The Korat cat is a friendly and loving cat that will follow you around the home and form strong bonds with you and your family. These cats are intelligent, affectionate, and will play with you endlessly. When playtime is over, they’ll look for you so that they can take a nap in your lap and cuddle.
Breed Overview
Lenght:
15-18 inches
Weight:
6-10 pounds
Lifespan:
10-15 years
Colors:
Blue-gray with silver tips
Suitable for:
Individuals, families with children, people who are home often
Temperament:
Loving, intelligent, affectionate, friendly, easy to train, gets along with other pets
Related to the Siamese cat and the Thong Daeng cat, the Korat is muscular and lean. They have been around for centuries, and the first mention of Korats can be found in “The Cat Book of Poems,” also known as “Smud Khoi of Cats,” which was produced between 1350 and 1767. Originally from Thailand, the Korat was introduced into the United States in 1959 by a couple that had been living in Thailand and fell in love with the breed.
Also known as Si-Sawat, these green-eyed cats are mentioned in several stories and legends in Thailand, and one of those legends is the belief that they bring luck and prosperity to their owners. This natural breed is one of the oldest and purest breeds, and they have exceptionally wonderful qualities. In this article, we’ll explore this beautiful cat in depth.
Korat Cat Characteristics
Energy:
+
High-energy cat will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy cats require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a cat to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability:
+
Easy-to-train cats are more willing and skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Cats that are harder to train are usually more stubborn and will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health:
+
Some cat breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every cat will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Lifespan:
+
Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds' potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Sociability:
+
Some cat breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other animals. More social cats have a tendency to rub up on strangers for scratches, while less social cats shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your cat and expose them to lots of different situations.
Korat Kittens
Image Credit: Nynke van Holten, Shutterstock
The Korat is a rare breed, and it’s not easy to find one in the United States, but also not impossible. You may have to do some deep digging to find one and be patient.
It’s always a good idea to make sure any breeder you deal with is reputable. You should always be allowed to see the breeder’s home or place of business and meet the parents of any liter. All kittens, including the parents, should have been checked for health defects, and the kittens should have all vaccinations. You should ask as many questions as possible; any reputable breeder will be happy to answer any questions and have extensive knowledge of the breed.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Korat
As we’ve mentioned, these cats are highly intelligent. They like having a sense of being in charge and love being the center of attention. They are not as vocal as their Siamese ancestors, but they will communicate with you if they need to get their point across. These cats are observant and want to be around you no matter what you’re doing. If you’re cooking dinner, they’ll stand and watch every move you make. If you’re folding laundry, they’ll observe with great concentration.
These cats form strong bonds with their owners and want to be around you. If you want to play, they’ll play. If you want to be lazy, they’ll be lazy; they just want to be with you, no matter what you’re doing. They do not do well being left alone for long periods of time, so if you’re often not at home, this breed is more than likely not suitable for you.
These cats are energetic and love to exercise their highly intelligent brains. If you own a Korat, it’s important to have plenty of toys and puzzles around for them to interact with.
Image Credit: CLAUDIA BE, Pixabay
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Yes! These cats love their humans and do well with children, as long as children respect the cat and are gentle with them. They do not care for loud noises, so a household that’s rowdy and rambunctious may not be suitable for the Korat.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
The Korat is easy-going and will get along with other pets as long as the other pets know the Korat is in charge. They bond especially well with other Korats, but if you have well-behaved dogs or other cats, the Korat will have no problem befriending other pets in the home.
Things to Know When Owning a Korat:
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
All animals deserve the best healthy food, and the Korat is no exception. While they don’t require a specific diet, it’s important to keep their weight at an ideal range of 6 to 10 pounds. Cats are obligate carnivores and require protein in their diets. Feeding a cat food approved by AAFCO is essential for optimal health. These foods will have the correct amount of omega fatty acids and proteins that Korats require. If you’re ever in doubt, consult with your veterinarian.
Exercise 🐕
The Korat is energetic and playful, so it’s important to keep plenty of toys around. If you have other animals, the Korat can be stubborn and hoard its toys, so make sure you have enough to go around for all of your pets in the home. Also, purchase toys that keep the Korat’s mind active, such as toys and puzzles. A couple of play sessions a day is suitable for the Korat, and after playtime, they will cuddle with you. Cat trees are another excellent form of exercise for your Korat.
