Wednesday, April 13, 2016

A-Z: Korat



vetstreet.com
The Korat is a rare and beautiful short hair that is one of the oldest breeds of cats. It is mentioned in Thailand's book of Cat Poems written between 1350 and 1767 A.D and its ancestors could be found in the jungles of the Malay Peninsula. They were and still are considered good luck.
The Korat cat belonged to the common people. New brides were given a pair of these beauties to insure a happy marriage.
This cat has a silver-blue coat with a silver edging. Its eyes are emerald, large and luminous. The ears are rounded, the face heart-shaped. It has a medium build. His/her coat is short, fine to the touch and lays close to the body. Korats are intelligent and social. Like dogs, they love to fetch.
This kitty is related to the Siamese but considerably less vocal. It is dog and child friendly, and adaptable. The Korat is prone to obesity and GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis, a fatal genetic defect. Its average life span is between ten and fifteen years of age.
These cats are rare even in their homeland. If you decide you want one please check petfinder.com or your local rescue.

44 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sad a breed that old is now rare. Looks a little like a Russian Blue.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

You'd want to keep him active so he didn't get fat. Pretty cat.

Stephanie Faris said...

Pretty eyes--but a little scary, too! I wouldn't want to see those eyes in the middle of the night in the dark.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I had a vet ask me if my old cat "Dog" was a Korat. I explained he was a Russian Blue, another breed the vet had never seen before. That's when I learned about these rare beauties. I am super impressed with this one, probably because I have actually heard of them. It's a stunning cat.

Sandra Cox said...

It sure does look like a Russian Blue, Alex, and yes it is sad:(

Sandra Cox said...

Yes indeed. He'd do well at your house;)

Sandra Cox said...

Cats eyes do have a luminescence in the dark that can be unnerving until you recognize them.

Sandra Cox said...

I'm surprised he knew about Korats but not Russian Blues, since they are more common. Interesting.

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, dear Sandra!

The Korat is a stunning cat! As I told you before, I spent sixty years of my life paying little or no attention to cats because I favored dogs. I never stopped to look at and appreciate the body features, markings and bewitching eyes that cats possess. If I ever wanted to adopt a kitty, I think I would be a Korat even though its life span is not as long as that of other cats.

Thank you for the informative article, dear friend Sandra!

nashvillecats2 said...

This is one beauty of a cat sadly now rare for many to enjoy. Good post Sandra.
Yvonne.

Hailey and Zaphod and their Lady said...

What a beautiful cat!

Pat Garcia said...

I like the eyes. Very revealing.

Shalom,
Patricia @ EverythingMustChange

Janie Junebug said...

That's a beautiful kitty. Thanks for bringing the breed to our attention.

Love,
Janie

Susan A Eames said...

Another breed I've never heard of - he's gorgeous!

Susan A Eames from
Travel, Fiction and Photos

Elephant's Child said...

They are truly beautiful. They might have been given as a gift to the 'common' people but I suspect would now be too expensive for most. Which I am not against. Sadly I think most people value what they pay for more than they do the 'free'.

Sandra Cox said...

I'm sorry, Shady, but I really must question your response. How could you ignore cats for sixty years when you're only forty-nine? :)

Sandra Cox said...

It is disconcerting.
Thanks, Yvonne;)

Sandra Cox said...

You can see the inquisitiveness in their faces can't you? :)

Sandra Cox said...

Indeed:)

Sandra Cox said...

They sure are, Pat.

Shady Del Knight said...

Ancient Chinese secret! :)

Adam said...

if they're that rare, sounds like a karat might be less expensive

Valerie-Jael said...

What a beauty. You are really tempting me to find a new feline friend! Hugs, Valerie

Sandra Cox said...

My pleasure, Janie.

Sandra Cox said...

He is, isn't he, Susan.

da tabbies o trout towne said...

korats R awesum..... N when they iz wee kittenz; ther fotoz bee priceless !!! happee wednesday frum all oh uz in de land oh trout ♥♥♥

Sandra Cox said...

Too a point, I think that's true. But it's amazing how many purebreds end up outside to fend for themselves or in kill shelters.

Sandra Cox said...

Good one, Adam:)

Sandra Cox said...

I think you should.........Get those kids off the street. Grin.

Sandra Cox said...

Wouldn't they make the cutest little kittens? Though all kittens are cute:)
And a happy Wednesday to you too:)

Yolanda Renée said...

Oh, she's lovely! This is a favorite, so unique! Love the color, and those eyes!

Sandra Cox said...

Indeed. How are you feeling?

Liz A. said...

Beautiful cat.

Liz A. from
Laws of Gravity

Birgit said...

Omg...such a beautiful cat..love the coat. It what a shame that it's rare

Carrie-Anne said...

I love this breed! It has such beautiful coloring.

Welcome to My Magick Theatre
Onomastics Outside the Box

Elizabeth said...

That is a beautiful cat! If I got married, I would appreciate a bridal gift like that :)

Sandra Cox said...

It's a nice tradition isn't it?

Magic Love Crow said...

How precious! I love the tradition of getting two, when getting married! Hope everything is well Sandra! Hugs!

Sandra Cox said...

He/she sure is:)

Sandra Cox said...

I wonder why they are now so rare....

Sandra Cox said...

They look a lot like Russian Blues don't they?

Sandra Cox said...

Me too, Magic. I be fine. Hope you are.

shortybear said...

lovely cat

stefani said...

What a gorgeous cat!

Stefani | Dreams of Nyssa