The Korat, a symbol of good fortune from Thailand, with its piercing green eyes.
The Blue Happiness of the Korat
The Korat is an ancient and revered cat breed, originating from Thailand, where it is considered a symbol of good fortune. Its Thai name, 'Si-Sawat', means 'color of the sea' or 'color of prosperity'. This cat is recognizable by its unique shimmering silver-blue coat, its compact and muscular body, and especially its heart-shaped head.
The Korat's piercing green eyes, which appear blue at birth and change with age, add to its mysterious charm. Valued for its intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature, the Korat is a devoted companion that forms deep bonds with its family.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on October 14, 2025.
My personal tip : The Korat's short, single coat requires minimal grooming; weekly brushing is sufficient to maintain its shine. This is a very intelligent and curious cat that has a great need for mental stimulation. Offer interactive toys and problem-solving games. The Korat is extremely loyal and affectionate, often bonding strongly with one person, but it can be sensitive to loud noises and loneliness. If you are often away, consider getting it a companion. Ensure a calm and enriching environment for its well-being.
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Identifying the Korat: Key Characteristics
The heart-shaped face and unique coat color are distinctive marks of the Korat.
The Korat is a medium-sized cat, with a robust and compact, yet elegant body, often described as 'cobby'. Its overall appearance is characterized by smooth curves and huge eyes.
Size: Medium-sized cat, with a robust and compact body.
Coat: Short, fine, single-layered, blue-gray with silver tips giving a shimmering appearance. Blue is the only recognized color, although kittens may have 'ghost tabby markings' that disappear.
Head: Heart-shaped when viewed from the front, with eyebrows forming the top curves and the sides of the face completing the shape.
Eyes: Large, luminous, round or almond-shaped, generally green or greenish-amber in adulthood (blue at birth, eye color change can take 2-4 years).
Ears: Large, wide at the base with rounded tips, very mobile.
Tail: Medium length, tapering towards the tip, with a thick base and a rounded end.
Dimensions et Informations Clés (Korat)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Size (at shoulder)
25 – 30 cm
20 – 25 cm
20 – 30 cm
Weight
4.5 – 5.5 kg
2.7 – 4 kg
2.7 – 5.5 kg
Life Expectancy
10 – 15 years
10 – 15 years
10 – 15 years
Diet
Strict carnivore
Strict carnivore
High-quality kibble and wet food
Litter Size (kittens)
-
Variable
Generally 4-6
These figures indicate that the Korat is a medium-sized cat with a compact and robust silhouette.
Behavior: Loyal, Intelligent, and Sensitive
The Korat is an ancient cat breed originating from Thailand, revered for its shimmering blue-grey coat and piercing green eyes, often considered to bring good luck. Beyond its serene beauty, the Korat is a cat with a temperament of exceptional loyalty and remarkable intelligence. It is deeply attached to its owners and seeks constant interaction, often bonding with one or two specific family members.
These cats are known for their calm and discreet nature, yet they are also very playful and curious, enjoying interactive games that stimulate their minds. The Korat is sensitive to loud noises and sudden changes, preferring a peaceful and stable environment. Its affection is deep, and it loves to snuggle up to its humans for cuddles. Its sociability and devotion can be reminiscent of the Burmese, another Asian breed deeply attached to its family.
The Korat gets along well with older children and other calm animals, provided they are introduced properly. Its voice is soft and melodious, rarely insistent. If you are drawn to an elegant, intelligent, and unfailingly loyal cat, the Korat is an excellent choice. Its compact appearance and short coat may recall the Chartreux or the British Shorthair, although the Korat is more slender. For those who appreciate cats with unique physical traits, the Scottish Fold offers a distinct originality, while the Oriental provides a sleek silhouette and great communicativeness.
Origin and Adaptability
The history of the Korat is one of the oldest among cat breeds, mentioned in Thailand's "Cat-Book Poems" (Smud Khoi), a 14th-century manuscript that describes 'good luck cats'. The Korat was traditionally given as a gift to newlyweds for good luck and prosperity, and was rarely sold. It did not arrive in the United States until 1959, and then in the UK in 1972, and remains a relatively rare breed outside of Thailand even today.
The Korat is an adaptable cat that can live in an apartment, provided it receives plenty of attention, play, and stimulation. However, it is sensitive to noisy environments and prefers a calm atmosphere. Its fine coat also makes it sensitive to cold, so it favors warm and comfortable interiors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Korat
What is unique about the Korat's coat?
The Korat is exclusively blue-gray with silver tips on each hair, giving it a shimmering appearance and a 'halo' effect. It has only a single layer of fur, unlike many other breeds.
What is the shape of the Korat's head?
The Korat is the only cat breed with a distinctly heart-shaped head when viewed from the front, with the eyebrows forming the top curves of the heart.
What is the temperament of the Korat?
The Korat is an intelligent, playful, very affectionate, and loyal cat. It is sociable, vocal, and forms strong bonds with its family, but it can be sensitive to noise and loneliness.
Is the Korat prone to specific health problems?
The Korat is generally a healthy breed, but it can be predisposed to rare genetic problems like GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis (a fatal neurological disease for which DNA tests exist), as well as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and periodontal disease.
What is the life expectancy of a Korat?
The average life expectancy of a Korat typically ranges between 10 and 15 years, but with good care, some individuals can live up to nearly 20 years.
