Korat

Korat Cat Breed Introduction

The Korat is another ancient breed of cat from the Far East, this time from Thailand, where the breed is also called the Si-Sawat.

Korat Behavior/Personality

Source: Cat Fanciers Association's breed profile

Korats are generally thought to be warm and cuddly, active but gentle.

Korat Breed Standard/Physical Description

Here are some facts on the Korat breed based on the Cat Fanciers Association's breed standard.

• Head: heartshaped
• Ears: set high on head, large, with a rounded tip and large flare at base,
• Eyes: large
• Body: Broad chested , muscular
• Legs: well-proportioned to body, front legs slightly shorter than back legs
• Paws: oval, Toes: five in front and four behind
• Tail: medium in length, tapering to a rounded tip
• Coat: short in length, glossy and fine

Korat History

Source: Cat Fanciers Association's breed profile

The oldest known picture of one of a Korat cat dates to the Ayudhya Period (1350-1767). The picture is in The Cat-Book Poems in the National Library at Bangkok. Why is the breed named "Korat?" It was named by a king for the province from which the cat is said to have originated. King Rama V (1869-1910) commissioned Somdej Phra Buddhacharn Buddhasarmahathera, a monk, to create a new copy of The Cat-Book Poems. King Rama admired the picture of the Korat cat, and named the cat for the province when told where it was from.

Today in Thailand, Korats are called Si-Sawat. The first Korats known to have been brought to the United States were Nara and Darra, who came in 1959.