INTRODUCTION

The Korat cat, a feline breed of Thai origin, is noted for its elegant appearance, soft and shiny coat, and charismatic personality. This breed has captured the hearts of cat lovers with its distinctive charm and history rooted in Thai culture. Indeed, the Korat has long been considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Traditionally, it was given as a gift as a gesture of good fortune.

THE ORIGIN OF THE KORAT

The Korat cat is a breed of cat believed to have originated in Thailand, specifically in the Korat region. This breed has existed for centuries and has been valued and appreciated in its country of origin.

This curious breed is characterised by its short, dense, silvery-blue coat and distinctive green eyes. It is also noted for its well-developed musculature and robust body.

Korat cats have been prized for both their beauty and their personality. They are considered affectionate, loyal and very attached to their owners. They are known to be intelligent and playful, but also quiet and reserved.

As the breed gained recognition outside Thailand, they began to be bred and exported to other countries. In the 1950s, the first Korat cats were introduced in the United States and since then, the breed has become popular all over the world.

The name ‘Korat’ is used to identify both the breed of cat and the region in which it is believed to have developed. The term ‘Korat’ has been adopted internationally to refer to this specific breed of cat.

In Thailand, Korat cats are known as ‘Si-Sawat’, meaning ‘jewel-coloured’ or ‘blue jewel’. The term ‘Si-Sawat’ refers to the distinctive bluish silver coat colour of Korat cats.

WHAT DOES THE KORAT CAT LOOK LIKE?

According to the Korat breed standard information detailed in TICA (The International Cat Association), they are medium to small short-haired cats: females weigh between 2.5 and 3 kg and males between 2.5 and 3 kg. They are compact, powerful cats that feel like a coiled spring and are heavier and more solid than they appear at first glance.

They have a broad chest and well developed musculature. They have a unique coat, short and close to the body, which covers their powerful bodies and reveals their rippling musculature.

It is the only breed with a heart-shaped head, perhaps one of the reasons why it is considered a good luck cat for brides. The outline of the heart can be seen by tracing imaginary lines from the rounded chin to the top of the ears and back to the head. A secondary heart is found by tracing the pronounced ridges of the eyes up to the chin.

On the other hand, the characteristic bright eyes of the peridot are large and luminous, but not bulging or exaggerated. Their eyes appear slanted when closed, but are fully rounded when fully open.

Korats develop slowly and can take up to 5 years to reach full maturity. Eye colour also takes time to develop. Kittens start with the blue of all newborns and then change to amber with a green tinge around the pupil in adolescence. Finally, they change to the peridot green of the adult when they are between 2 and 4 years old.

THE HEALTH OF THE KORAT

In general, Korats are healthy cats. They have no known hereditary health problems specific to the breed. However, regular veterinary check-ups are still important to ensure the overall health of the cat.

THE KORAT'S PERSONALITY

Korats are usually very affectionate with their masters but a little surly with strangers and children. They are very intelligent and like to be around people if they grow up in a quiet home environment. They are extremely sensitive to loud noises and sudden movements. They are very curious and playful, usually active because they are naturally designed to run, jump and hunt. Their sense of smell is highly developed. Their meow is very melodious and particular.

CONCLUSION

The Korat Cat is a cat breed that has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique and charming characteristics. Originally from Thailand, this cat breed is known for its shiny silver coat, large round emerald green eyes and its affectionate and friendly personality.