Korat

Thailand’s Silver-Blue Good Luck Cat

🐾 Korat: Thailand’s Silver-Blue Good Luck Cat 🐾

With its shimmering silver-blue coat, heart-shaped face, and brilliant green eyes, the Korat is one of the world’s oldest and most revered cat breeds. Believed to bring good fortune, this elegant yet playful cat is cherished in its native Thailand as a living symbol of prosperity, love, and happiness.

🇹🇭 Origins and History

The Korat is deeply woven into Thailand’s history and folklore. Known in Thai as the “Si-Sawat” cat, the breed is named after the Korat province where it was first recorded centuries ago.

References to the Korat appear in the Tamra Maew (Cat-Book Poems), a collection of ancient manuscripts dating back more than 600 years. These texts describe the Korat as a silver-blue cat believed to bring good luck to its owners—so much so that Korats were traditionally given in pairs to newlyweds to bless their marriage.

Although the breed remained exclusive to Thailand for centuries, the first Korats were brought to the United States in the 1950s and soon gained recognition for their striking beauty and devoted personality.

🐈 Appearance

The Korat is renowned for its distinctive silvery coat and vivid green eyes, which create an almost ethereal look.

Key features:

  • Medium-sized, muscular but graceful build—surprisingly solid for its size.
  • Short, single coat with a blue-silver sheen and shimmering tips.
  • Large, luminous green eyes (sometimes amber in young cats that deepen with age).
  • Heart-shaped face with a broad forehead, prominent eyes, and large ears.
  • Tapered body with a semi-cobby shape—well-balanced, agile, and athletic.

Unlike some breeds, Korats only come in one natural color: silver-blue.

😻 Personality and Temperament

The Korat is as cherished for its lively and loving temperament as it is for its looks.

Why people love them:

  • Highly affectionate and people-oriented, Korats bond deeply with their family.
  • Intelligent and curious, they quickly learn routines and love interactive toys.
  • Playful but not hyperactive, they enjoy active play but also calm cuddle time.
  • Quiet and soft-spoken, but will “talk” with gentle chirps or trills.
  • Loyal and protective—they often choose a favorite person and follow them everywhere!

Korats do best in households where they receive plenty of attention—they don’t like to be ignored for long.

🧼 Care and Grooming

The Korat’s sleek coat and robust health make them easy to care for.

Care tips:

  • Weekly brushing helps remove loose hairs and keeps their coat shiny.
  • Routine nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care.
  • Provide interactive toys, puzzle feeders, or climbing trees to keep their active minds busy.
  • Keep them indoors only to protect their trusting nature and stunning coat.

They are generally healthy but can carry a genetic condition called gangliosidosis (GM1 and GM2)—responsible breeders screen for this.

Korat
Did You Know:

In Thailand, Korats are considered so lucky that they’re still given as special wedding gifts or housewarming presents—never sold but always bestowed as a blessing.

🏡 Ideal Home

Korats thrive in loving, calm households where they are truly part of the family.

Perfect for:

  • Singles, couples, or families who want an affectionate, interactive companion.
  • Homes where someone is around much of the day.
  • Families with respectful children or other pets—Korats can bond well with other cats or cat-friendly dogs.
  • Owners who want a low-maintenance but emotionally rich feline friend.

The Korat is a stunning blend of silvery beauty, intelligence, and loyalty. With its shimmering coat, heart-shaped face, and gentle spirit, this ancient breed brings elegance, charm, and a touch of Thai legend to any home.