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Cats can often be much more unique than they may appear. Think for a moment about all of the solid gray cats out there.
There are so many breeds that can come in this coloring, from the Russian Blue to the Norwegian Forest Cat, and particularly the Korat. Because there are so many, it’s important to learn about what their personalities bring to the table, and the Korat has a unique personality indeed.
What’s the nature of the breed?
This is a breed that is perfect for those who are seeking a social cat. Korats love their chosen people immensely, and will happily follow you just about anywhere you go.
Furthermore, Korats are intelligent, so whatever behaviors they are rewarded for, they will pick up on. Because of that, it’s important to be careful while training them.
Origin and history of the breed
Cats have been living alongside us for a long time, and they have proven themselves to be useful hunters and delightful companions.
Through the creation of so many different breeds, humans have found ways to isolate the physical and mental traits they enjoy the most within their feline friends. It’s because of this that personalities of cats like the Korat have become so pronounced.
Check out the video below for more information about Korat Cats:
For those who are fans of ancient breeds, the Korat dates back to Thailand as early as the 1300s. At the time of their creation, they were considered fantastic gifts to provide to those who are important to you.
While they are thought to be similar to the Siamese cats many of us are familiar with, this breed is one that tends to be more quiet and possessive. They made their way to the United States around 1959, and have been enjoyed by American people ever since.
Physical standards of the breed
Health and possible diseases
Understanding the health of the breed you’re interested in is a key part of making sure you’re choosing the breed that is ideal for you.
When it comes to the Korat cat, there are some issues to be aware of. Namely, these include an illness known as gangliosidosis, which we’ll cover in the “s” section below.
Complications can occur in this breed with regard to anesthesia. Korats tend to have less body fat than other breeds, so it’s important for any vet to account for this when they need to administer it.
As mentioned earlier, this breed is prone to two different types of gangliosidosis, both GM1 and GM2. This is an illness that can be fatal, but it’s also one that can be tested for.
Because of that, cats that carry genes related to the illness can avoid being used in the breeding process. If you choose to work with a breeder, make sure these tests have been performed to ensure any kitten you adopt is healthy.
Grooming
The Korat is known for a short coat, so you won’t need to worry too much about tangling or matting. Brushing him a couple times a week will work perfectly well.
Aside from that, you’ll just need to stay on top of other basics like nail trimming, ear cleaning and brushing teeth.
Height and size
These are medium-sized cats, which will typically reach heights of somewhere between 10 and 12 inches.
Korat cats rest somewhere in the middle between the largest and smallest of the breeds. Many find that the breed is a pretty standard size when compared to others.
Weight
As a cat of medium size, the Korat can potentially weigh anywhere from 6-10lbs.
Activeness
The Korat isn’t a couch potato, but they do love to snuggle. This is a great cat for playing with and teaching tricks, as they are a particularly intelligent breed as well as energetic.
Hypoallergenic
While Korat cats aren’t hypoallergenic, their short coats can mean that those who suffer from allergies may have a less difficult time around them.
Lifespan
For the most part, members of this breed can live to be around 15 years old. However, some can make it to 20 years old, or older, with good health and the right care.
Caring Difficulty
As long as they come from healthy parents, Korats aren’t typically difficult cats to care for. With quality basic care, they will often be quite happy and healthy.
Where to get a Korat Cat
The first stop for those who are looking for a show-worthy purebred Korat is a breeder. It’s important to make sure that any kitten you adopt as well as their family line have clean bills of health.
This is something that is important in any cat, but especially when avoiding the fatal illnesses that can occur in this breed.
If you are just looking for a pet at home, then checking animal shelters for members of the breed is a good idea. There are many cats out there in need of loving families.
How much does a Korat Cat cost?
You have a couple of options when it comes to adopting a Korat. If you look through shelters, you may be able to find a Korat or Korat mix for a lower cost. In addition, these cats are often spayed or neutered, checked out by a vet and have received their initial shots.
For those seeking something purebred from a breeder, it’s worth keeping in mind that the cost can range from around $500 to $700 or more. It’s really going to depend on the cat’s age and level of showing quality, as well as their temperament.
Choosing the right type of Korat Cat
Due to the uniform appearance of Korat cats, you’ll have to learn more about the personality of a given cat in order to determine whether or not it is going to be the right fit for your home. It’s worthwhile to consider whether your home is going to be a good match for a specific cat.
Do you have other family members living with you? Children? Dogs? Other cats? When you’ve answered these questions, you’ll need to determine whether your current family will be friendly to the cat, and vice-versa. This can give you a good idea as to how all of your family members will mesh together.
In addition, consider how well you get along with the cat. It’s no exaggeration that cats can often be the ones to do the adopting, rather than the other way around. If they seem attached to someone in your home, that’s usually a good start.
Responsibilities to consider in the care of a Korat Cat
What do they require?
The most important aspect of getting a Korat cat will be in making sure they have a clean bill of health. From there, they really only need regular brushing, plenty of attention and space to run and climb.
Do they need a certain level of care and attention?
The Korat likes to be involved in what their people are doing. Some can find them to be somewhat possessive when it comes to their family.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that if you are one of the Korat’s family members, he’s unlikely to leave your side often. You’ll have a buddy just about anywhere you go.
Characteristics of Korat Cat
Behavior
Korats are loving and attentive to their people and are likely to stick around you most of the time. They are also known to be gentle and relatively quiet, though they may emit small meows from time to time.
Pattern
Typically, Korat cats are solidly colored. Often, that coloring will move from darker gray to a silvery sheen at the tip of each hair. Aside from that, they aren’t known to have other markings like the tabby or Siamese points.
Affectionate
These cats are typically affectionate, but mostly with their chosen people. They may be willing to enjoy some affection from others, but their primary focus will be on specific family members.
Dog/child-friendly
While the Korat is okay with dogs and children who are cat-friendly, they tend to prefer the company of other cats, especially other members of their breed, as well as their chosen humans.
Intelligence
The Korat is an intelligent cat, capable of learning tricks. It’s also a breed that enjoys exploring and checking out whatever you’re doing at a given time.
Energy
These cats have a decent amount of energy, but they aren’t extremely hyper. Making sure there are places for them to explore and climb is a good idea. Puzzle Cat toys can also help to keep them happy.
Maintenance
Due to their short fur and hardy nature, these cats aren’t typically high-maintenance pets. Just make sure they have the basics they need and give them lots of love, and you’ll surely have a happy cat in your home.
Types of Korat Cats
Korat cats typically only come in one type. This also means that purebred members also only come in one color and pattern, whereas other breeds may have a variety of patterns or colors.
The Korat is a cat known for one color in particular. They tend to have sort, blue-gray fur with silver tips.
In addition to coming in one color, the Korat also tends to be a solid color only. Most members of the breed don’t have stripes, spots or points like other breeds.
Korat Cats compared to other Breeds
The personality of the Korat is what makes it a unique breed. This is a cat that can be possessive of certain family members and enjoys nearly constant companionship from those people.
Korats aren’t quite as independent as some other breeds, but they are quiet and unlikely to cause to much trouble wherever they follow you.
Conclusion
Overall, the Korat is a breed that can fit well into homes with owners who have the time for them, or at least can provide them a cat sibling or two so that they can stay entertained.
It’s also a suitable breed for smaller households and those with older children who are gentle with cats. There’s no denying that this is a great breed with a lot to offer.