Korat
koh-RAHT
Loyal, Intelligent, Playful, Gentle. An ancient Thai breed with a silver-blue coat and green eyes, considered a good luck charm.
An adult Korat weighs 6-10 lbs (male) or 5-8 lbs (female), needs 170-300 calories daily, and lives 15-20 yrs. The breed's primary health watch is gm-1 gangliosidosis. All numbers below come from breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Korat needs 170-300 calories per day. An average male (8 lbs) needs around 1700 kcal; a female (6 lbs) roughly 170 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Korat. For kittens, seniors, or specific conditions, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
The Korat is an ancient breed with a relatively small gene pool, which concentrates certain genetic conditions. Responsible breeders screen for the most significant heritable diseases. Despite these concerns, the Korat is generally a long-lived, healthy breed. Life expectancy is 15 to 20 years.
Exercise and activity
Korats are moderately active cats that enjoy interactive play without being hyperactive. They are intelligent and benefit from puzzle toys, training sessions, and games that challenge their minds. They form very strong bonds with their owners and prefer to be involved in household activities. Two play sessions of 10-15 minutes daily, combined with environmental enrichment (cat trees, window perches), keeps them physically and mentally healthy.
Care and traits
Korats have a single-layer, silver-blue coat that lies close to the body. Origin: Thailand (formerly Siam), where they have existed for centuries and are considered good luck cats, traditionally given in pairs.
Grooming is minimal. A weekly brushing is sufficient because their single-layer coat does not mat. They shed very little compared to double-coated breeds. Korats are unusually sensitive to noise and sudden changes in environment. They bond intensely to one or two people and may be reserved with strangers. They are not ideal for noisy, chaotic households but thrive in calm homes where they can be a central companion. Their peridot-green eyes are a distinctive breed trait that develops fully around age 2-4.
Tools for Korat owners
Frequently asked questions
Adult Korats typically need 170 to 300 calories daily. They have naturally low body fat percentages and should appear lean and muscular rather than round. Feed measured portions of high-protein food twice daily. In middle age (7+ years), reduce portions slightly if activity decreases to prevent gradual weight gain.
GM-1 and GM-2 gangliosidosis are inherited neurodegenerative diseases that affect the nervous system. Both are fatal in affected kittens, typically causing symptoms by 2-6 months of age. Crucially, DNA tests exist for both conditions, and responsible breeders test all breeding cats. Carriers show no symptoms but should not be bred to other carriers. Always ask a Korat breeder for GM test results before purchasing a kitten.
Yes. The Korat has a small breeding population worldwide and is one of the rarer recognized breeds. Authentic Korats can be traced to Thai breeding lines, and the gene pool is intentionally kept small to preserve breed characteristics. Expect a waiting list from reputable breeders. The breed is sometimes confused with Russian Blues or blue British Shorthairs, but Korats have a distinctive heart-shaped face and silver-tipped coat that distinguishes them.
Selective. Korats can live with other cats but tend to establish dominance and prefer to be the 'top cat.' They do best when introduced to companion cats at a young age. Two Korats together can work well, as the breed bonds with its own kind. They may not tolerate high-energy, boisterous breeds that invade their space. A calm, respectful companion cat is the best pairing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on TICA/CFA standards and veterinary sources. Individual cats vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your cat. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026