A small to medium sized cat, the Korat can be deceptively stocky and many new owners are surprised at their weight after picking them up. Their short powerful body is often compared to that of a coiled spring. Males can range from 8 – 10 pounds, while females are a little smaller at 6 – 8 pounds.
The Korat coat is fairly unique in its color as it shimmers and shines with a silver-tipped blue hue that appears to give off a halo effect when the angle of light is just right. The coat is short and is great for people who suffer with cat allergies, as it doesn’t float off when petting or stroking. The head is beautifully heart shaped, with large expressive peridot green eyes.
Korat Cat Personality
These cats are very affectionate and full of energy. While accepting of other cats and pets you can expect them to rule with an iron paw however, as their place is by their owner’s side, and theirs alone.
Your Korat will form an inseparable bond with you and will tolerate no less than lots of cuddles. They crave company and do not like to be left by themselves for long periods. A Korat who is forced to spend hours in the day alone is a sad sight indeed, as they tend to become withdrawn.
They are a fairly quiet breed and move softly with excellent sight and scent, which also makes them very successful hunters. Due to their extraordinary hearing ability they also tend to dislike loud and harsh sounds.
Korats love children and seem to understand that gentle play is the order of the day when playing with the very young. A trait that speaks highly of their level of intelligence.
Did You Know?
Originally from Thailand, the Korat is a natural breed which has been around for centuries. Popularly known as the “good luck cat’ they are often given in pairs as a gift to newlyweds, to ensure a strong and long lasting relationship.
The correct pronunciation of this breed’s name is ko-RAHT, not KO-rat.
Caring for Your Korat Cat
While generally robust and healthy there are a couple of health issues to be aware of that appear to be genetic in nature: low body fat, making them sensitive to anesthesia, and genetic neuromuscular degenerative disease. Kinks in the tail are also common in this breed, but this is seen as another sign of ‘good luck’ by the Thai people.
Their short coat is easy care and requires only occasional grooming, which is more an opportunity for them to bond with their human companions. Korats are more at home as an indoor cat for extra protection against diseases, other animals, and road traffic.
Have you ever met a Korat cat? Please share your experiences in the comments below.
Image: Jacob Enos via Flickr
