Korat
Ancient Thai "good luck" cats with silver-blue coats and green eyes.
Korats are an ancient Thai breed with stunning silver-tipped blue coats, large green eyes, and heart-shaped faces. They are intelligent, sensitive, and form intense bonds with one or two favorite people — but they are reserved with strangers and dislike sudden noise.
Key facts
| Origin | Thailand |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 6–10 lbs |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years |
| Energy | Medium |
| Vocality | Low |
| Grooming | Brush weekly |
| Shedding | Low |
| With children | ●●●○○ |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●○○ |
| For beginners | ●●●○○ |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Beautiful unique color
- Long-lived and healthy
- Deeply bonded to family
- Quiet
✗ Things to know
- Shy with strangers and visitors
- Dislikes loud or chaotic homes
- Can be jealous of new pets
Ideal owner
A Korat may suit you well if you:
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
A Korat may not suit you if you:
- Have significant cat allergies
Health considerations
Like all breeds, Korats can be predisposed to certain conditions. A reputable breeder will screen for these, and regular vet check-ups help catch issues early.
- Gangliosidosis (genetic — testable)
Is a Korat right for you?
The best way to find out if a Korat suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Korat a good cat for first-time owners?
Korats can suit first-time owners who do their research. Sensitive, devoted, and reserved with strangers. Make sure you can meet their specific care needs before committing.
Are Korats good for apartments?
Yes — Korats adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are Korats good with children?
Korats can coexist well with older children who know how to interact respectfully with cats, but may be less tolerant of very young children's unpredictable handling.
Are Korats hypoallergenic?
Korats are not specifically hypoallergenic and produce standard levels of Fel d 1, the main cat allergen. If allergies are a concern, consider breeds like the Siberian, Balinese, or Devon Rex.
Does a Korat suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: Korat on Wikipedia