Korat

Character file #27 of 65 — heart-shaped silver face.

Temperament

The Korat is best summed up as gentle, attached, luck-bringing. Expect a cat that's right in the middle of everything you do, mostly in comfortable silence. Chaos rating 3/5 means a daily zoomies window is part of the deal.

Where the Korat Comes From

Named for the Khorat plateau in north-eastern Thailand, the si-sawat is one of the cats illustrated and described in the Tamra Maew, the Thai cat-book poems dating from the Ayutthaya period. Tradition held that Korats were given in pairs as gifts of good fortune and never sold. The first breeding pair in the West, Nara and Darra, reached Oregon in 1959 through Jean Johnson, and recognition followed in 1966. Outcrossing is not allowed, so every registered Korat traces back to Thailand.

Living With a Korat

Korats attach hard and take change badly. New furniture, moved feeding times, building work and boarding kennels all register, and the cat may go off its food. Hearing appears acute, and loud, chaotic households tend not to suit. With its own people it is demonstrative and close-following, and will sleep pressed against someone every night. The single close-lying coat sheds very little and needs almost no grooming. Voice is moderate. A quiet flat with a predictable routine is close to ideal for one.

Care Notes

Grooming: Minimal effort. A weekly once-over plus nail trims covers it. Exercise: with moderate energy, plan daily play sessions and a climbing spot. Health: keep up annual vet visits, dental care, and weight watch.

Health: What to Watch For

Two inherited neurological diseases sit squarely in this breed: GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis, lysosomal storage disorders that are fatal in young cats. Both have reliable DNA tests, and no Korat should be bred or bought without carrier status established, which is the single most important question to ask a breeder. Beyond that, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is screened by echocardiogram, and the closed gene pool makes diversity a long-term concern. Any kitten showing tremor, weakness or loss of coordination needs immediate veterinary investigation rather than a wait-and-see approach.

FAQ

Is the Korat a good family cat?

Yes — the Korat is gentle, attached, luck-bringing, and its moderate energy suits calm households and apartments. Slow introductions and daily play keep any cat family-ready.

How much grooming does a Korat need?

Grooming is minimal: its silver-blue short coat mostly maintains itself with a weekly brush.

How long do Korats live?

With indoor life, good food, and regular vet care, Korats commonly live around 15 years — many exceed it.

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