The Korat cat (, ) is a silver-tipped blue-grey, short-haired breed of domestic cat with a small to medium build and a low percentage of body fat. Its body is semi-cobby, and unusually heavy for its size. It is an intelligent and playful active cat that forms strong bonds with people and is very vocal, with a sound different from other breeds. Among the Korat's distinguishing characteristics are its heart-shaped head, its large green eyes. Its front paws are shorter than the back paws.

The Korat is a natural breed, and one of the oldest stable cat breeds, and one of the very few that has not changed its appearance throughout centuries. Originating in Phimai, Thailand, it is named after its province of origin, Nakhon Ratchasima Province (typically called "Korat" by the Thai people). In Thailand, the breed is known as Si sawat, meaning "colour of the sawat seed".

Korats first appeared in the US in the 1950s. In 1959, Cedar Glen cattery was the first to import a pair of Korats to the US for breeding: a male named Nara and a female named Darra. It also requires genetic testing for gangliosidosis to be carried out to ensure that the breed remains free of this inherited disease which once existed in some Korat and Thai breeding lines.

The genes responsible for Pointeds and Lilacs were introduced into the Korat breed when new Korat breeding stock carrying the recessive genes was imported from Thailand. The first recorded Thai Lilac kitten was born to the Jenanca line in 1989, when "Jenanca Lilac Lillee" was born from two Korat parents in the U.K.. In 1990, Lillee's parents were re-mated with more lilac kittens resulting. A young male lilac was then born to another pair, also in the U.K., allowing more crossings without inbreeding too closely.

Atherosclerosis conditions, typically never seen in cats, similar to human atherosclerosis, were also seen in Korat cats. A genetic predisposition is assumed rather than an underlying condition or medical treatment for these conditions in the cats.

  • A Korat cat has served as a mascot for the 2007 Southeast Asian Games.

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File:Korat in cat show-cropped.JPG|Wang Kaang Raang, a female korat in Vantaa Cat Show, Finland.

File:Korat type bluepoint.jpg|Korat cat and Siamese cat Blue point

File:Entrance-phimai.jpg|The Korat is a natural breed, and one of the oldest stable cat breeds. Originating in Phimai temple, Nakhon Ratchasima province.

File:Yog-Hurt's Atlach-Nacha at Turok Cat Show.JPG|Korat Yog-Hurt's Atlach-Nacha at Turok Cat Show

File:KOR 1149.jpg|Show of The Korat Cat Association of Finland Loimaa 2010-09-26

File:Korat Family.jpg|Female Korat cat with a litter of kittens

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See also

  • List of cat breeds
  • Siamese cat
  • Thai cat
  • Suphalak

References

  • Koratworld the oldest pages dedicated to the breed.
  • Jardin des Korats ( CFA affiliated club)
  • Suomen Koratrengas r.y. (FIFe affiliated club in Finland)
  • TIMBA: The International Maew Boran Association