The Korat is one of the oldest stable breeds of cat. Originating in Thailand, it is named after the Nakhon Ratchasima province, although in Thailand it is often known as Si-Sawat, which means good fortune. In fact they are often known colloquially as the "Good Luck Cat" and are given in pairs to newlyweds or people of high esteem as a wish for good luck.
Breed History
: The earliest known picture of a Korat, or 'Si-Sawat', cat is to be found in the ancient book of paintings and verses, known as THE CAT-BOOK POEMS, in Bangkok's National Library. It is believed by the Fine Arts Dept., a Division of Thailand's Ministry of Education
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Breed Description
: There are many romantic stories about the Korats of old, and the place they held in society in their native Thailand. It has been suggested that Korats were given in pairs as a wedding gift to bless a couple with fertility; Korats were supposedly honoured in rain-making ceremonies during the dry season to tempt the rain to fall; male Korats were even said to have launched into battle
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The Korat is one of the oldest stable breeds of cat. Originating in Thailand, it is named after the Nakhon Ratchasima province, although in Thailand it is often known as Si-Sawat, which means good fortune. In fact they are often known colloquially as the "Good Luck Cat" and are given in pairs to newlyweds or people of high esteem as a wish for good luck.
Korats are a slate blue-grey shorthair domestic cat with a small to medium build and a low percentage of body fat. Their bodies are semi-cobby, and are surprisingly heavy for their size. They are intelligent, shy, soft-voiced, playful, active cats and form strong bonds with people.
Korats have several characteristics distinguishing them as a breed. One is its head, frequently described as "heart-shaped". Korats are known for their relatively large green eyes and are one of a few breeds that have only one color.
The first known written mention of the Korat was in "The Cat-Book Poems" authored between 1350 and 1767 AD in Thailand, now preserved in the National library in Bangkok. They first appeared in America in the 1950s and arrived in Britain from there in 1972.
The Korat is one of the oldest stable cat breeds. Originating in Thailand, it is named after the Nakhon Ratchasima province. In Thailand it is known as Si-Sawat, meaning "Color of the Sawat Seed". They are known colloquially as the "Good Luck Cat" and are given in pairs to newlyweds or to people who are highly esteemed, for good luck. Until recently, Korats were not sold, but only given as gifts.
The first mention of the Korat is in "The Cat-Book Poems" authored between 1350 and 1767 AD in Thailand, now in the National library in Bangkok. They first appeared in America in the 1950s and arrived in Britain from there in 1972.
Jean Johnson introduced Korats to the US in 1959. She had lived in Thailand, where she encountered the breed. Her first pair were named Nara (male) and Dara (female). Korats are a shorthair with a small to medium build and a low percentage of body fat; their bodies are often described as semi-cobby, and are surprisingly heavy for their size. They are an active cat and form strong bonds with people.
Korats have several characteristics that together distinguish them as a breed:
Korats are one of a few breeds that have only one colour: a silvery gray that often has lavender undertones - generally called blue in the cat world, although it is notably different in viewing from other 'blue' cats.
Their eyes are a shade of yellow from birth (sometimes described as a "pale amber") but change to an emerald or peridot green at full maturity (2 to 4 years). During this change the eyes are green in the centre with a yellow at the edges. It should also be noted that unlike other cats when viewed at night using a spotlight their eyes reflect green rather than the more common red.
Korats only have one coat (they lack a downy undercoat possibly due to their long history in a hot and humid climate) and do not shed much hair.
Korats are best kept in pairs. A single Korat will tend to be unhappy, especially if they are not getting enough attention. They truly love spending time grooming, sleeping and playing with another Korat.
Korats can be taught simple, repetitive tricks like "sit" and "retrieve".
Korats are intended to be indoor cats.
Korats are easily startled by loud noises.
Korats seem most at ease living with a quiet household.
Jean Johnson first introduced Korats to the US in 1959. She had lived in Thailand, where she first encountered the breed. Her first pair were named Nara (male) and Dara (female).
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