Description: Korat
The Korat is a rare and striking cat breed originating from Thailand, known for its shimmering silver-blue coat and heart-shaped face. Steeped in Thai tradition, the Korat has long been associated with good luck and prosperity, and it is often given as a cherished gift rather than purchased. These medium-sized cats are muscular and graceful with bright green eyes that add to their expressive, endearing look. Korats are intelligent, loyal, and tend to form strong bonds with their human companions, often following them from room to room. They are gentle with children and adapt well to family life, although they may be shy around strangers. While playful and active, Korats also appreciate moments of closeness and affection, making them well-suited for families who can provide plenty of attention and interactive play.
Korat ratings
Properties
The Korat is a distinctive and ancient cat breed originating from Thailand, where it is known as the "Si-Sawat" cat. This breed is recognized for its silver-blue coat, solid muscle tone, and large, expressive green eyes. The Korat is relatively rare outside its country of origin but is treasured for both its beauty and symbolic stature in Thai culture. Historically, Korats have been regarded as good luck charms and have often been gifted to newlyweds and revered individuals.
The breed is notably medium-sized, with an average adult weighing between 6 to 10 pounds. Despite their moderate size, Korats are highly muscular and heavier than they appear—a result of their dense, compact build. One of the striking features of the Korat is its heart-shaped head, accentuated by its wide forehead and gently rounded muzzle. The eyes of the Korat develop their striking green coloration as the cat matures, typically reaching full vibrancy around two to four years of age. Their ears are large, perky, and set high, adding to their alert and keen appearance.
The coat of the Korat is another defining trait: it is short, single-layered, fine, and lies close to the body. Its unique shade is a shimmering silver-tipped blue, giving the cat an ethereal, radiant look. The fur is low-shedding, making grooming requirements minimal compared to some other breeds. However, a weekly brush is recommended to keep the coat glossy and healthy.
In terms of temperament, Korats are known for their strong bonds with their human companions. They are affectionate, sometimes almost dog-like, and tend to form deep attachments to their primary caregivers. They crave attention and are happiest when integrated into daily life and routines. Korats are also intelligent and agile, enjoying interactive play and puzzle toys. While they can be playful and energetic, they are not hyperactive and often display a measured grace in their movements.
Socially, Korats often do best in environments where they are not left alone for long periods. They get along well with respectful children and, when carefully introduced, with other pets, though they may prefer being the sole feline in the household. As a generally healthy breed, they are relatively free of genetic disorders but may require routine vet check-ups to maintain their well-being. Overall, the Korat is a loyal, gentle, and strikingly beautiful companion.
Appearance
The Korat is a striking and elegant cat breed known for its shimmering silver-blue coat and heart-shaped face. The breed originates from Thailand and is instantly recognizable by its unique appearance. One of the defining characteristics of the Korat is its short, single-layered coat that lies close to the body. This fur has a silvery sheen due to the light-tipped hairs, which gives the coat a sparkling, radiant quality. The color is a solid blue, officially described as silver-blue, which should be even all over the body without any markings or stripes. The hair is fine, soft, and glossy, contributing to the Korat's overall luminous look.
The head of a Korat is particularly distinctive and is often likened to a heart when viewed from the front. The breed’s forehead is broad and flat, with a slight stop between the nose and the brow, creating a unique facial profile. The eyes are large, round, and luminous, often described as 'peridot green' in mature cats, although kittens typically have amber eyes that gradually change to green by about two to four years old. These expressive eyes give the Korat an alert, intelligent, and gentle appearance.
The ears of the Korat are large, set high on the head, and slightly flared, which adds to their alert expression. The muzzle is well-developed but gently rounded, accentuating the heart-shaped face without being overly delicate or refined. The nose has a slight downward curve just below the eyes, blending smoothly into the face’s contours.
Korat cats have a semi-cobby, muscular, and compact body. The breed is medium-sized but feels surprisingly heavy for its size due to the well-developed, firm musculature. The back is slightly arched, and the body tapers towards the waist, enhancing the breed’s athletic yet graceful impression. The legs are proportionate and end in small, oval paws. The tail is medium in length, tapering to a rounded tip.
Overall, the Korat’s appearance is a blend of strength, grace, and shimmering beauty, making it a truly mesmerizing breed with a distinct presence that is both elegant and memorable.
History
The Korat is one of the oldest and most distinctive natural cat breeds, originating from Thailand, formerly known as Siam. The history of the Korat goes back many centuries, with some of the earliest references appearing in ancient Thai manuscripts known as the "Tamra Maew," or "Cat-Book Poems." These writings date from the Ayutthaya period (1350–1767 AD) and describe seventeen "good luck cats" — the Korat, called "Si-Sawat" in Thai, being one of them.
The Si-Sawat was prized in Thai culture for its striking silver-blue coat, heart-shaped face, and luminous green eyes, all of which were associated with prosperity and good fortune. Traditionally, these cats were given as gifts to newlyweds or important persons, believed to bring wealth and happiness to their owners. Their association with good luck made them too valuable to be sold; instead, they were given as prestigious presents.
It wasn’t until the late 19th century that cats resembling the Korat appeared in the West. In 1896, a cat described as a "Blue Siamese" was shown in England, but it wasn’t well received due to its differences from the more familiar Siamese breed. True recognition and importation of the Korat occurred much later, primarily starting in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Jean Johnson of the United States was pivotal in bringing the authentic Korat to Western attention when she imported a pair from Thailand in 1959. The breed was soon accepted for registration and showing in the US, with the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) granting full championship status in 1966.
Throughout its history, the Korat has remained closely connected to its Thai roots, valued for both its beauty and its cultural symbolism. Unlike many other breeds, the Korat has not been heavily crossbred or altered by human intervention, maintaining its original characteristics from centuries past. Its preservation as a natural breed is due in part to the care taken by fanciers in both Thailand and abroad to keep its genetic lineage pure.
Today, the Korat remains a rare but cherished breed outside of Thailand. Its ancient heritage, unique appearance, and storied connection with luck and happiness continue to endear it to cat enthusiasts around the world.