Image Credit: SOMRERK WITTHAYANANT, Shutterstock
Training 🎾
The Korat cat is highly intelligent and is very trainable. They have even been known to play fetch. You can also train them to walk on a leash if desired. Positive reinforcement is key is training. If your Korat is doing something you don’t want it to do, a simple snap of your fingers or a firm “no” should suffice. Never yell at your Korat, as they do not do well with loud noises.
Grooming ✂️
Grooming is easy with the Korat cat due to their single, short-haired coat. They are low-shedding and really only require brushing once a week. However, they will shed more in the fall and spring, and in those seasons, you’ll want to brush a couple of times a week to keep the shedding down.
Health and Conditions 🏥
The Korat is a healthy breed but not without the possibility of developing a health issue. Let’s look at a few possible concerns.
Minor Conditions
Dental disease: Dental disease can happen to any pet; that’s why it’s vital to incorporate a dental hygiene routine with your Korat. Brushing with an enzymatic toothpaste is the best option, as enzymes stop plaque and tartar from forming before it becomes a dental issue. It may take patience for both you and your Korat to get into a dental routine, but with time, your Korat will get used to having its teeth brushed. Aim for at least a couple of times per week, if not three, for safe measure.
Gangliosidosis: This is a rare genetic disorder that is prone in Korats. It causes neurological dysfunction and is fatal. The disease begins around 3-months old and is terminal around 9 to 10-months of age. Two forms of this disease affect the Korat: GM1 and GM2. Reputable breeders should perform genetic testing to ensure your Korat doesn’t carry this deadly gene, and never buy from a breeder that does not give you a health guarantee.
Male vs Female
As far as the sexes, there’s not much difference between males and females. The females may weigh a little less and usually fall into the 6 to 8 pounds category, while the males are generally between 8 and 10 pounds. However, both sexes have the same cool personalities.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Korat Cat
1. They are known as “the cat with five hearts.”
The Korat has five areas on its body that have a heart shape, three of which are on its head. The head structure itself is in the shape of a heart. You’ll also notice the heart shape by looking down on top of its head. The third is the nose, which is heart-shaped.
The other two hearts reside in the chest area; you can see a heart shape on the chest when the cat is sitting, and then there’s the obvious heart inside the chest. The heart shape becomes more prominent as these cats mature.
2. Korat cats were never sold in Thailand until the 20th century.
The Thai people hold these cats in high honor, and they give them as gifts to brides for good luck and fortune, usually in pairs. If you received a pair of Korats on your wedding day, it was believed you would have wonderful years ahead. They were also given to highly respected people who were considered worthy of receiving these exceptional cats.
3. Korat cats do not mature fully until 4–5 years of age.
Most cats mature around 12 to 18 months old, but not the Korat. They do not mature fully until 4 to 5 years of age, both emotionally and mentally. These cats are known for their beautiful round green eyes, but the green color does not appear until they have fully matured. As kittens, their eye color is usually blue, then turning to amber, and finally, the emerald green they are known for.
Image Credit: gd_project, Shutterstock
Final Thoughts
The Korat cat is playful, energetic, and considers themselves the rulers of your home. They form strong bonds with everyone in the household, and they do well with other pets as long as there’s not another dominant pet in the home. Their noble personalities make them stand out, and you can train them to play fetch and adhere to house rules.
It may take some time to find a Korat, as there are only a few breeders in the U.S., but don’t give up! If your heart is set on adding “the cat with five hearts” to your home, keep looking. Eventually, you’ll find this lovable and intelligent cat.
Featured Image Credit: Gino Santa Maria, Shutterstock
Rachel Giordano is a musician and writer living in Pensacola, Florida, with her partner and their two dogs, Sophie, a Boston Terrier, and Aero, a Border Collie/Sheltie mix. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and loves writing about animals of all types. When she’s not writing about animals, she loves to write suspense/thriller novels. A musician by night and writer by day, she enjoys educating the public about the needs and requirements of animals, big and small. ...Read more
