A revered Thai breed considered a symbol of good fortune for centuries. Korats bond deeply with one person, dislike noise and chaos, and possess a striking silver-tipped blue coat with luminous green eyes.
- Origin
- Thailand
- Category
- shorthair
- Lifespan
- 10–15 yrs
- Size
- Small-Medium
- Weight
- 2.7–4.5 kg
- Coat
- Short, glossy, single coat — silver-tipped blue throughout
- Colours
- Silver-blue only
😺 Temperament
🏡 Best suited to
📊 Personality ratings
📜 History & origin
The Korat is one of the oldest natural breeds in the world, depicted in the Thai 'Cat Book Poems' (Tamra Maew) dating from the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1351–1767). Native to Thailand's Phimai region (formerly known as Cao Nguyen Korat), Korats were considered too rare to be sold and were given only as treasured gifts. Pairs were traditionally presented to brides on their wedding day to ensure prosperity. The first Korats arrived in the United States in 1959 and were recognised by the CFA in 1966. They remain uncommon outside Thailand.
🧼 Care & grooming
The single short coat needs almost no grooming — an occasional rub with a damp cloth keeps it gleaming. Korats are highly sensitive cats who form intense one-person bonds and may struggle with rehoming. They dislike loud noise, sudden visitors, and chaotic households. They prefer to be the only pet or part of a small, calm group. They are intelligent enough to learn their names, simple commands, and the routines of their household.
🩺 Health notes
Two inherited gangliosidosis conditions (GM1 and GM2) historically affected the breed, but a reliable DNA test now allows breeders to eliminate them — always buy from breeders who test. Otherwise an extremely healthy breed with no significant breed-specific concerns. Their slow maturation (they continue developing until age 5) means owners should be patient about full physical and mental maturity.
