Korat
Thailand’s silver-blue good-luck cat
The Korat is an old Thai breed, traditionally seen as a bringer of good luck, and in Thailand it is sometimes given as a wedding gift. It is named after the Korat province. It reached the West in the 1950s and is still rare.
It is a small, muscular cat with a heart-shaped face and a silvery-blue coat that looks as if it has been dusted with frost.
Korat at a glance
- Origin
- Thailand
- Size
- Small to medium
- Weight
- Usually 2.5 to 4.5 kg
- Lifespan
- Often 12 to 17 years
- Coat
- Short, glossy and silver-tipped
- Colours
- Silver-blue only
Personality scorecard
- Energy
- 3 out of 5
- Affection
- 5 out of 5
- Chattiness
- 2 out of 5
- Grooming needed
- 1 out of 5
- Good with children
- 3 out of 5
- Good with other pets
- 3 out of 5
Our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
What they look like
A small to medium cat, muscular and light on its feet, with a heart-shaped face (formed by the brows and the chin), large ears and big, round eyes. The coat is a single layer of silver-tipped blue, and the eyes turn from amber in kittens to a bright green in adults, a change that can take two to four years.
Personality
Sensitive, loyal and very attached to their people. Korats are quiet, alert and playful, and they like routine. They can be upset by loud noises or sudden changes, and many do best with one or two close people, though they can be good with calm children and other cats.
Care and grooming
Very little grooming: a weekly rub. They need company, calm surroundings, play and climbing. Keep portions measured, and keep up with dental checks.
Health to know about
Korats can inherit GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis, serious neurological conditions that appear in young kittens. DNA tests exist, so choose a breeder who tests both parents.
Could suit
- Quiet homes
- People who want a loyal, devoted companion
- Owners who like routine
Think twice if
- If you have a noisy, chaotic home
- If you want a cat who loves everyone
- If you cannot wait for a rare kitten
“I bring good luck. You have noticed? You are welcome.”
Compare the Korat
Name ideas for a Korat
- Lucky
- Siam
- Thai
- Silver
- Misty
- Frost
- Pewter
- Nong
- Orchid
- Jade
Want more? Try the cat name generator, or find out their age in human years with the cat age calculator.
Questions people ask
Why is the Korat a good-luck cat?
In Thailand the Korat has long been seen as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity.
What colour are Korat eyes?
Amber when they are kittens, changing to green in adulthood.
Are Korat cats good with children?
They can be, if the children are calm and gentle. Korats like quiet and routine.
What is GM1 gangliosidosis?
An inherited nerve disease in kittens, for which DNA tests exist. Ask breeders for the results.
Other breeds to meet
This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your own cat.
