Korat
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Korat | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Alternative names | |
| Si-Sawat | |
| Country of origin | |
| Thailand | |
| Breed standard | |
| CFA | : standard |
| TICA | : standard |
| AACE | : standard |
| ACFA | : standard |
| ACF | : standard |
| CCA | : standard |
- For the city Korat in Thailand, see Nakhon Ratchasima
Korats are a slate blue-grey shorthair domestic cat with a small to medium build and a low percentage of body fat. Their bodies are semi-cobby, and are surprisingly heavy for their size. They are intelligent, shy, soft-voiced, playful,[1] active cats and form strong bonds with people.
Korats have several characteristics distinguishing them as a breed. One is its head, frequently described as "heart-shaped". Korats are known for their relatively large green eyes and are one of a few breeds that have only one color.
The Korat is one of the oldest stable cat breeds. Originating in Thailand, it is named after the Nakhon Ratchasima province. In Thailand it is known as Si-Sawat, meaning "Color of the Sawat Seed".[2] They are known colloquially as the "Good Luck Cat" and are given in pairs to newlyweds or to people who are highly esteemed, for good luck. Until recently, Korats were not sold, but only given as gifts.[3]
The first mention of the Korat is in "The Cat-Book Poems" authored between 1350 and 1767 AD in Thailand, now in the National library in Bangkok.[4] They first appeared in America in the 1950s and arrived in Britain from there in 1972.
Jean Johnson introduced Korats to the US in 1959. She had lived in Thailand, where she encountered the breed. Her first pair were named Nara (male) and Dara (female).[5]
[edit] Notes
[edit] References
- Johnson, Jean L., http://www.kindredheartkorats.com/korat_history.htm.
- Morris, Desmond "Cat World: A Feline Encyclopedia". Penguin Books USA Inc., New York, 1997.
