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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: a silvery gray
that often has lavender undertones - generally called blue in the cat world,
although it is notably different in viewing from other 'blue' cats.
- Their eyes are a shade of yellow from birth (sometimes described as a
"pale amber") but change to an emerald or peridot green at full maturity (2
to 4 years). During this change the eyes are green in the centre with a
yellow at the edges. 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.
- Korats only have one coat (they lack a downy undercoat possibly due to
their long history in a hot and humid climate) and do not shed much hair.
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