Also called Si-Sawat, Malet, Good luck cat · Thailand
Smart, affectionate and very tuned in to its people.
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3 to 6 kg (7 to 13 lb)males 4 to 6 kg, females 3 to 5 kg123 |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years1 |
| Coat | Short, glossy, fine single coat |
| Origin | Thailand, associated with Phimai in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) Province; described in the Thai Tamra Maew cat-book poems.32 |
Smart, affectionate and very tuned in to its people. It is lively without being hyper, talks with a wide range of sounds and likes a calm household where it can be at the centre of things.213
short, glossy, fine single coat
A compact, semi-cobby and muscular cat with a heart-shaped face and large, round, luminous eyes. Its short, fine coat lies flat and tends to part along the spine when the cat moves. Each hair shades from paler roots to a deep blue and ends in a silver tip, giving the whole coat a silvery shimmer.243
A typical home-care rhythm for a Korat. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Moderate to high. Enjoys interactive toys, climbing structures and puzzle play, and can be taught tricks when it chooses to join in.12
Bonds strongly and prefers not to be left alone for long; values daily one-on-one time.12
Minimal: a weekly brush suits the single coat, plus routine nail trims, tooth brushing and ear checks.21
Feeding frequency and times vary by age, weight and the food you choose. Check the label on your cat's food for portion guidance and ask your vet for a schedule that suits your Korat's needs.
Feed a high-quality cat food that meets nutritional standards. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, chives, alcohol, yeast dough, caffeine, avocado, citrus, milk, macadamia nuts, raw meat, raw eggs, bones and xylitol.6
Baths are rarely needed for a Korat. Only bathe if your cat is very dirty or sticky, as the short single coat stays clean easily.7
A weekly brush is enough for the Korat's short, fine single coat. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days.21 Pet Wiki plan
Trim claws every 10 days to 2 weeks, doing no more than two claws per session at first. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests nail trims every 21 days.7 Pet Wiki plan
The Korat has moderate to high activity needs and enjoys daily interactive play, climbing and puzzle toys. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends daily play sessions.12 Pet Wiki plan
Brush teeth daily if possible, and check ears weekly for dirt or redness. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests tooth brushing every 2 days, with daily being ideal.21 Pet Wiki plan
A Korat typically lives between 12 and 15 years, with proper care and regular vet check-ups.1
The Korat is smart, affectionate and bonds strongly with its people, preferring a calm household. It can be good with children and other pets if introduced gently and given daily one-on-one time.213
The Korat bonds strongly and prefers not to be left alone for long periods. It values daily one-on-one time, so consider a pet sitter or companion if you are away often.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Running costs for a Korat, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
Korats can be prone to weight gain, so use treats sparingly and factor them into their daily calorie count. Dental treats approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) can help support their dental health, but always check with your vet first.
Source: petmd.com
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Korats were traditionally given in pairs to newlyweds or honoured guests to bring good fortune.3
Kittens' eyes start amber or golden-green and turn peridot green by two to four years of age.3
The coat's silver tipping keeps developing until the cat is about two.4
Old Thai verse compares its colour to clouds and its eyes to dewdrops on a lotus leaf.5
The breed is named after Korat, also called Nakhon Ratchasima, a province in northeastern Thailand. In Thailand it is called Si-Sawat, meaning the colour of the sawat seed.8
I start the day with a soft meow, reminding my human it's time for play. I solve a puzzle toy for a treat, then chase a laser dot across the floor. I perch on my cat tree, watching the room calmly. After a quiet cuddle, I chat with my human in trills and purrs. I nap in a cozy spot, then wake for evening games. A peaceful, happy day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
The Korat is pictured in the Thai cat-book poems written between 1350 and 1767 and was traditionally given, never sold, as a good-luck gift. A pair reached the United States in 1959, CFA granted championship in 1966, and Britain recognised the breed in 1984.325
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Text is written in our own words from these sources.
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