Korat Kittens

Korat kittens are truly rare and unique felines. Because of the breeds scarcity and limited size, there is often a waiting list to obtain the Korat. The magical breed is steeped in history and lore.

The Korat breed is quite ancient. The breed originated in the Khorat region of Thailand. In Thailand, Korat felines are revered and thought to bring good luck and fortune to their owners. Si-Sawat is the name give to the Korat breed by Thai. Si-Sawat is in reference to the Korats luminous silver-blue coat. There are a limited number of Korats cats and the breed is considered to be quite pure.

Physical Appearance

Korats have beautiful silver-blue fur. The fur has a luminescent quality that is a lighter silver blue at the base and blue tone closer to the ends. The coat is a solid, unmarked blue hue. Korats have a muscular, average size build. They are a short-haired breed with a dense single coat of fur. And the Korat face is known for taking on a heart-shaped quality.

Colors

Korat felines only come in a solid blue color. Adult Korat cats have yellow-green tone eyes. Korat kittens have more yellow tone eyes and develop into their adult green hue by maturity.

Temperament

Korats have very expressive faces. Their faces have almost a human-like quality to them. Korat have soft voices and aren’t as talkative as other oriental breeds. Korats are highly intelligent and love to interact with humans. They love to help their owners. Don’t be surprised if your Korat tries to “help” you write, type, or do household chores.

They are very loyal to their owners and are very compliant to owner requests. Korats love human companionship. They are curious and love to play games like fetch.

Care

Minimal grooming is required with Korat felines. They have short-hair that is easy to maintain. Just brush or comb their coat once a week. Bathing may be needed if your kitten’s fur has gotten dirty or is messy. Otherwise, it’s easy to maintain a glossy healthy Korat coat.

Development

A Korat kitten may take more time to develop into maturity that the average kitten. It may take between 2 to 4 years for the Korat to reach full adulthood. They may even go through an awkward period as do human children. Relax! They’ll grow out of it. In the meantime, enjoy your kitten. They’ll be adults soon enough.

Korats also have developed thorough natural selection a keen sense of smell and sound. Don’t be surprised if your kitten can hear your foot step as you approach the door to your home. Korats are very intelligent.

Health Issues

As a breed, Korats are overall healthy. Just like other breeds they need routine health screenings and vet visits. But, there are a few Korat specific health problems you should be aware of.

• Microencephaly

  Microencephaly is a genetic condition that results in an underdeveloped, excessively small brain. There is little that can be done for the condition. Newborn kittens with the condition typically do not survive very long or are still-borns. Those that do survive will have extensive developmental and physical disabilities.

• GM1 and GM2 Gangliosidoses

  Both GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses are inherited fatal genetic conditions that affect brain functional and muscle movement in Korat felines and other Oriental cat breeds.

  GM1 gangliosidosis affects kittens beginning around 3 months of age. It progresses to cause seizures, visual problems, and motor deficits in Korat kittens. GM1 gangliosidosis is caused by the deficiency in the enzyme beta-galactosidase and the excess amount of GM1 ganglioside in the cat’s brain which can block important brain functions.

  GM2 gangliosidosis affects Korat kittens around 2 months of age. GM2 gangliosidosis is more insidious than GM1 gangliosidosis. GM2 has similar neurological signs and symptoms and progresses faster than GM1. GM2 is caused by an insufficient amount of the enzyme beta-hexosaminidase and too much accumulated GM2 ganglioside in the body.

  Beta-hexosaminidase is an important enzyme in a feline’s body. Its chief task is to break down GM2 gangliosides. GM2 gangliosidosis is the feline equivalent to the human disorders Tay-Sachs or Sandhoff disease.

  There are tests available that screen for both GM1 and GM2. If a feline tests positive, it should not be breed.

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