Korat

The Korat belongs to a small group of indigenous cat breeds originating from Thailand (ancient Siam), alongside Siamese, Burmese, and Thai cats. Its history dates back centuries. The first mentions and depictions of cats closely resembling modern Korats are found in ancient Thai manuscripts, notably the ‘Tamra Maew’ (‘Book of Cat Poems’), dated to the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767 AD).

In Thailand, these cats are called ‘Si-Sawat’. ‘Si’ means colour, and ‘Sawat’ is the name of a local plant (a type of nightshade) with grey-blue fruits. Thus, the name literally means ‘colour of the Sawat fruit’. Additionally, the word ‘sawat’ is also associated with happiness and prosperity.

Korats were traditionally considered good luck cats. They were never sold but only given as gifts – as a symbol of happiness, fertility, and wealth, especially to newlyweds or respected guests. It was believed that a pair of Korats in the home guaranteed a happy married life. Their silver colour was associated with wealth, and their green eyes with the colour of young rice shoots, symbolising a good harvest.

Thanks to respectful treatment and isolation (the breed originates from the high Korat plateau in northeastern Thailand), these cats have maintained their original appearance for many centuries.

Korats appeared in the West relatively late. Although a cat resembling a Korat was shown at an exhibition in Great Britain as early as 1896 (under the name ‘Blue Siamese’), dedicated breeding in the West only began in 1959. It was then that Jean Johnson, an American living in Thailand, received a pair of Korats – a male named Nara and a female named Darra – as a gift and brought them to the USA. These two became the foundation for the breed’s development in America.

The American Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) recognised the Korat breed in 1966. Korats arrived in Great Britain in 1972, and the local Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) recognised them in 1975. Despite its ancient history and beauty, the Korat remains a relatively rare breed outside its homeland.

The Korat is a medium-sized cat with well-developed musculature but without excessive bulk. It gives an impression of both strength and elegance. Its appearance has several unique features.

1. Head: Its heart shape is the breed’s hallmark. When viewed from the front, the contours of a heart are clearly visible: the lines above the eyebrows form the upper part, and the soft lines of the cheeks converging towards the chin form the lower part. The head should not be too narrow or square. The forehead is large and flat.
2. Muzzle and Profile: The muzzle is well-developed but not pointed, with a soft contour. The chin and jaws are strong. The profile has a slight break (stop) between the forehead and nose. The nose has a gentle ‘lion-like’ curve near the tip.
3. Eyes: Large, round, and expressive, set wide apart. They create an impression of extraordinary alertness and depth. The desired colour in adult cats is a luminous peridot green. An amber hue is also permissible, especially in young animals. Important: Eye colour develops slowly. Kittens are born with blue eyes, which then turn amber or golden-green, only reaching their final, rich green colour at 2-4 years of age.
4. Ears: Large, wide at the base, with rounded tips. Set high on the head, giving the cat an alert appearance. Covered with fine fur.
5. Body: Medium length, semi-cobby type – meaning not as massive as a British Shorthair, but not as elongated as a Siamese. Muscular and strong, especially in the shoulders and chest. The back is slightly arched. The cat feels surprisingly heavy for its size. It’s a different build to, for example, the more slender Devon Rex.
6. Paws: Proportional to the body, not too long. Forelegs slightly shorter than hind legs. Paw pads are oval. The colour of the pads is dark blue or lavender, and may have a pinkish tinge.
7. Tail: Medium length, thick at the base, tapering to a rounded tip.
8. Coat: Short, fine, silky, and glossy. Lies close to the body. Almost no undercoat (single coat). This makes the cat more sensitive to cold.
9. Colouring: Only one – silver-blue. The base coat colour is blue (grey-blue). Each hair has a lighter base, a darker middle, and a silver tip (tipping). This silver tipping creates a unique ‘halo’ or ‘shimmer’ effect around the cat’s body, especially noticeable in the light. No other colours, white spots, or lockets are permitted. The nose leather and lips are dark blue or lavender.

Differences from the Russian Blue Cat

The Korat is a cat with a soft, gentle nature, yet it also possesses a strong personality and deep emotional needs.

• Extraordinary affection: Korats form a very close bond with their owners. They love to be nearby, participate in all activities, and sit on laps. They can be quite possessive of their ‘favourite’ person.
• Sensitivity: These are very sensitive cats. They do not tolerate loud noises, sudden movements, shouting, or general commotion well. They need a calm, stable, and predictable home atmosphere.
• Not for boisterous families: Due to their sensitivity, Korats are generally not recommended for families with young, very active, or noisy children. They thrive in quieter homes, perhaps with teenagers or adults.
• Attitude towards other animals: They can be dominant and may not always get along well with other cats or dogs, especially if introduced later. It is often best for a Korat to be the only pet or to live with another Korat. Early socialisation can help but doesn’t guarantee success. In contrast, a breed like the European Shorthair is often known for its adaptability in multi-pet households.
• Intelligence and observance: These are intelligent and observant cats. They learn quickly, remember routines, and enjoy watching everything happening around them.
• Playfulness: Korats are playful but usually not hyperactive. They appreciate interactive games with their owner.
• Quiet voice: They have a quiet, melodious voice and are not overly ‘talkative’.
• Wary of strangers: They are usually cautious with unfamiliar people and need time to get used to them.

The Korat is an ideal choice for individuals seeking a devoted, gentle friend who can provide a calm, loving environment.

Thanks to its natural origins, the Korat is generally a healthy breed. However, there is one very serious hereditary disease that every potential owner and breeder should be aware of.

GM1 and GM2 Gangliosidosis

Korats can carry genes that cause two types of gangliosidosis (GM1 and GM2). These are inherited (autosomal recessive) lysosomal storage diseases that lead to progressive destruction of nerve cells.

