Korat Cat: Cat Breed Information, Characteristics And Facts
The Korat cat is characterized by its blue-grey coat with silver tips, heart-shaped face, and glorious green eyes that look like magical emerald gem stones. They make for a gorgeous family pet and love spending time with their humans. Originally hailing from Thailand, they are now a popular breed in the U.S and beyond and will bring endless hours of love and companionship to your life. They will often be your shadow, and the chair of the Korat and Thai Association has revealed that they’ll follow their loved ones everywhere! They thrive on love and buckets of attention and are a brilliant pet for those who spend a lot of time at home. They form very strong attachment bonds with their humans and because of this, they are the perfect family cat. They have many fascinating traits and characteristics and an interesting history that spans back hundreds of years.
History of the Korat Cat
The Korat cat is one of the oldest breeds of cat and they are traditionally from Thailand. This medium-sized breed originally hails from the province of Nakhon Ratchasima in Thailand and this has been dubbed by the locals as ‘Korat’, hence the breed’s name. They are one of the oldest breeds of cat in the world and even feature as a ‘good luck cat’ in a book from the 1300s known as ‘The Cat-Book Poems.’ This treasured antique is currently housed at Bangkok’s National Library. In their homeland, they are known as ‘Si Sawat’ and this translates to ‘the color of the sawat seed.’ These cats boast a beautiful blueish-grey coat with silver tips.
The first Korat Cats in the US arrived in the 1950s and their names were Nara and Darra. They came all the way from Bangkok and by the 1960s the Korat breed was being bred locally. Soon they were entering cat shows and being recognized in their own right. In fact, many have won prestigious competitions and are praised for their gorgeous coats and stunning eye color. To this day Today the Korat Cat is a popular breed in the Western world and they are known for their loyalty, companionship, glimmering eyes, playful natures, and dazzling coats.
Quick Facts About the Korat Cat
- Korat cats are related to Siamese cats, however they are a much quieter breed than their distant relative. However, this does not mean that they can’t express themselves. They love communicating with their humans and will make their feelings known through physical or verbal communication.
- In Thailand, the Korat cat is known as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Thus, having a Korat cat in your home can be seen as a symbol of good luck and brilliant fortune.
- They were traditionally given as gifts and never purchased. They were particularly given as wedding gifts in pairs, and when given to a bride they represented fertility. This further highlights their amazing good luck qualities and the fact that they are a symbol of love and family.
- They are super playful and outgoing pets and will bring loads of fun to family life. They particularly love interactive games, so it’s important that you invest time and energy into playing with them. Because of this, they are a great pet for children and will delight in hours of fun.
- Korat cats can take up to four years to develop their characteristic coat and eye color. (You know that famous blue-grey coat with silver tips and those stunning green eyes!)
- They are a very old breed and have been around since the 14th century! That’s over 600 years of Korat cat history.
- Every Korat cat in the world can be traced back to their ancestral roots in Thailand. As a breed, they have never been cross-bred and thus they all have a pure family lineage.
- They are highly social and unlike other breeds of cats, are not okay with being left alone for many hours.
- They usually live for about 15 years, but some Korat cats have even lived into their early 20s. Thus, they are a long-term commitment and will be with you for many years
Things You Should Know About Korat Cats
Before opting for a particular breed you will want to do your research and ensure that they are the perfect breed for you and your family. You want to opt for a cat who will fit in easily to your lifestyle and who you can care for impeccably. This means being able to take care of all their health and grooming needs and being able to budget for possible expenses that might ensue.
The Health of Your Korat Cat
When it comes to health, purebred animals are often more susceptible to particular medical conditions. It is thus important to know what ailments they are predisposed to so that you can offer medical support and care when needed and know what signs to look out for.
When it comes to Korat cats and their health, there are a few things owners should be aware of. Some Korat cats are susceptible to a fatal genetic condition known as ‘Gangliosidosis’. This disease is metabolic in nature and can cause many neurological issues. Affected cats usually show symptoms at around 2-3 months and by one year of age, the condition usually takes its toll and is fatal. Symptoms of this condition can include weight loss, a loss of balance, tremors, lethargy, and loss of vision. If you suspect that your cat has a neurological condition or they showcasing any of these symptoms you will want to get them to the vet immediately. They will be able to test whether they have the condition and advise on the best way forward.
Korat cats can also be susceptible to dental problems, like all cats. Thus it is important to start brushing their teeth from a young age so that they can get used to it. You might opt to take them for veterinary cleaning appointments every now and then. They use industrial-strength cleaners, which are able to scrape off plaque. You can also opt for certain foods and treats that support dental health and teeth cleaning.
You will also want to get your Korat kitten vaccinated to prevent a number of diseases that are preventable through vaccination. Fatal conditions such as Feline Leukaemia can be vaccinated against. Ensure that your kitten’s vaccination chart is up to date and always consult your vet if you are unsure of when their next appointment is or what their next vaccination should be.
Korat cats can also be prone to heart conditions and kidney disease and thus it is imperative that you feed them a good quality diet that will add nutritional value and keep their weight in check. Obesity can exacerbate these problems, whereas a healthy weight can keep conditions worse. If your cat experiences lethargy, nausea, rapid weight loss, stomach upset, will not eat their food or seems confused, you need to get them to your vet immediately for a check up.
