Orlovia
The Korat cat is a real beauty with its oriental shape and its noble, shimmering fur. In Thai culture, the gentle velvet paw is also known under the names Si-Sawat and Maeo Dok-Lao and is considered a messenger of good luck. Here you can find out what makes the Korat so lovable and why it would be an enrichment for your family.
History and origin of the Korat cat
The Korat is a very special pedigree cat because it was worshiped very early on in its homeland of Thailand. The cat breed was mentioned as early as the 14th century in a Tamra Maew, a manuscript in verse form. Like Siamese cats, Korat cats were kept in Thai monasteries between 1350 and 1767. Even if the slim pedigree cats are not quite as well known as the Siamese cats outside of Thailand, they are still considered lucky charms in their home country.
The Korat cat found its way to Europe at the end of the 1950s and conquered the hearts of cat lovers. In order to avoid inbreeding, the Thai pedigree cats were crossed with cats of the Bluepoint-Siamese breed in Europe. A little later the first breeding pair was imported into the USA. The oriental-looking beauty was recognized as a breed by the breed association in 1983. Nevertheless, the Korat is still a very rare breed outside of its home country and so the number of breeders in Europe is still quite manageable.
Essence and Character
Representatives of the Thai lucky charm cat will delight with their nature and character. Cats of the breed are known to be particularly gentle and are found to be extremely sociable. They are very social with both their peers and people and feel most comfortable when they are not alone but in the middle of the action.
Despite their affection and gentleness, the Korat is one of the more dominant cat breeds. Cats of the breed stroll through the world with a pronounced self-confidence and like to be in the focus of their people and want to be courted. But due to their lovable and playful nature, it would be difficult for you not to give a Korat your full attention, because the cuddly Korat cats thank you with their affection.
The gentle velvet paws are also extremely curious and always very attentive. They love to accompany “their people” through everyday life so as not to miss anything. So the Korat loves to roam through the entire apartment and, if possible, go exploring outside and in the neighborhood. But the playful and cuddly cat also loves it when you are busy with it and so there is no boredom. If you are not available as a play and cuddle partner, it is advisable to always provide Korat cats with a conspecific.
The Appearance of the Korat Cat
With its heart-shaped face and silver-blue or silver-tipped, silky, and close-lying short coat, the Korat has a distinctive appearance. The medium-sized, medium-weight, and muscular cat with its oriental build has a medium-length tail and the hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs. With a relatively short neck, broad chest, and broad shoulders, the Korat appears powerful despite its slightly tapered waist.
The large, round eyes, which already seem to shine in Korat kittens, are also characteristic of the appearance of the Korat cat. In adult cats of the breed, the eyes glow green. Framed in the heart-shaped face paired with a flat, broad forehead and large, high-set, rounded ears, the eyes radiate intelligence and curiosity and are eye-catching.
Attitude and Care
If you’re toying with the idea of a Korat, it’s important to know that they’re actually pretty low-maintenance. In terms of behavior and needs, the pedigree cat is quite similar to the European Shorthair. The socially competent cat gets along well with children and dogs, as long as they are not too rough. It is also fascinating how perfectly the lucky charm cat adapts to the needs and habits of her family and is thus a real enrichment.
Outdoor cat or indoor cat?
Like the European shorthair cats, Korat cats also like to be outdoors and roam around. It is therefore perfect if you live in a rural area and you can grant permission. Pure apartment keeping is possible. If you are willing to spend a lot of time with your new roommate and you can offer a secure garden or at least a secure outdoor space, then the Korat will also feel comfortable without an outdoor space.
How much activity does the Korat cat need?
The pedigree cats are quite active cats that need the appropriate movement and climbing opportunities and, if possible, freedom. But even if you can allow her to go outside, she loves to get attention and is reluctant to do without playing and cuddling together. Basically, with a Korat in the house, you’ll find that she likes to be involved in everything you do and want to be close to you. Ideally, you should allow the Korat to have a conspecific so that in case of doubt there is always a playmate available.
Grooming and feeding
When it comes to grooming, Korat cats are completely uncomplicated. The short, fine, and silky coat does not require any special care. Regular brushing with a soft brush or comb is sufficient. The silver-grey coat with its silver hair tips has no undercoat, so it only needs to be brushed a little more frequently when the coat changes. Nevertheless, it is worth brushing the Korat regularly, the affectionate cat enjoys every kind of attention.
Feeding is just as uncomplicated as grooming Korat cats. It is important that you rely on high-quality food because this is the basis for long life and agile cat. Of course, the preferences can differ from cat to cat, but in general, the Thai pedigree cats are quite good boarders.