Korat

The Korat has long held a cherished place in Thai culture as a symbol of prosperity, health, and good luck.

The breed hails from the northeastern plateau of Thailand, a region filled with large granite outcrops where Korat cats could blend in with their grayish-blue coats. The cats eventually became a traditional wedding gift, promising a new couple fortune and fertility.

Korats made their way to the U.S. in 1959, when cat enthusiast Jean Johnson received a pair of Korats from a friend in Bangkok. To this day, they remain a rare breed due to their small gene pool and limited availability. 

The Korats you see today are much like their Thai ancestors; they’re “one of the least altered by modern breeding,” according to the Korat and Thai Cat Association (KTCA). They are, of course, famous for their beautiful blue coat tipped with silver, and they are known as intelligent, people-oriented cats.

The average Korat can weigh up to 10 pounds and measures 15–18 inches in length.

Caring for a Korat

Korats are social cats that enjoy spending time with their humans and appreciate a good cuddle or nap on a lap. They’re known to be lively, playful, and intelligent cats. They can be just as vocal as Siamese cats and will certainly make themselves known with a loud meow.

“The most noticeable trait is their intelligence,” says Bobbie Weihrauch, treasurer for Twin City Cat Fanciers and a former breeder of Korats for almost 30 years. “They are really smart cats, and they love their people. They’re generally quite sociable.”

Although Korats are beloved for their color and luminous green eyes, they shouldn’t be chosen as a pet for looks alone. A Korat pet parent should be prepared to treat these affectionate cats as true companions, giving them attention and love to the best of their ability.

Korat Health Issues

Korats are extremely healthy cats, Weihrauch says, likely because they’ve largely been unaffected by breeding alterations. “I’ve had very few vet bills,” she says.

Korat cats have a lifespan of 10–15 years, but it’s wise to pay attention to certain health risks they can develop.

GM1 Gangliosidosis

GM1 gangliosidosis is a genetic lysosomal storage disorder affecting the Korat cat breed. This neurological disease is caused by a deficiency in the activity of the enzyme beta-galactosidase, which is responsible for breaking down specific carbohydrates in the cells.

Symptoms for GM1 gangliosidosis include:

• Vision loss

• Difficulty walking

• Loss of balance

• Head tremors

• Lethargy

• Weight loss

Affected Korats first show signs of the disease at 2–3 months old, and the condition is progressive and fatal at around 1 year old.

Reputable breeders should screen their Korats for this disease. 

Dental Disease

As with all cats, Korats can develop dental disease. This can be painful and lead to tooth loss and other health issues, some of which can even affect your cat’s organs.

Thankfully, preventing periodontal disease isn’t hard. You simply need to brush your cat’s teeth daily to remove plaque before it can harden into tartar, and the best tool for the job is a pet-specific toothbrush. You should also use cat-safe toothpaste.

What To Feed a Korat

To receive a complete and balanced diet, Korats need to be fed cat food that meets the nutritional recommendations for their life stage provided by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Talk to your veterinarian, who can help you find the best cat food for your Korat.

How To Feed a Korat

Adult cats should be fed two meals a day. Korat kittens require more frequent meals and calories to fuel their growth spurts, so feed them frequent meals of kitten-formulated food.

But no matter their age, it’s not recommended to free-feed Korats, as this can lead to obesity in your cat. 

How Much Should You Feed a Korat?

The ideal amount of food to feed your cat depends on their age, lifestyle, and ideal weight. And even though they have a naturally stocky body, it’s still important to keep an eye on their weight to avoid obesity.

Nutritional Tips for Korats

Feeding your Korat a complete and balanced food labeled with an AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy ensures they receive the nutrients, vitamins, fats, and proteins they need. However, your veterinarian may recommend a cat supplement if deemed necessary to address health concerns.

Never give your cat a supplement without speaking to your vet first.

Behavior and Training Tips for Korats

Korat Personality and Temperament

Korats are very active cats. “They have such strong personalities and so want to be with their people,” Weihrauch says.

Although they are generally friendly cats, they might take a moment to warm up to newcomers. “I’ve noticed that when strangers come over, they're not right at the door,” Weihrauch says. “They take a beat to say, ‘Hey, is this somebody I want to see or not?’”

Korat Behavior

It’s likely you’ll find your Korat up high, whether at the top of a tall cat tree or looking out from a window ledge. They can be vocal cats as well, like their fellow Asian cat breeds, the Siamese and Burmese.  

Korat cats enjoy interactive toys and appreciate pet parents who give them enough attention and playtime. Aim for two or three 10- to 15-minute play sessions with your cat every day.

Age does not often affect their playfulness, Weihrauch says. You can still expect your senior cat to chase mouse toys or bat around a feathered wand.

Korat Training

Korats are known to be intelligent and appreciate a routine, so they’re certainly “smart enough to be trained, if you know how to train them,” Weihrauch says.

Discover what your Korat cat enjoys most, and use that as an incentive for positive reinforcement during training sessions.

Fun Activities for Korats

• Fetch

• Interactive toys

• Cuddling with their humans

• Perching up high

Korat Grooming Guide

Korats are usually low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their single coat sheds lightly and requires little upkeep. 

Coat Care

A weekly brushing is likely all your Korat needs, as the breed doesn’t shed much, and their coat isn’t prone to mats or tangles.

The key to brushing a cat is figuring out the strategies that work for both of you. Provide treats and words of encouragement when brushing, and don’t force your cat into a brushing session if they’re not up to it.

Eye Care

No special eye care is required for Korats. That said, it’s important to know what your cat’s eyes typically look like, so you can note changes such as redness or discharge. Talk to your vet if you notice anything concerning about your Korat’s eyes.

Ear Care

Any redness, odor, or debris in your cat’s ears could be signs of an ear infection or parasites such as ear mites. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian for an evaluation and treatment.

Dental Care

All cats, including Korats, are at risk of developing dental disease. The best way to prevent this from happening is to brush your cat’s teeth every day and to keep up with professional dental cleanings at your vet’s recommendation.

You can also take other steps to keep your cat’s teeth clean, such as offering them dental treats or feeding them a diet formulated for dental health. It’s important that the products you use for your cat’s teeth are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which ensures their safety and efficacy.

Considerations for Pet Parents

Korats are beloved, rare cats. They enjoy time with their humans, so if you’re away most of the day or gone for long periods, this might not be the cat for you.

They’re known to be active and playful well into their adult years. “They might look like a plain cat, but they have such alert, intelligent eyes,” Weihrauch says. “People might not see anything exotic about them, but they’re very special.”