Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/korat-cat-info/

Ever heard of a Korat cat? A silvery-blue beauty hailing from Thailand, it is an ancient breed that appears in a book about cats as far back as Thailand’s Ayudhya period (1350-1767). In it, the Korat or Si-Sawat, as it’s also known, is described as a feline responsible for bringing good fortune. They were never sold, but a pair of them was considered a favored gift. Today’s modern Korats have roots stemming all the way back to Thailand.

Oldest Cat Breeds

There is a story about a pair of Korats named Nara and Darra that were brought to the States in 1959. They arrived with a couple who were given the striking felines after retiring from U.S. Foreign Service in Thailand. In 1967, Korats were recognized as an official breed by the Cat Fanciers Association. Since then, all cat registries have come to recognize the silky-coated kitty cats.

Korat Likes & Dislikes

The breed is said to adore attention and thinks of him or herself as being in charge, whether over other pets or the people in their immediate circle. When at home, you can expect them to be all up in your business. From simple tasks like washing dishes or paying bills, they’re never far off, and they don’t particularly cotton to being left alone. They don’t care for loud noises or a lot of commotion, either.

A gentle cat that enjoys snuggling, they are affectionate with their humans and calm with children, making them a good choice for homes with kids.

Siamese Cousins

Korats are less vocal than their distant Siamese cousins, but they have no problem expressing themselves verbally and through body language. In other words, they’ll let you know if they don’t approve of what you’re doing or how you’re doing it. They’re also known for their quiet, happy chirps indicating their pleasure, which are absolutely the cutest little vocalizations imaginable.

Intelligent Cat Breeds

But Korats aren’t simply nosy snuggle bugs that have to be in your face every waking moment. The breed is also energetic, playful, and highly intelligent. Some Korat owners have taught their cats tricks, so you might want to provide them with puzzle toys that will stimulate their senses and reward them for their cleverness if you get one.

Korat Characteristics

As stated, they’re known for their gorgeous blue-gray coat tinged with silver. Their eyes have been described as a luminous peridot green in mature cats (2 to 4 years of age), but kittens have an amber to golden-green shade which gradually changes color. As far as build, they are a medium-sized feline with a muscular yet compact bodies weighing between 6 to 10 pounds.

With an average lifespan of 15 years, the breed is slow to mature and may not reach its full physical and emotional development until the age of 5, so be prepared for those adolescent years to be lengthier than with other breeds.

If you’re considering getting a Korat cat as a pet, check with rescues dedicated to the breed in your state, because they do exist.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog