Korat vs Russian Blue
Both are silver-blue, green-eyed, quiet and loyal, so they are easy to confuse. The Korat has a heart-shaped face and a single, silver-tipped coat, while the Russian Blue has a double coat and a flat-topped head.
Side by side
| Korat | Russian Blue | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Thailand | Northern Russia (Arkhangelsk), perfected in Britain and elsewhere |
| Size | Small to medium | Medium, elegant |
| Weight | Usually 2.5 to 4.5 kg | Usually 3 to 5.5 kg |
| Lifespan | Often 12 to 17 years | Often 15 to 20 years |
| Coat | Short, glossy and silver-tipped | Short, dense and plush, with a silvery sheen |
| Energy | 3 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| Affection | 5 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| Chattiness | 2 out of 5 | 2 out of 5 |
| Grooming needed | 1 out of 5 | 2 out of 5 |
| Good with children | 3 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| Good with other pets | 3 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
Scores are our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
The main differences
- Face: the Korat has a heart-shaped face, and the Russian Blue a wedge with a flat forehead.
- Coat: the Korat’s lies close to the body, and the Russian Blue’s is a dense double coat that stands off the body.
- Eyes: both are green as adults, but the Korat’s are rounder and larger.
- Health: Korats can inherit GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis, and Russian Blues are generally robust.
Choose a Korat if
- You want a devoted, sensitive, quiet cat
- You love the heart-shaped face
Choose a Russian Blue if
- You want a robust, long-lived, gentle cat
- You like the plush coat
Our verdict
Both bond closely and like calm homes. The Russian Blue is easier to find, and the Korat is rarer and needs DNA-tested parents.
Read the full guides: Korat and Russian Blue. Or see more cat breeds. This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice.
Questions people ask
How can I tell a Korat from a Russian Blue?
Look at the face and coat. The Korat has a heart-shaped face and a close-lying single coat, while the Russian Blue has a flat-topped wedge head and a thick double coat.
Which is rarer?
The Korat.
