Korat
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For the city Korat in Thailand, see Nakhon Ratchasima
| Korat |
|---|
 |
| Alternative names |
| Si-Sawat |
| Country of origin |
| Thailand |
| Breed standards (external links) |
| AACE, KCA, |
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 newlyweds 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 with a small to medium build and a low percentage of body fat; their bodies are often described as semi-cobby, and are surprisingly heavy for their size. They are an active cat and form strong bonds with people.
Korats have several characteristics that together distinguish them as a breed:
- Korats are one of a few breeds that have only one colour.
- Jean Johnson first introduced Korats to the US in 1959. She had lived in Thailand, where she first encountered the breed. Her first pair were named Nara (male) and Dara (female).
