nutrition helps prevent obesity and related issues.

According to other sources, Korats may inherit various types of atelosteogenesis. Unfortunately, a mutation in the genes during this condition can lead to the cat’s death. Both parents must have an issue with their bodies for this to occur. In other cases, the cat might be a carrier without succumbing to the disease, or it may live a healthy life without any problems.

One should not overlook common parasites, which should be managed according to a set schedule. Common illnesses are equally unpleasant and can drain a lot of energy and patience from pet owners. Therefore, preventative visits to the veterinary clinic are essential.