Korat

Temperament

The Korat is a cat that considers itself head of the household. It is deeply attached to its people and its home, likes to be pampered and kept close, and is remarkably bright. It can open a cabinet with its paw, solves puzzle toys and quickly learns what words mean. It communicates with a variety of sounds and expressive facial expressions. It enjoys playing but is not hyperactive. It can be wary of strangers, which may come across as aloofness. It likes quiet and predictability, and a loud, busy household wears it out. The most important practical trait: a Korat often wants to be the only pet in the home. VCA rates it low for compatibility with dogs and children, and it can be territorial and bossy toward other cats. Purina recommends it for experienced owners rather than families.

Energy

calmvery energetic

Affection

independentvelcro pet

With children

not idealgreat

With other pets

difficultgreat

Trainability

stubborneager to learn

For first-time owners

for experienced ownersyes

With strangers

waryoutgoing

Playfulness

dignifiedeternal puppy

Shedding

minimalheavy

Grooming

easydemanding

Being left alone

strugglescopes well

Apartment living

needs a house and yardgreat in a flat

Talkativeness

quietchatterbox

Indoor-only life

needs outdoor accessgreat

Scores of 1–5 compare the breed with other breeds of the same species, based on the sources at the bottom of the page. Every animal is different. How we score traits

Who is the Korat for?

The Korat suits experienced owners, singles and couples in a quiet apartment who want one very devoted cat and spend a lot of time at home. It is not a good choice for a family with young children, a home with a dog or someone planning to keep several cats. People who work long hours away from home would do better with a more independent breed.

Size and looks

Care and exercise

Grooming a Korat is minimal: the short, close-lying coat has no undercoat, so a weekly once-over with a soft brush or rubber grooming glove is enough. The cat barely sheds. Its mental needs matter much more. A Korat needs a calm home, daily play and challenges to occupy its clever mind: puzzle toys, learning tricks for treats, treats hidden around the home. The breed matures slowly, reaching full maturity at around five years old, and the eye color changes from amber to green between the ages of two and four. Because Korats can be possessive toward other animals, think carefully before bringing home a second cat and introduce it very slowly. Food portions are best worked out with your vet.

Health and breed-related conditions

The Korat is considered a generally healthy breed. The best-documented inherited diseases are GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis, storage diseases in which abnormal substances build up in nerve cells, leading to progressive neurological problems. Purina stresses that they are rare in the breed, and an available DNA test lets breeders avoid mating carriers. Atherosclerosis, a disease rarely seen in cats, has also been described in some Korats. When buying a kitten, ask for the parents’ test results and the vaccination record. Purina gives a lifespan of 10–15 years, VCA 9–15 years.

• GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosisInherited storage diseases of the nervous system; rare in the breed, but a DNA test is available.
• atherosclerosisCases of atherosclerosis, which is rare in cats, have been described in some Korats.

This is general breed information, not a diagnosis. If something worries you, talk to your veterinarian.

Breed history

The Korat is one of the oldest cat breeds. The Thai “Tamra Maew” (“Cat Book Poems”), written during the Ayutthaya period (1350–1767), depicts it among 17 cats that bring good luck. The name comes from the province of Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), and the breed itself from the area around Phimai. In Thailand, Korats were traditionally given as gifts to newlyweds, and there they are called si sawat. In the late 19th century, they appeared in Britain as “blue Siamese.” The breed’s real history in the West began in 1959, when Jean Johnson brought two Korats to the US. Later, Daphne Negus imported more cats from Thailand, widening the gene pool. The CFA granted the breed championship status in 1966.

Fun facts

• In Thailand, Korats were traditionally given to newlyweds as good luck cats.
• Kittens have amber eyes, and the adult green color appears only at 2–4 years of age.
• The Korat was the mascot of the 2007 Southeast Asian Games.
• The first two Korats arrived in the US in 1959.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. 1CFA – Korat breed profilecfa.org
2. 2VCA Animal Hospitals – Koratvcahospitals.com
3. 3Purina UK – Koratpurina.co.uk
4. 4Wikipedia – Koraten.wikipedia.org
5. 5FIFe – Recognised breedsfifeweb.org
6. 6WCF – Breed standards shorthairwcf.de

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.