Korat: The Good Luck Cat

Korats are absolutely gorgeous blue-silver kitties with great personalities.  They are very rare, especially outside of Thailand, where they originated.

History

The Korat originated in Thailand, and the earliest record of the breed's existence appears in an ancient text, The Cat-Book Poems, which is dated between 1350 and 1767.  From the descriptions of the Korat in this ancient manuscript, it seems that the breed's physical appearance has changed very little over time.  For centuries, the breed has been regarded as a symbol of good fortune.  Additionally, many people consider the Korat as Thailand's national cat.

The breed made its way to North America in 1959.  The Cat Fanciers' Association accepted the breed for championship in 1966, and today, all cat associations in North America recognize the Korat. 

Photo Credit: Jacob Enos.

Appearance

The Korat has a short blue-silver coat.  The breed's roots are a light blue, with increasingly darker color as it goes up the shaft.  The tips are silver.  Korats have striking emerald green eyes, but their full eye color may not develop until the cat is two to four years old.  Korats have heart-shaped faces.

Korats do not have much body fat; rather, they are muscular and weigh more than they look.  Some people describe them as well-coiled springs.

Personality

The breed possesses exceptional sight, smell, and hearing.  They are sensitive to sudden movements and loud noises.  For this reason, a home with small children may not be the best place for a Korat.  Korats want to be involved with all of your activities when you're home, and they love to cuddle.  They form strong bonds with their humans and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. 

Korats are intelligent and like to think they are the ones in charge in the home (as they should be!).  Though not as talkative as their Siamese cousins, Korats aren't shy about expressing themselves both verbally and with body language.  

Have you ever had the opportunity to meet a Korat?