What is the origin of the Korat's name?

It is said that King Rama V of Siam (now Thailand) named the Korat.

What are the color variations of the Korat?

The Korat is only available in blue color. It features a solid color across the face, body, legs, and tail.

Green is the only eye color for Korats.

The Korat is a shorthair breed.

What does the Korat look like?

The Korat has a heart-shaped head, shimmering green eyes, and large ears that are wide at the base. It has a semi-cobby body type, well-muscled but sleek, with long legs. The coat of the Korat is exclusively silver-blue, which changes shade as it grows and shimmers in different lighting.

What are the differences between the Korat and the Russian Blue?

Both the Korat and Russian Blue have shimmering silver-blue coats, but the Korat's coat has more depth of color, while the Russian Blue's coat appears lighter. The Korat's coat sparkles in light due to this reason.

The Korat has a heart-shaped face with a developed jaw, while the Russian Blue has a wedge-shaped face.

Both breeds have green eyes, but their coat structures differ: the Korat has a single-layered coat, while the Russian Blue has a double coat. This difference is likely due to their countries of origin: Thailand, which is hot and humid, and Russia, which is cold, respectively.

Personality-wise, the Korat is affectionate and sociable, while the Russian Blue is more independent but loyal to those it trusts.

How much does it cost to buy a Korat?

Korats are rarely seen in pet shops, so purchasing one from breeders or catteries is common. The cost ranges from 150,000 to 250,000 yen. If you find a Korat you like, it is advisable to visit and see the cat first.

Purchasing from a cattery, which requires higher qualifications than a general breeder, can be more expensive. Catteries must be accredited by breed registries such as CFA and TICA, which adds value and ensures trustworthiness. The higher price reflects this trust.

Other factors affecting the price include the cat being a kitten and having an excellent pedigree.

What are the personality traits and characteristics of the Korat?

As mentioned in the differences with the Russian Blue, the Korat is not shy with strangers and will approach people on its own. However, it maintains typical cat-like independence and may walk away when bored. Many cat lovers find this trait charming.

The Korat tends to be particularly affectionate towards its owner rather than the entire family. It wants to be the center of attention and may sulk if it feels neglected. Being a breed that dislikes being alone, the Korat struggles with long periods without company, making it challenging to keep if you are frequently away from home.

The Korat is relatively intelligent and easy to train. It enjoys active play with its owners, such as fetching toys. However, it can be stubborn, insisting on keeping its favorite toys or meowing loudly to get its way. This cleverness allows the Korat to sometimes manipulate situations in its favor.

What diseases are Korats prone to?

Korats are prone to developing lower urinary tract diseases and chronic kidney disease. Cats historically do not drink much water, which puts a strain on their kidneys and leads to urinary issues.

Specific problems include urinary stones, which can block the urinary tract and cause bladder infections. If you notice changes in your cat's bathroom habits or blood in the urine, seek veterinary care immediately.

While diet and water intake can help prevent these conditions, chronic kidney disease remains a risk due to genetic predispositions. Regular health screenings can help manage this disease by slowing its progression through symptomatic treatment.

What is the lifespan of the Korat?

The lifespan of the Korat is typically 11 to 15 years, which is slightly shorter than the average lifespan for cats, which is 12 to 16 years.