Korats are a slate blue-grey shorthair domestic cat with a small to medium build and a low percentage of body fat. The Korat Cat is one of the oldest stable breeds of cat. 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. The good luck of this cat is said to increase if the cat has a kink in its tail. Until recently, Korats were not sold, but only given as gifts.

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. This cat is relatively rare in its native country.

The Korat Cat Origin

The Korat is an ancient cat from Siam (now Thailand). Iit is named after the Nakhon Ratchasima province. In Thailand it is known as Si-Sawat, meaning "Color of the Sawat Seed". The earliest known record of the Korat appears in The Cat-Book of Poems or Smud Khoi of Cats, produced in 1350-1767. This book presents the seventeen "good luck" cats of Thailand, including the Korat, and is presently located at Bangkok's National Library.

The first Korat to be exhibited was probably in England in the late19th century. It was entered as a Siamese because that is wherethe owner obtained it. It was listed as a solid blue anddescriptions of that judging still exist today.

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). Seven years later, the Korat was officially recognized in the CFA into the Championship status.

The Korat Cat Appearance

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.

Korat cats have a perfect physical condition, alert appearance.

Body: Medium in size with a strong muscular and semi-cobby body on medium bone structure with feel of coiled spring power and unexpected weight, front lets slightly shorter than back legs. The back is carried in a curve.

Head: Heart-shaped with breadth between and across eyes; sides of face gently curve down to chin to complete heart shape; slight stop between forehead and nose; chin and jaw strong and well developed, neither overly squared nor sharply pointed.

Legs/Feet: Well proportioned to body, feet oval. 

Tail: Medium in length, heavier at the base tapering to a rounded tip. No penalty for invisible tail fault.

Ears: Large with rounded tips and large flare at base; set high on head. Inside ears sparsely furnished  

Eyes: Large and luminous, are particularly prominent, wide open and oversized for the face. Eye aperture, which shows as well rounded when fully open, has an Asian slant when closed or partially closed. Eye color is luminous green preferred, amber cast acceptable. Kittens and adolescents have yellow or amber-green eyes. Color is not usually true until the cat reaches maturity, which can take 2 to 4 years.

Nose: Is short and has a lion like doward slope

Tail: Medium length; heavier at base; tapering to rounded tip; nonvisible kink permitted.

A medium sized cat, the Korat weighs between five and ten pounds.

The Korat Cat Colors and Coats

The Korat has a unique colour matched by no other breed. The coat is a solid, even, silver-blue color with no tabby markings or shading, but the hair shafts themselves are lighter at the roots and shade to a darker blue just before the tips. The Thais describe this color as "rain-cloud gray," and the silvering effect as "sea foam." The fur is tipped with silver, giving a silvery sheen or "halo effect" to the coat. The silver tipping is more prevalent on the muzzle and toes. The Korat is also only one color - silver-tipped blue; there is no other colour accepted. Abundant tips are preferred.

The Korat Temperament

They are intelligent, shy, soft-voiced, playful, active cats and form strong bonds with people. Most importantly, you must remember that you do not own a Korat. The Korat picks its human and basically owns you.

The Korat can be very vocal. This should not be assumed to be a sign of aggression.

Like the Siamese, Korats are fetchers of tossed toys, cats whose favorite game is the one in which you take an active part. Korats crave affection from their humans, and will scheme to gain possession of your lap, your arms, and your heart.

If you're looking for a unique pet that has a great temperament, this may be the one for you. Korats also make good outdoor pets.