Korat

Key Visual Markers

• Short, fine single coat in a clear silver-blue — the CFA standard describes it as "one color over the entire body, a silver-blue without shading or markings of any kind"; the guard hairs are silver-tipped, giving the coat a distinctive shimmering or "halo" effect when the cat moves; the coat lies close and glossy without undercoat
• Heart-shaped head — a unique feature described in the CFA standard: the head forms a heart shape when viewed from the front, with the width across the eyebrows creating the top curves and the muzzle forming the point; the forehead is high and broad, and the muzzle is well-developed but not wedge-shaped
• Large, luminous, brilliant green eyes — exceptionally large for the face, giving the Korat its distinct wide-eyed, innocent expression; kittens are born with amber or golden eyes that transition to green by around 2-4 years of age, with the final color being a vivid, luminous green described as "peridot green"
• Large, high-set ears with rounded tips, broad at the base — the ears are set high on the heart-shaped head and tilt slightly forward, giving the cat an alert expression; the inner ear has minimal furnishings and the outer ear is covered in the same silver-blue short coat
• Muscular, medium-sized body that is neither cobby nor svelte — the Korat is more compact than it looks, with surprising weight for its size; the body is well-muscled with a broad chest and moderate bone structure; the hindquarters are slightly higher than the shoulders, giving the cat a gentle uphill slope in profile
• Medium-length tail, heavy at the base with a rounded tip — proportionate to the body, tapering gradually from a thick base; the silver-blue coat on the tail has the same silver-tipped shimmer as the body

Temperament & Traits

• Highly intelligent and observant — learns daily routines, responds to its name, opens doors, and develops strong interactions with family members; described as having an "almost human" understanding of household activities
• Loyal and affectionate with their family — forms deep attachments and follows chosen people from room to room; described as "wanting to be a part of everything you do"; very sensitive to praise or scolding
• Reserved with strangers — the Korat is wary of unfamiliar people and new situations; will likely hide when visitors arrive and emerge only after the environment has calmed; needs patient introductions to new people
• Sensitive to change and loud environments — not a cat for chaotic or noise-heavy homes; loud voices, arguments, or frequent guests stress the Korat and can lead to physical symptoms like over-grooming or loss of appetite
• Playful and athletic — enjoys climbing, chasing, and interactive games; the breed has surprising speed and jumping ability despite its compact size; stays playful throughout life
• Quiet voice — the Korat is not a vocal breed; communicates through soft meows, purrs, and strong eye contact; the breed is much quieter than Siamese or Oriental Shorthairs
• Does not do well alone — Korats need a companion (human or another cat) if the household is empty for long hours; they can become depressed and withdrawn when left alone for extended periods

Health Notes

• Gangliosidosis (GM1 and GM2) — a fatal inherited lysosomal storage disorder found in the Korat breed; caused by a deficiency in beta-galactosidase (GM1) or beta-hexosaminidase (GM2) enzymes, leading to progressive neurological deterioration; symptoms appear at 3-8 months of age: tremors, incoordination, hyperesthesia, and eventually paralysis; no treatment or cure exists; a DNA test identifies carriers and affected cats; responsible breeders test all breeding cats and do not breed carriers together
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — reported in the breed; the Korat's small gene pool means genetic heart disease can spread quickly; regular echocardiogram screening recommended for breeding cats; annual checkups with cardiac auscultation for all Korats
• Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) — moderate predisposition; the breed's sensitivity to stress can trigger stress-related cystitis; high-moisture diet, stress management, and multiple litter boxes positioned in quiet areas are preventive measures
• Dental disease — the compact muzzle structure contributes to some tooth crowding; regular dental care and annual oral exams recommended; the Korat's small jaw means missing or crowded premolars are not uncommon
• Sensitivity to anesthesia — all cats with compact body types and low body fat need careful anesthetic protocols; discuss with a veterinarian before any surgical procedure; pre-anesthetic bloodwork is essential

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.