Korat

Korat

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Korats, or Si-Sawats, are stunning cats that originated in Thailand more than 900 years ago. Known for its silver-tipped blue-gray coat and heart-shaped face, this cat has won countless admirers for both its looks and personality. Thailand considers them a symbol of good luck.

Health
Personality
Lifetime Care

Breed Profile

Height

9-13

Inches

Weight

6-10 pound

Pounds

Life Span

10-15

Years

Health

health

Polycystic Kidney

Affects
20%
of cats

What is it?

Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary condition that can lead to kidney cyst degeneration and eventually kidney failure. One or both kidneys may be affected. Typically, signs of illness can appear between 7 and 10 years of age, although some cats can show signs much earlier.

Clinical Signs

  • Increased drinking & Urination

  • Diminished appetite

  • Weight Loss

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Lethargy

Treatment

Some treatments for this disease can include special diets, fluid therapy, and medications to help reduce nausea and vomiting and block the absorption of phosphorus. Ultrasound-guided drainage of the kidney cyst is an effective treatment for cats diagnosed with PKD, in addition to symptomatic and supportive treatments.

Eligible vet bill

$5,000

Reimbursement Rate

Amount a Spot accident & illness plan could cover*

$4,500

Your Net payment

$500

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*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://spotpet.com/spot-sample-policy.pdf for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.

Personality

Friendly & Loyal

The Korat is a very friendly cat breed

Playful

They are playful with the family

Affectionate

A Korat can be very affectionate towards their owners.

Lifetime Care

Coat

They have a single layer short coat that is shimmery

Colors

Korats have just one color, beautiful blue with silver-tipped fur that resembles a shimmery halo.

Hypoallergenic

No

Grooming

Korats have a shimmery coat of short fur that sheds very little, so brushing them lightly once a week will help keep them looking great.

Training

The Korat’s high intelligence can make them an easy breed to train

Thailand's Korat was discovered in Ampur Pimai of the Korat province. The first record of the Korat appears in The Cat-Book of Poems or Smud Khoi of Cats, produced during the Ayudhya Period (1350-1767). There are seventeen "good luck" cats in Thailand, including the Korat, and this book is currently on display at Bangkok's National Library.

The Korat is distinguished by its silver-tipped blue color, which gives them a shimmering appearance. It appears that their color absorbs light, creating this halo effect. Their coat is short, single, and close lying. Most people with cat hair allergies find their proximity tolerable since their hair doesn't shed much when stroked or petted. This breeds colors increase in shade from the roots to the tips, which are silver, until the shaft is a deeper blue. Their muzzles and toes are more likely to have silver tipping. Silver tipped blue is the only color available for the Korat. The Korat has a unique head structure based on a “heart shape. If you look closely, you’ll see that the Korat has five heart markings. Looking straight on at the Korat, you can see a Valentine-shaped heart on its head. The second heart is found by looking down over the top of the Korat's head, and the third heart is in the nose. When this cat is sitting, the fourth heart can be found in the muscular area of the chest. The most forgotten heart is the one inside the cat! Heart shapes can become more prominent as the Korat matures.

Korats have semi-cobby bodies that taper at the waist. Although they may not seem to be heavy, they are surprisingly large. They feel like a well-coiled spring! Round, well-developed, muscular shoulders carry the bulk of the weight towards their front. They have a short and heavy neck connected to a broad chest, with shoulders that are somewhat wider than their chests. Korats possess extraordinary hearing, sight, and smell abilities. It is common for them to form strong bonds with their owners, and they respond warmly to cuddling and sitting as close as they can. In play, they are very active, but are gentle with children as well.

Korat: Introduction to the Breed

You will have to make some significant decisions in your family's life when it comes to owning a pet. Prior to purchasing a new cat, you should take the time to research the available breeds and determine which one is going to be most suitable for your family and lifestyle. Consider what characteristics you would like to see in a cat, and what characteristics you would prefer to see in a cat. To make a good decision about the Korat, you should know a few things.

Korats are generally:

  • Friendly

  • Energetic

  • Intelligent

  • Adaptable

  • Loving

A Korat is a gorgeous, affectionate "good luck cat" with a stunning, shimmering blue coat. Clearly, it is easy to understand why this breed has enjoyed such a long history in their homeland. Among the cat kingdom, Korats have one of the most beautiful coats and are intelligent, loving lap cats who can form strong bonds with their families.

A Korat reaches full maturity between the ages of two and four. Even as an adult, they’re not a very large cat, even though they’re muscular and solid. The Korat has a stunning silvery-blue coat that almost appears to shimmer, making it a cat that demands attention. As long as they get plenty of attention on their own terms, Korats tend to get along well with adults and children alike. In general, these rare felines can get along well with other household pets, but they can become jealous if they feel the other animal is taking their recognition away.

What is the origin of Korat?

Originally from Thailand, they are now formally recognized as a national treasure. It is believed that the Korat existed as far back as Thailand's Ayutthaya period, which lasted from 1350 to 1767. The Cat-Book Poems, the most notable book of this time, depicted 17 breeds of cats thought to bring good luck to their owners. It was listed among the cats that the Korat belonged to. Korats were traditionally given to newlyweds as gifts to bring them luck and happiness.

Korats arrived in the United States quite recently. The first Korats were imported to the U.S. in 1959. Most Korat lines can still be traced back to Thailand. The breed standards have not changed over time, unlike many other cat breeds. The Korat has not been crossed with any other breed, making them a rare breed that has remained pure for centuries.

What are the Risks for the Korat Cat Breed?

Korats, a naturally occurring breed nearly 800 years old, have a pretty good health record, according to the KTCA. However, Korats can develop health conditions during their lifetimes, like all breeds. Korats can have sensitive stomachs, so watch for frequent vomiting or diarrhea. According to Wooten, these cats can benefit from eating sensitive stomach cat food and avoiding human table food.

Other common Korat health problems may include:

In addition to being intelligent and playful, the Korat cat is also very affectionate. Smart cats form close bonds with their owners and love to be a part of their daily activities. As a result, they dislike being left alone for long periods of time. Social cats, they love being with their special person. Cats like these need a companion, whether it's you or another animal. Separation anxiety and unhappy Korats may result from being left alone.

Any cat, including the Korat, needs exercise. Unlike some cats, however, the Korat enjoys playing games with their owners. Their feisty personalities soak up every moment of positive interaction with their human companions during playtime. A game of fetch is even enjoyed by many Korats! Because of the Korat's high intelligence, they are also easy to train. Try teaching tricks and giving them puzzle toys to help keep them entertained and challenged.

A well-groomed Korat can help keep them healthy and clean. Korats have a single-layered short coat that makes grooming a breeze. Its shimmering silvery-blue fur should be brushed once or twice a week to help keep it shiny and healthy. Regularly trim your Korat's nails, brush its teeth, and clean its ears. This blue cat breed may shed a little, but a well-groomed Korat is unlikely to produce the usual flurry of cat hair that many allergy sufferers find problematic. Despite this, they are not considered hypoallergenic.

Despite your best efforts, Korat’s can still get sick, even if you do everything in your power to keep them healthy. Due to this, it's essential to be prepared for the things you cannot control. At Spot Pet Insurance, our number one priority is helping you give your cat the long, happy, and healthy life they deserve. Reach out today and request a free pet insurance quote to learn more about our range of well-rounded plan options for your Korat.

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