With a winning combination of silver blue fur tipped with silver, and large, luminous green eyes, who would argue at the Korat being called lucky? Certainly nobody in Thailand would argue about that, where the breed has been esteemed for centuries.
Did you know that in Thailand, a pair of blue Korats is often presented to a bride as a symbol of good fortune and to bring happiness to the marriage.
History
Although found in all parts of Thailand, the Korat takes its name from one particular province. The earliest picture of this elegant cat, also known as the Si-Sawat, was found in a book of paintings in Bangkok’s National library. It is believed to have been painted during the Ayudhya period of Siamese history.
At this time the first pair, Nara and Darra, arrived in the USA in 1959, the blue coat of the Korat was spotted with white and the tail was kinked, both traits considered unacceptable for showing. Through diligent breeding, these defects have now disappeared and the Korat was accepted for championship showing in the USA in 1966 and in Britain in 1975.
Description
The muscular, supple body of the Korat is semi cobby, neither compact nor svelte, with males being heavier than females. The chest is broad and the back curved. The head is heart shaped and very broad across the eyes, unlike any other breed. The eyebrow ridges from the upper curves of the heart and the sides of the face curve gently down to the chin to complete this attractive shape. The chin and jaw are strong and well developed. In profile, the nose has a downward curve just above the leather, which is dark blue or lavender. The large ears have rounded tips and a wide flare at the base. They are set high on the head, giving an impression of alertness.
The prominent eyes are large and luminous green with extraordinary depth and brilliance. They may be yellow or amber with a green tinge around the pupil in young animals, but they change color as the cat matures. It may take up to four years before the green is fully developed. The eyes are well rounded when fully open, and slightly slanted when closed or partly closed.
The slender legs should be in good proportion to the body, the front legs being shorter than the back. The paws are oval with pinkish lavender pads, and the medium length tail has rounded tip. Although some associations allow a kink in the tail, which can be felt but is not visible, others will disqualify the cat for this.
The short, single coat is glossy and fine, lying close to the body. The coat is inclined to part, or break, over the spine as the cat moves. Grooming is easy, and regular combing will remove dead hair and minimize the possibility of hairballs forming. For a glossy shine, simply wipe over with a silk cloth or a damp chamois.
Varieties
The korat comes only in blue. The coat is a solid silvery blue, each hair being tipped with silver, which should be sufficient to produce a halo effect. Where the coat is short, the silver shine is intensified. There should be no tabby markings.
Temperament
These gentle cats love to romp, but dislike loud, sudden noises. They are calm and sweet natured and enjoy human company, particularly children, and love to be stroked and petted. Their senses of sight, smell and hearing are thought to be unusually acute and they are excellent hunters.
In Thailand, a wedding gift of a pair of Korats brings good fortune and happiness.
There is no doubt that the Korat has been known for several hundred years. It is one of the distinctive Thai cats (alongside the Siamese and Burmese) described and illustrated in the 16th century or earlier cat books of poems manuscript in the national library in Bangkok. A verse on the Korat reads :
“The hairs are smooth with roots like cluds and tips like silver. The eyes shine like dewdrops on a lotus leaf.”
A distinctive feature of the Korat is its coat. It shows a subtle silvery tipping.
It is not surprising that the Korats captured the attention of American soldiers serving in Thailand, and the first was imported into the United States in 1959 (they reached Britain in 1972). The breed attained championship status in America in 1966. The Korat cat fanciers’ association was founded in 1965 with the declaration : “The korat is silver bluw from birth to death. It can exist in no other color. If any other color should occur it would automatically cease to be a Korat.”
The Korat’s heart shaped face is typical, so is the luminous green of its eyes, and the way in which they are round and prominent when open, but appear slanted when closed.
Nevertheless, it appeared that the original imports were not as pure as originally thought, and that a recessive dilute gene might result in the occasional lilac, blue point or lilac point kitten. These have been names as the Thai Lilac and Thai pointed variations.
The Thai Lilac recessive genetic traits found in the Blue Korat.
The Korat is a medium sized, lithe and muscular cat, and the females are daintier than the males. The most distinguishing features are the large green eyes set in a heart shaped face and the silvery sheen of the coat.
Korat Cat breed information
Coat – short to medium length, thick, silky, no undercoar
Eyes – round, large, luminous, prominent, green – color changes during the course of the cat’s early years
Other features- quietly vocal
Grooming – easy, regular brushing and combing
Temperament – loving, very playful
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