Cat breed facts: Korat

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by Kelly Morris

Created on: October 05, 2008 Last Updated: November 02, 2010

Originally bred in Thailand, where they are called "Si-Sawat," these cats are considered there to be good luck. Their fur is blue, tipped with silver, the color of wealth; their eyes are the color of new rice. They symbolize good fortune and prosperity. The gift of a pair of Korats to a bride is believed to assure a good marriage.

Korats are beautiful animals, with unique heart-shaped heads and large round eyes. Like all kittens, their eyes are blue at birth. They then turn to amber, tinged with green. By age two years, their eyes are a luminous green color. Their fur is blue at the root, then turns a darker shade before being tinged with silver at the tip.

They do not shed, so many people with allergies are able to tolerate them quite well. They are sturdy animals, with strong back legs. They are surprisingly heavy.

Korats are cautious, gentle creatures. They dislike sudden, loud noises and may hide during thunderstorms or the like. If they are going to be show cats, they must be accustomed to noise and handling as kittens.

They form strong bonds of attachment to their owners and respond well to cuddling. They mix well with other cats and children. They are active and playful cats, and need plenty of toys to keep them busy. They are very intelligent. They are also very expressive. They are usually quiet animals but will vocalize when they want something, such as their food dish filled up.

The first known pair of Korats, Nara and Darra, were imported into the U.S. in 1959. Korats were accepted for competition in Cat Fanciers Association in the championship category in 1966.

While they are beautiful cats, Korats can be a bit difficult to show. They do not always like being handled by judges. They don't like being lifted up in the air. They prefer to have their back feet on the ground or table or something sturdy. They often vocalize at shows, expressing their displeasure.

Korat owners love them, though. They say they wouldn't want any other breed. They say no other breed matches the intelligence and loyalty of the Korat.

Korat Breeders

Linda Pearce Kabelac

Ithacats Cattery

Ithaca, New York

Phone 607-257-3071

Laura Shimer

Jadecat Cattery

Raleigh, North Carolina

919-303-1567

Kimberly and Shirley Graham

Honeygram and Mistyblue Catteries

Pennsylvania