Among the world’s oldest and most stable breeds is the Korat. As a “good luck cat,” revered in their native Thailand, korats are typically given in pairs, and the Korat and Thai Cat Association (KTCA) states that korats are especially significant when given to women as wedding gifts.
It’s understandable why the breed has been cherished for so many decades in their own country. Korats are intelligent, affectionate lap cats that form close relationships with their families. They also have one of the most exquisite coats in the entire cat kingdom.
The beautiful cat breed known as the Korat, or Si-Sawat, has its origins around 900 years ago in Thailand. This cat, who is well-known for both its heart-shaped face and its unusual blue-gray coat with silver tips, has gained a lot of lovers for both its appearance and personality. In its native Thailand, it is regarded as a lucky charm.
The Korat is a small to medium-sized cat with a robust, muscular frame and an animated, alert look. It is pronounced koh-raht, not core-rat. The expressiveness of this breed is enhanced by its huge, noticeable green or amber eyes. Although they might be demanding of attention, korats are social, clever, and devoted cats that love spending time with their families.
HISTORY
Written at around 1350, the “Treatise on Cats” contains the first known reference of the Korat. 17 “good luck cats,” including the Korat, are described in the book. The book’s artwork, albeit not very detailed, shows a cat that is quite similar to the modern-day Korat, suggesting that the breed has not altered much in almost eight centuries.
The Korat cat, named after the Thai province of Korat, is a customary gift among Thais and is believed to be a sign of wealth for newlyweds. Korats were only ever presented as presents and were never sold until the middle of the 20th century.
Properly, two cats that were given as gifts to the owners of Korats were the first to be taken to the United States the Cedar Glen Cattery in Oregon in 1959, according to the CFA. Virtually all American Korats can trace their lineage back to that first breeding pair, the CFA says. The breed was accepted for Champion status by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1966.
APPEARANCE
According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), korats only exist in one color: a stunning blue with silver-tipped fur that gives them a dazzling, halo-like look. They belong to the small-to-medium breed and have round, gorgeous, emerald green eyes, big ears that face forward, and little body fat.
The Korat is frequently called “the cat with five hearts” because, in addition to the heart that beats in their chests, their heads, when viewed from both the front and the top, resemble a heart. In addition to having heart-shaped noses, they also have obvious fourth heart shapes in the muscles in their chests, which are located directly between their front shoulders.
CHARACTERISTICS
The Korat is not only a very smart cat but also a very considerate family member. Compared to most cats, korats are more relaxed. They’re equally content to curl up on their owner’s lap as they are to play and be active.
“Korats enjoy cuddling and develop strong bonds with their human family,” explains Sarah Wooten, DVM. “They are very smart and enjoy food puzzles, enjoy children if properly socialized, [and enjoy] training and games.”
They may be wary or distant from strangers, but they will always go to their family for protection and observe events from there.
Although they thrive in multipet households, Korats are happiest when they are among fellow Korats. But as long as socialization and introductions are handled carefully, Korats can and do learn to get along with other cats as well as cat-friendly dogs because of their gregarious, laid-back attitude. Make sure there are enough toys for every animal in the house, regardless of the species.
ESSENTIALS OF LIFE
Being a lap cat makes the Korat very happy, and she will happily accompany her favorite family members around the home all day. It’s crucial to make sure there are toys available for her to play with window hammocks where she can chatter at birds all day.
When it comes to living size or temperature considerations, the Korat is a pretty adaptable animal. As long as she knows where to eat and where to poop, she’s going to be pretty happy wherever you are, whether that’s a multi-story home or studio apartment.
The CFA describes the Korat as a “tolerable” option for those with hair allergy because of her stunning coat and little tendency to shed hair. But it’s crucial to keep in mind that no cat is totally hypoallergenic, and allergies can still linger even with low-shedding breeds like the Korat. Spend time with the breed before taking home a kitten from the Korat to observe how your allergies respond.
Rather than in the hair itself, Carol Margolis, DVM, DACT, of the Gold Coast Center for Veterinary Care on Long Island, N.Y., claims that “the allergens that people are reacting to are in the saliva in fluids.” “People can aggravate pre-existing allergies or even develop new ones when using personal protective equipment (PPE) in academic settings, even in lab settings.” allergies over prolonged exposure.”
CARE
Korats don’t need a lot of grooming. Their shimmery coat is a very low-shedding single coat of short fur, so brushing them lightly once a week will keep them looking great. Giving some attention each week to their ears and teeth will help keep them healthy in the long run, but that’s going to be about as far as your Korat grooming will ever have to go. And obviously, make sure her litter box is always kept tidy.
Every cat needs to exercise, and the Korat is no different. The Korat, on the other hand, enjoys playing any game with their humans, in contrast to other cats. Playtime is a time for bonding, and these spirited cats cherish every second of quality time spent with their human friends. A game of fetch is even enjoyed by many Korats! Additionally, training Korat is made simple by their high level of intellect. Try teaching them tricks and providing them with puzzle toys to keep them occupied and engaged.
Maintaining proper grooming will keep your Korat clean and healthy. A Korat’s short, single-layered coat makes grooming them easy. To maintain the shine and well-being of its beautiful silvery-blue fur, just a weekly brushing should be enough. Make sure you also regularly trim your Korat’s nails, brush its teeth, and keep its ears clean.
WELL-BEING
The Korat has a rather good health status, as one could anticipate from a naturally occurring breed that is close to 800 years old, according to the KTCA. Nevertheless, Korats may be vulnerable to several common feline illnesses.
“As with all cats, Korats are susceptible to obesity and dental disease,” explains Wooten. “And you can go a long way towards preventing diseases by just keeping your Korat fit and trim, feeding the highest quality food you can afford, and keeping their teeth sparkly and clean.”
According to Wooten, older Korats are also prone to hyperthyroidism and kidney illness. Be aware of frequent vomiting or diarrhea as some Korats may have sensitive stomachs. Wooten claims that eating sensitive food helps these cats’ stomachs cat food and avoiding human table food or sudden diet changes.
TYPICAL HEALTH ISSUES
Although the Korat is generally a very healthy breed, make sure to see written records of both parents’ health before buying one from a breeder.
A predisposition to GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis may exist. This is a rare hereditary disorder causing a nervous system-affecting enzyme deficiency. Genetic testing can reveal it, even though it is lethal. Before breeding, a Korat cat needs to be checked for this illness.
Nutrition and Diet
Feeding your Korat premium food will contribute to a long and healthy life. Although each cat is unique in its preferences and nutritional requirements, a high-quality cat food made especially for felines should supply your pet all the nutrients it needs to grow and thrive. For more information on the diet that will work best for your cat, speak with your veterinarian.
Though this breed may have trouble with a low body fat percentage, you should also refrain from promoting obesity or excessive weight increase.