• Symptoms: These typically appear at an early age (usually before 4 months) and include head and limb tremors, ataxia (impaired coordination), movement difficulties, nystagmus (involuntary eye movements), and behavioural changes.
• Consequences: The disease is fatal, and affected kittens usually do not survive beyond one year.
• Testing: Fortunately, reliable DNA tests are available for both GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis. This allows for the identification of cats that carry the recessive gene. Responsible breeders MUST test all their breeding animals before mating to ensure that their pairings do not produce kittens affected by this disease (for an affected kitten to be born, both parents must be carriers).
• Important for buyers: When choosing a Korat kitten, always ask the breeder for documented proof that both parents of the kitten have been tested and are free from the GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis genes (or at least one parent is clear, which prevents affected kittens from being born). Never buy a Korat kitten without such assurances!

Other Health Aspects

• Sensitivity to anaesthesia: There are reports of Korats having an increased sensitivity to certain anaesthetics (e.g., ketamine). Your vet should be informed of this breed characteristic before any procedure requiring anaesthesia.
• Sensitivity to cold: Due to their single coat without a dense undercoat, Korats do not tolerate cold and draughts well. They require a warm environment.
• General health concerns: Like all cats, they require preventative dental care, weight management, and protection from infectious diseases through vaccination.

Prevention and Health Management

Caring for a Korat is extremely straightforward thanks to its short, single coat.

• Coat care: Minimal. A weekly groom with a soft brush, rubber glove, or simply a damp hand is enough to remove dead hairs and enhance its sheen. Korats shed very little. Polishing with a chamois leather can indeed enhance the coat’s silvery lustre.
• Bathing: Rarely necessary, only if heavily soiled. Korats are usually very clean. If you do bathe your Korat, use a mild shampoo and dry thoroughly, keeping the cat warm.
• Ear and eye care: Regularly check the ears for cleanliness. The eyes usually require no special attention.
• Claw trimming: Trim claws every few weeks.
• Dental care: Regular tooth brushing is important to prevent dental problems.
• Warmth: Ensure your Korat has a warm place to sleep and rest, especially during colder months.

Korats are intelligent cats, but their training and socialisation must take into account their sensitive nature.

• Training: They are capable of learning house rules and simple commands, especially if training is conducted in a calm atmosphere using positive reinforcement (praise, affection, occasional treats). It’s important to be patient and avoid any pressure or punishment, which can frighten the cat.
• Socialisation: Early and very gentle socialisation is crucial. Gradually introduce the kitten to calm people and quiet sounds. Avoid noisy gatherings and stressful situations, especially at a young age. Socialisation with other animals should be very careful and controlled.
• Establishing a routine: Korats appreciate stability and predictability. Try to stick to a consistent schedule for feeding, play, and interaction.
• Play: Provide your cat with interactive toys and dedicate time for shared play, but opt for activities that are not overly boisterous or chaotic.

Although Korats are not usually fussy eaters, a proper diet is important for their health and maintaining a glossy coat.

• Quality food: The diet should be based on high-quality, balanced cat food (dry and/or wet) with a high animal protein content.
• Portion control: Korats can have a good appetite, so it’s important to control portion sizes to prevent obesity, especially in less active or neutered animals. Feed 2-3 times a day.
• Natural diet: If you opt for a raw or home-cooked diet, it must be carefully balanced by a veterinary nutritionist. Lean meat, offal, and soured milk products can form the basis, supplemented with a small amount of vegetables and essential vitamin and mineral supplements.
• Vitamins for the coat: A balanced, quality cat food usually contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals, including those needed for a healthy coat (e.g., Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, biotin). Additional vitamins should only be given on veterinary advice.
• Human food: Avoid feeding your cat food from your table, as it can be harmful.
• Fresh water: Ensure constant access to clean, fresh water.

• A talisman cat: In Thailand, the Korat (Si-Sawat) has been considered a living talisman for centuries, bringing good luck, wealth, and happiness, especially to newlyweds.
• Mentioned in manuscripts: The breed is described in the ancient Thai ‘Book of Cat Poems’ (‘Tamra Maew’) alongside other Siamese breeds.
• Slow eye colour development: Their famous peridot green eyes only reach their final colour at 2-4 years of age.
• Heart-shaped head: The unique heart-shaped head is one of the breed’s most recognisable features.
• Silver halo: The tips of the Korat’s hairs have a silver tipping, which creates a shimmering ‘halo’ effect around the cat’s body.
• Not related to ‘Blues’: Despite its similar colour, the Korat is genetically and morphologically distinct from the Russian Blue cat.

How does the Korat differ from the Russian Blue cat? Key differences include: head shape (heart-shaped in Korats, wedge-shaped in Russian Blues), eye shape and colour (round, peridot green in Korats; almond-shaped, emerald green in Russian Blues), body type (semi-cobby in Korats, graceful in Russian Blues), and coat structure (single with silver tipping in Korats, double plush in Russian Blues).

Are Korats suitable for families with children? Due to their sensitivity to noise and sudden movements, Korats are generally not the best choice for families with young or very active children. They thrive in a calmer atmosphere.

How demanding is Korat care? Coat care is very straightforward (infrequent brushing). The main focus should be on providing a calm atmosphere, warmth, and health monitoring (especially parental screening for GM1/GM2).

What are GM1 and GM2 Gangliosidosis, and why is testing important? These are fatal inherited neurological diseases found in the breed. DNA tests are available to identify carriers. You should only buy a Korat kitten from breeders who test their stock and can provide documentary proof that at least one parent is clear of the genes for these diseases (N/N). This is critically important for the kitten’s health.

Are Korats hypoallergenic? No, Korats are not hypoallergenic cats.