Korat

Thailand · centuries old

Silver-blue good-luck cat — devoted, a bit possessive

SizeMedium6–10 lb
Life span10–15 years
CoatShort
Typical price$1,000–$2,000

Korats are an ancient Thai breed with a silver-tipped blue coat, a heart-shaped face and large green eyes. In Thailand they are considered good-luck cats.

At a glance

EnergyActive
Cuddlylikes touch and being heldLap & hugs
TalkativeSome talk
GroomingMinimal
SheddingLow
With kidsOK with kids
With petsOK
Alone timehow long they’re happy aloneNeeds company

Life with a Korat

They bond intensely with their family and want to be involved. They are playful and smart but can be bossy with other pets, and they dislike loud noise and sudden change.

Great for
  • Calm homes
  • People who want a devoted one-family cat
  • Adults and older kids
Think twice if
  • A loud, busy household
  • You’re away a lot
  • You want a cat for a home full of pets
Care tips
  • Minimal grooming: a weekly rub.
  • Daily play.
  • Keep routines steady.

Health

GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis, fatal inherited diseases, occur in the breed; good breeders test for both.

Ask the breeder for
  • GM1 gangliosidosis DNA test
  • GM2 gangliosidosis DNA test
Typical US price$1,000–$2,000
RegistriesCFA · TICAAsk for both parents’ papers

Prices are rough ranges from registered breeders and vary by line, color and region. A much cheaper “purebred” kitten is a common scam sign.

See Korat kittens

Similar breeds

Russian BlueIndependent · QuietBurmeseActive · Very cuddlyTonkineseActive · Very cuddly
Compare with similar breeds

Sources: breed standards and profiles from CFA and TICA, DNA tests listed by the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, and veterinary breed profiles.