Korat

Mature Korats are known for their luminous green eyes, as well as a keen sense of hearing, sight and scent, although they can also be sensitive to noise and show handling.

Korats form an exceptionally strong bond of affection with their owners and respond well to affection. They socialize well with other cats, but tend to prefer a leadership role especially for the attention of owners.

They have been cherished for centuries in their native Thailand, where they are considered a symbol of good fortune. Korats are also recommended for people with pet allergies or households with children.

The earliest known picture of a Korat cat can be found in the ancient book of paintings and verses known as The Cat-Book Poems in Bangkok's National Library. It is believed by the Fine Arts Department, a division of Thailand's Ministry of Education, to have been produced some time during the Ayudhya Period of Siamese History (1350-1767).

A more recent version known as The Book of the Cat, also in the National Museum, is a twentieth century rendition of cats and their accompanying verses showing the Korat among the "Good Luck" cats.

King Rama V is said to have named the breed for it's region of origin, Korat. Today in Thailand, the Korats are generally referred to as the Si-Sawat cats (see-sah-waht), and are found in many different provinces.

Korats can be identified by a uniform color of silver-blue, with soft and close-lying coats.

In 1959, the first known pair of Korats (Nara and Darra), were imported into the United States. The Korats were accepted for competition in the CFA championship category in 1966.

Pricing on Korats usually depends on type, applicable markings and blood lines distinguished by Grand Champion (GC), National, National Breed and/or Regional winning parentage (NW, BW, RW) or of Distinguished Merit parentage (DM). The DM title is achieved by the dam (mother) having produced five CFA grand champion/premier (alter) or DM offspring, or sire (father) having produced fifteen CFA grand champion/premier or DM offspring. Usually breeders make kittens available between twelve and sixteen weeks of age.

Keeping such a rare treasure indoors, neutering or spaying, and providing acceptable surfaces like scratching posts are essentials for maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life.