Related Post: Cat Food for Kidney Disease
Feeding Your Korat
It’s super important that you feed your Korat cat a medically approved diet that will support optimum health and wellbeing. You want to opt for food that is high in fat and protein, but you will want to keep them at a healthy weight and thus a balanced diet is key. When cats gain excess weight they can become prone to a number of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and this can put unnecessary pressure on their organs. Thus keeping them at a healthy weight is imperative to their overall health.
Opt for a vet-approved diet, and chat to them about some home-cooked options that can promote amazing health at your next consolation. Important nutritional components to keep an eye out for include essential fatty acids. These support amazing skin and coat health and since your Korat has such a spectacular coat with such a unique color you want to keep it shiny and luxurious. You will also want to opt for food rich in Omega 6 and Omega 3. These nutritional elements support joint health and help to combat inflammation.
Choose foods that have been approved by the American Association of Feed Control officials and don’t just choose brands that claim to be ‘natural’, or ‘organic’ without certification. This certification proves that they are safe and free from harmful ingredients. Avoid ingredients such as gluten and grain-based foods or anything that contains artificial flavors and colorants. These ingredients are often harmful and won’t support healthy development and ultimate health. For a wider selection of choices, check out our organic cat food guide.
You will also need to think about whether you want to feed your Korat dry food or wet food. If you opt for dry pellets always opt for a brand that is grain-free. Dry cat food can be great for dental health because it can scrape away at plaque and also exercise their jaw muscles. However, wet foods are usually far better tasting and can have added nutrition. Always chat to your vet about how you can keep things nutritional and interesting.
It’s also super important that they always have lots of fresh water around. Keep their water bowl filled and remember to change the water daily so that it’s fresh and clean.
Fresh water and a super healthy medically approved vet diet (as well as regular check-ups) will promote amazing health and wellbeing.
For more guides on choosing the right cat food, you may wish to check out our reviews of the best wet cat food, senior cat food, hypoallergenic cat food, cat food for constipation and high fiber cat food.
Caring for Your Korat
It is imperative for all cat owners to take great care of their cat’s medical and hygiene needs. This is part of being a responsible pet owner. A few important things you will need to do include:
- Changing their litter boxes regularly
Cats are very proud and hygienic creatures and thus they need their litter boxes to be kept super clean. Clean them out every day or 2 and change their litter crystals to ensure their space is clean. You might want to keep their litter trays in a more private space to offer them privacy and to keep it out of your personal living area. If a cat is unhappy with the condition of their litter tray they might have accidents elsewhere and get upset with you.
- Take care of the eyes
It is important to keep their eyes clean and healthy. If you notice a build-up of residue coming from their eyes, wipe them with a gentle cloth, or ball of cotton wool and Luke warm water. If they have regular eye problems be sure to book an appointment with your vet, as they might need eye drops or medication.
- Clip their nails regularly
You will want to ensure that their nails are clipped regularly to prevent them from scratching themselves or others and causing harm. Long claws can also cause damage to your furniture or other cats if your cat gets into a catfight. Keeping them trimmed at all times is the safest option.
- Clean their ears
Keeping your cat’s ears clean is important and can prevent a build up of earwax, which may lead to infection. Use a gentle cloth or cotton wool ball and avoid using earbuds. These can cause damage to their delicate ear canals. For more options, check out our detailed review of ear cleaners for cats.
- Give them loads of attention
Korat cats are always hungry for attention and delight in cuddles, playtime, and their humans communicating with them. The best way to show your Korat how much you care is to spend time with them. They are highlight social creatures and need constant love and attention.
- Take them for an annual vet visit
Make sure all their vaccinations are up to date and give them a yearly check up to make sure they are still healthy and happy. If you ever suspect that they are unwell book them in for an appointment. When it comes to your pet’s health it is always better to be safe than sorry. You might want to opt for a pet medical insurance to ensure you can cover the costs of health check-ups and medication.
Grooming Your Korat
Grooming is an essential part of owning any cat. Luckily Korats are usually great at grooming themselves and thanks to their short hair they don’t need major grooming skills, however, as an owner, you will still need to brush them a few times a week to keep those dazzling coats in check and to ensure that the hair they have shed comes off. Regular brushing prevents the coats from becoming oily and dirty and will allow the coat to shine brilliantly. While most cats do not like water, you will need to bath them every now and then. If you are worried about this you can opt to take them to a professional cat groomer. They will also be able to do more difficult jobs like cutting their nails.
Regular grooming is also a great time to bond with your darling cat. You can snuggle up to them and brush them in the evenings while you watch your favorite show and thus use it as a time for the two of you to unwind. Since the Korat is known for its glorious blue-grey coat with silver tips you will want to keep it well-groomed and luscious.
For more help on cat grooming, you may wish to read our guides on the best cat nail clippers, cat brushes, cat grooming gloves and cat shampoos.
Temperament
Korat cats are super friendly, intelligent, and loyal and will be a total hit with any family. They are also great with children and love being social. Since they thrive on human companionship they won’t do well with being alone for long periods of time and thus, if your job requires you to spend many hours away from home and your cat won’t get much human company, you might want to opt for another breed.
They also love being an Alpha and these dominant personalities mean they will rule the roost. They always want to be a part of the action and will happily follow their owners everywhere (yep, maybe even to the bathroom!) They feel like a key member of the family and should always be included in all of the fun.
Because of their loyal nature, they will be the perfect companion cat. They also adore playtime and mental stimulation and thus you will want to keep them entertained and play with them often. They can be quite demanding and strong-willed when it comes to wanting your attention, but they will be super loving and the perfect addition to any cat-loving family.
Source:
- About the Korat – CFA
