5 Things to Know About Korats
Korat cats are a rare and ancient breed. Learn more about these highly intelligent, confident cats in this breed profile.
1. Key Characteristics of Korat Cats
- Weight: 5.5–11 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 15 years
The Korat is a muscular, medium-sized cat with an average lifespan of 15 years, although some of these cats have been known to live into their early 20s.
This breed has a unique silver-blue coat with shaded hairs and large green eyes. The nose, face and head have shapes that resemble hearts, and this becomes more prominent with maturity.
The cat has a short neck and a broad chest. Although Korats do not appear large, they are heavier than expected thanks to a lean body with little fat.
They have extraordinary senses of smell, hearing and sight.
2. Where Korat Cats Came From
The Korat is an ancient breed of cat discovered in the Korat province of Thailand.
The breed was first imported to the United States in 1959 and recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1967.
3. How Friendly Are Korat Cats?
Korats form strong bonds with their people and like to cuddle and stay nearby.
They are highly intelligent and confident cats who can be fearless, although they are startled by loud sounds and sudden movements.
They are gentle with children but not recommended for a boisterous household because of how easily they are startled. They can be talkative and enjoy playing.
They don't like to be alone for long periods of time.
4. Is This the Right Cat for You?
Exercise Needs
LOW:
Korats are active, athletic cats and do not have any particular or specific exercise needs.
These muscular cats remain pretty lean, and this should be maintained with a high-quality cat food.
If your Korat puts on extra weight but the veterinarian doesn't see cause for concern, check out our list of ways to exercise your cat. They also love playing with toys, so provide a few of these if possible.
Grooming Needs
LOW:
Korats do not shed much, unless they are blowing their winter coats. Weekly brushing is fine otherwise. Because of their minimal shedding, Korats can be great pets for people allergic to cat hair.
Trim your Korat's nails regularly and brush the teeth to keep your cat in optimal health.
Health Problems
MEDIUM:
Korats can be sensitive to vaccines. Discuss this with your vet when scheduling vaccinations.
The breed is extremely healthy but can carry a genetic disease that's incurable: gangliosidosis. A test was developed to identify carriers of this disease, and positive results would remove a cat from breeding.
Gangliosidosis is believed to have been eradicated for Korats in 1998 by testing and not breeding carriers, and you should ensure this test has been performed before buying a Korat. See a couple of Korats in action in this video:
5. Where to Adopt a Korat Cat
If you consider getting a Korat, please check adoption resources -- even purebred cats can end up in shelters and rescues.
Try Petful’s free online pet adoption searchto see if there's a Korat available for adoption or rescue near you.
If you decide to visit breeders, please watch out for any signs of a kitten mill operation.
Additional Resources
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Kristine Lacoste has been researching dog and cat breeds for nearly a decade and has observed the animals up close at dog shows in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the book One Unforgettable Journey, which was named as a finalist for a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, and was host of a weekly pet news segment on the National K-9 Academy Radio Show. In addition, she was the New Orleans coordinator for Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that helps military members and their pets, for 3 years. Kristine has researched and written about pet behaviors and care for many years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, another bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Business Administration degree.
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