We all seem to love our cats, from the common moggy to a majestic Maine Coon, cats sure fill our hearts with plenty of love and a whole lot of fur! (unless it’s a Sphynx…) However, have you ever heard of a Korat cat? What are they like and do they make good pets? 

Let’s unwrap the secrets behind the Korat cat together in more detail and explore what they are like as a breed. 

What is a Korat cat? 

Also known as a Si-Sawat, the Korat is a beautiful breed of cat. The breed dates back almost 1,000 years and originated in Thailand. It has a coat similar to a British Shorthair that is blue and grey in colour, with a face shape that is similar to that of a heart. 

In Thailand, the Korat, pronounced as Koh-rat, is seen as a good luck symbol. So, if you decide to share your home with one of these beauties, there may be some good luck coming your way!  

Personality and common traits 

The Korat is described as a charming breed and is highly intelligent. They are also super affectionate and playful in nature, making them an interactive friendly family pet. 

Whilst some cats may be quite aloof and offer love only on their terms, a Korat can be totally devoted to their owners and often form a strong bond with a single person in the family. They love spending time with their family and being a firm fixture in all family events. 

It is also possible to train your Korat as they are highly intelligent and clever. They can quickly learn new tricks and find interactive toys a breeze. It is important to offer your Korat plenty of mental stimulation, as well as exercise opportunities, in order to keep them happy and active. A bored Korat is not a happy Korat, so keep them very well entertained! 

Health and lifespan 

On average, a Korat can live between 15 – 20 years, so before you decide to share your home with one, make sure that you’re in it for the long-run. Any animal, no matter the lifespan, is a full-time commitment, so ensure that they are an absolute priority, similar to that of a family member. 

In general Korat’s are a healthy breed, but as with any animal, they can be predisposed to certain inherited or breed-specific health problems. 

Dental issues:  

All cats can be prone to dental problems, so keeping an eye on oral health is key. Korats can suffer with gum disease, such as gingivitis, as well as tooth root abscesses. Regular dental check-ups and brushing can help to maintain great oral hygiene. 

Gangliosidosis:  

Korats can suffer from this rare inherited condition. Gangliosidosis causes a fatty substance to accumulate in the nervous system, and in severe cases, this can lead to neurological problems. This can usually be pre-screened by the breeder, so speak with them if you are planning on adopting a Korat. 

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM):  

Korats can be predisposed to heart issues, usually where the heart muscle starts to thicken. If a Korat is diagnosed with HCM, a heart scan or cardiac work-up may be required. 

Overall, Korats are healthy cats, but it is important to be aware of potential issues that may arise. The best way to keep on top of your Korats health is regular vet visits to ensure that they are happy, healthy and firing on all cylinders. Of course, pet insurance is essential for any animal to help with unexpected health conditions. 

Caring for a Korat cat 

A Korat cat is not too far removed from looking after a standard moggy cat. In fact, their care does not differ at all. The main difference would be to offer them plenty of mental stimulation as they are super clever little creatures. 

Let’s take a look at the other care that is important for a Korat cat: 

Grooming:  

On the whole, the coat of a Korat is fairly low-maintenance, especially when we compare it to a long-haired moggy. Korats have a silky, short, double coat that does not require daily brushing. However, an odd brush now and then will help to get rid of dead skin and fur. 

As standard, it is important to regularly check your cats’ eyes and ears to ensure that they are free from dirt and discharge. Eyes can be cleaned to prevent sores and tear staining, but if you think your cat’s ears are particularly dirty, it may be better to speak to your veterinary practice. 

It is important to check your Korat’s claws to ensure that they are not overgrown or digging into the pawpad. It may be useful to have some cat nail clippers at home, or your veterinary practice would be able to clip the nails for you. 

Exercise and mental stimulation:  

As previously stated, Korats are playful, active and intelligent, making it super important to provide them with plenty of exercise opportunities and mental stimulation. 

Korats will enjoy interactive play sessions throughout the day, so balls, toys and feather wands help them to burn lots of energy and keep them fit. Cat trees and perches also allow them to climb and perch, as cats feel safer when up high. 

Being highly intelligent, Korats like a challenge in order to prevent boredom-based behaviour. You can work a Korat’s brain by giving them treat-dispensing puzzles, teaching them new tricks and rotating their toys to keep things new and fresh. 

Diet and nutrition:  

As with any cat, proper nutrition is essential in keeping Korat’s full of beans. A balanced diet provides Korat’s with heaps of energy, supports growth and keeps them happy and healthy. A complete diet in either wet or dry forms offers a balanced nutritional content for our cats. 

Foods that are high in protein are best for most cats, offering them plenty of opportunity to benefit from arginine and taurine. These are products that are essential for cats to remain healthy, as they cannot produce them within their bodies – they are solely obtained from the diet. 

As with any animal, fresh water should always be available. 

Socialisation:  

Korats are loyal, super affectionate and obsessed with their owners. They form strong bonds with both people, other cats and even dogs. In fact, they are so in-tune with their owners that they are often described as “velcro cats”, as they always like to be close to their families. 

Of course, every cat has their own personality and some may be more subdued than others. It is important to socialise them with a variety of different situations from a young age to avoid problems in the future. 

Due to their unique attachment style, Korats can struggle if they are left alone for long periods of time, so bear this in mind before committing. 

Do Korats make good pets? 

Yes, to put it simply, Korats make fantastic pets. They could even be seen as ‘mini dogs’ as they are highly intelligent and interactive with their owners. They would make a brilliant family pet that kids can also get involved with and also receive a lot of love in return. 

Plus, there is not any real difference between a Korat and a standard cat – the same care applies. It’s always best to have one litter tray per cat, plus an extra one. For example, if you have 2 cats, 3 litter trays should be provided. Food and water bowls should be placed separately and ideally located away from toileting areas. For more information, the RSPCA offers a wealth of information for cat owners. 

Final thoughts on Korats 

If you are looking for a feline friend who is devoted, playful and intelligent, then a Korat could make the perfect companion for you. They do really well in a home environment and love their families. 

On the whole, they are generally low maintenance and stunning in appearance. It is important to remember before you bring any pet home that you carry out plenty of research and ensure that you can provide them with the love and attention that they deserve.