Korat

Origin
The Korat is a natural breed, coming from Ampur Pimai the Korat-province in Thailand, where he has been bred in the royal cattery since 1350. The earliest descriptions of the Korat breed can be found in “The Cat-Book of Poems” or “Smud Khoi” written between 1350-1767. In this book the 17 lucky cats of Thailand are described and the book can be found in the national library of Bangkok. The Korat is described as follows in the book: the cat has a color like Dok Lao* and his hairs are smooth, with a color like the clouds and tops like silver. His eyes shine like dewdrops on a lotus leaf.

*(Translation: Dok means flower and Lao is an herb like lemongrass with silvery flowers). There are a lot of traditions concerning the Korat; in his native country he is called Si-Sawat, which means “luck”. During princely weddings he was given to the young couple as token of a happy and permanent married life.

The fact that this gracious and elegant appearance was reserved for the royal family or high Siamese officials, explains why this cat does rarely appear in other countries. A number of foreign people (among them a British ambassador) was honored with such a royal gift. That is why this breed was already represented on a British show in 1896. The Korat was wrongly considered a blue Siamese cat at that time.

The first large fame came in 1959 when an American breeder (Jean Johnson from Cedar Glen Cattery in Oregon) imported some specimen to the USA. It concerned Nara and Dara, a brother and sister of the Maharajah Cattery of Mme. Ruen A. Rajamaitri from Thailand. The Korat remains rare in our regions. On a cat exhibition they often aren’t present or only with a couple of specimen.

Two other breeds which find their origin in the Korat, have already won the hearts of the Westerners: The Siamese and the Holy Burman. It can therefore be expected that the Korat will have the same success in the Netherlands.

Characteristics
Strengths: Beautiful, silent, sweet, intelligent, not destructive, can get along well with other pets.
Weaknesses: Demanding, want to be the centre of interest.  

The Korat loves to be strokes and loves “wild” games. He however hates sudden, loud noises. The Korat loves quiet, friendly people and has an affectionate relation with this owner. All Eastern cats have this feature. He can get along with other breeds, but prefers his own breed. An adult female cat weighs about 3 kg, a tomcat about 3,5 – 4 kg; it isn’t a large cat therefore. The Korat isn’t a noisy cat, except during his mating season. This breed is still very rare. It isn’t therefore easy to purchase a kitten. Since it concerns a protected breed, these cats are sold together with a contract (which amongst others prohibits any crossing with another breed).     
 
Breed-standard (CFA standard)

Fur:
No undercoat; short fine, shining and smooth hairs located against the skin (for this reason the Korat can be, in some cases, suitable for people who are allergic to cats). Extra short on the outside of the ears, the snout and on the feet.

Body:
Medium-sized, muscled. Slightly stocky with a somewhat rounded off back. Low on the paws; hind paws longer than the forepaws. Small oval feet.
 

Head:
heart-shaped with a not too long snout, solid chin and jaws. The forehead is flat and wide. The nose is pretty short, slightly rising and has a slight stop.
Ears:
Average and rounded, very high on the skull and wide at the basis. A slight down on the inside of the auricles.
Eyes:
Large and shining, not located next toe ach other. They are bright green. The open eyes are round, but when they are closed they are a bit slanting.
Tail:
Medium-sized with a rounded point.
Color:
Silver grey. The tipping of the hair points causes a silvery gleam over the whole body, and especially behind the ears, on the snout and on the feet. White hairs, spots or tabby-markings aren’t allowed. Rhinarium dark blue or lavender. Feet cushions dark blue or lavender with a pink gleam.  

Breedinformation & pictures provided by Korat Cattery Galanos