Korat

Is a Korat cat right for you?

The Korat is a naturally developed Thai breed known at home as "Si-Sawat" (silver-blue) and considered one of the country's lucky breeds. It's recognised by its shimmering silver-tipped blue coat and large peridot-green eyes; traditionally it was never sold in Thailand, only given as a gift to newlyweds for good fortune and prosperity.

The question to ask: can you give daily attention to an intelligent, demanding cat that isn't shy about using its voice? If yes, the Korat makes a loyal and visually striking companion.

Before you adopt

Two rare but serious inherited diseases have been identified in the Korat: GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis. Both are inherited as autosomal recessive traits, meaning a kitten must inherit two copies of the mutation (one from each parent) to be affected. Cats carrying a single copy ("carriers") aren't themselves ill but can pass the gene to offspring; if two carriers are bred together, a quarter of the kittens are predicted to be affected. Genetic testing is available (offered by the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory and similar labs); when choosing a kitten, be sure to ask whether both parents have been tested for GM1/GM2. A responsible breeder will have this documentation on hand.

Temperament

The Korat is highly intelligent, curious, and eager to learn; it can pick up tricks but prefers to decide for itself when and how to perform them. It bonds deeply with people, wants to be part of household events, and sees itself as part of the family — often as its head.

It vocalises often and effectively, making its needs and wants clear. It generally gets on well with other pets but can show jealousy if it feels its position is threatened. It's open to mental stimulation; puzzle toys and interactive play keep this breed happy.

Health issues and lifespan

Sources generally report a lifespan of 10-15 years; it's considered a naturally hardy, relatively healthy breed.

• GM1 gangliosidosis: A fatal, untreatable disease caused by abnormal lipid buildup in nerve cells. Signs typically begin with tremors around 3 months of age, progressing to blindness and seizures, and ending in death by 9-10 months. Genetic testing to identify carriers and avoid carrier-to-carrier matings prevents the disease entirely.
• GM2 gangliosidosis: A second, separate gangliosidosis caused by a different gene but working through a similar mechanism; likewise autosomal recessive, with a genetic test available.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): The most common heart disease in cats; periodic checks are recommended.
• Atherosclerosis: Rare in cats generally, but reported in this breed by some sources; its exact prevalence isn't well established.

If you notice tremors, loss of balance, or vision problems in a Korat kitten around 3-4 months of age, see a vet without delay — these can be early signs of gangliosidosis.

Feeding

An adult Korat (2.7-4.5 kg / 6-10 lb) can be fed the standard amount for a medium-sized cat; males can be notably heavier than females.

• Kitten (2-12 months): Kitten food, three to four meals a day.
• Adult: High protein, balanced mineral content.
• Senior (8+ years): Heart health should be checked annually.

Because this is an intelligent, demanding breed, puzzle feeders both tire the mind and slow down mealtime.

Grooming and coat

The Korat's single, short, silvery coat is an easy one to maintain.

• Weekly brushing is enough to keep its shine and remove loose hair.
• Nails every two to three weeks.
• Teeth brushed several times a week.
• Bathing is rarely needed.

Living space and enrichment

1. Mental stimulation. Puzzle feeders and trick training satisfy this intelligent breed.
2. Social time. Several bouts of active attention a day; it doesn't like being neglected.
3. Vertical space. A cat tree and shelves are valuable for a breed that loves to observe from above.
4. Consistent rules. With its intelligent, strong-willed personality, a stable routine and clear boundaries make cooperation easier.
5. Respond to its vocalising. This breed communicates through sound; answering it strengthens the bond.

History

The Korat is a naturally developed breed from Thailand, first recorded centuries ago; it's named among the seventeen "lucky" cats of Thailand in the "Tamra Maew" (Cat-Book Poems), dated to 1350-1767, now held in Bangkok's National Library. It takes its Western name from Korat province, where the breed was first noted, while in Thailand it's known as Si-Sawat, meaning "grey-blue."

Traditionally the Korat was never sold, only given as a gift — especially to newlyweds, as a wish for prosperity and long life. In northeastern Thailand it's still associated with rain-making ceremonies, paraded through villages and sprinkled with water to symbolise abundant water for the rice paddies. It was first brought to the United States in 1959 by Jean Johnson, with the line strengthened by nine cats imported by Daphne Negus in 1969. An earlier attempt to introduce the breed to Britain in 1889 under the name "Blue Siamese" wasn't accepted by judges of the time; its real recognition there came when it reached England in 1972. The CFA granted the Korat championship status in 1966.