AY Honors/Cats - Advanced/Answer Key
| Korat |
|---|
File:KoratCatMessingWithGermanShepherd.jpg Korat cat with German Shepherd |
| Alternative names |
| Si-Sawat |
| Country of origin |
| Thailand |
| Breed standards (external links) |
| CFA, ACFA, TICA, CCA,GCCF, ACF, FIFe |
The Korat is one of the oldest stable breeds of cat. Originating in Thailand, it is named after the Nakhon Ratchasima province, although in Thailand it is often known as Si-Sawat, which means good fortune. In fact they are often known colloquially as the "Good Luck Cat" and are given in pairs to newly weds or people of high esteem as a wish for good luck.
The first known written mention of the Korat was in "The Cat-Book Poems" authored between 1350 and 1767 AD in Thailand, now preserved in the National library in Bangkok. They first appeared in America in the 1950s and arrived in Britain from there in 1972.
Korats are a shorthair breed with a small to medium semi-cobby build and a low percentage of body fat, making them heavier than their size would suggest. As with other low-fat cat and dog breeds (such as the related Siamese as well as the greyhound or the whippet) this should be brought to a veternarian's attention prior to any surgery requiring anaesthesia. They are an active and intelligent breed and are reported to form strong bonds with their owners and other pets.
Korats have several characteristics that together distinguish them as a breed:
- Firstly, they are one of a few breeds that have only one colour: grey, tipped with silver, that often has lavender undertones - generally called blue in the cat world, although it is notably different in viewing from other 'blue' cats.
- Secondly, their eyes are a shade of yellow from shortly after birth (sometimes described as a "pale amber") but they change to peridot green at full maturity (2 to 4 years). This is in contrast to the other two true 'blue' cat breeds: the Russian Blue (emerald green eyes) and the Chartreux (gold to copper eyes). It should also be noted that unlike other cats when viewed at night using a spotlight their eyes reflect green rather than the more common red.
- Thirdly, Korats only have one coat (they lack a downy undercoat possibly due to their long history in a hot and humid climate) and consequently do not shed much hair.
