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#32 in Australia

Korat: Complete Australian Cat Breed Guide

Thailand, ancient (formalised breed mid-20th century) — named after Nakhon Ratchasima province; recognised by major regi

Pedigree short Coat Trend: Stable
Breed Type Pedigree
Weight (M) 2.5–4 kg
Weight (F) 2–3.5 kg
Lifespan 13–16 years
AU Price $800 - $1,500
Annual Cost $1,550/yr
Indoor/Outdoor Moderate — curious but less escape-prone than some breeds
Hazel Russell
Last updated 4 Apr 2026 · 5 min read

Korat Overview

Korats are one of the most ancient and treasured cat breeds, originating from Thailand where they have been documented for centuries and hold special significance in Thai culture, believed to bring good luck and prosperity to their owners. Named after the Nakhon Ratchasima province in Thailand, Korats are distinctive, moderately-sized cats defined by their unique shimmering silver-blue coats, which are unlike any other breed’s coloration. Their coats display a remarkable luminescent quality due to semi-transparent guard hairs that reflect light, creating a distinctive shimmering appearance.

Korats are moderately active, affectionate, and intensely people-oriented cats. They form deep bonds with their families and thrive on interaction and companionship. They are sensitive to environmental change and stress, preferring predictable, quiet environments. Unlike some vocal breeds, Korats are relatively quiet, communicating softly with their owners. They are generally reserved with strangers and can take time to warm to new people. They are better suited to calm, stable households than chaotic, high-energy environments.

Korats develop strong separation anxiety and struggle significantly with prolonged alone time, making them unsuitable for busy professionals or those with unpredictable schedules. They thrive best with owners able to provide consistent companionship and quiet, stable environments. They are excellent for elderly people seeking calm, affectionate companions and adapt well to apartment living. However, they require emotionally available owners committed to providing regular interaction and comfort.

Korat Personality & Temperament

Understanding the Korat temperament is the most important step before bringing one home.

Korats are affectionate, sensitive, quiet, and people-oriented cats. They form intense bonds with their families and struggle significantly with separation. They are moderately active and playful but prefer calm, predictable environments. They are generally reserved with strangers and take time to warm to new people. They communicate softly and are quieter than many breeds. They are adaptable and adjust well to calm household routines.

Key traits Affectionate, sensitive, quiet, people-oriented, prone to separation anxiety, loyal. With kids: Better with calm, respectful children; not for boisterous households. With pets: Reserved; prefer calm, similarly-paced companions. Vocality: Low (soft, quiet communication).

Breed Ratings at a Glance

How the Korat scores across key traits (1 = Low, 5 = High).

Energy Level
3/5
Trainability
3/5
Vocality
2/5
Shedding Level
2/5
Affection Level
5/5
Kid-Friendly
3/5
Pet-Friendly
2/5
Apartment Suitability
4/5
First-Owner Friendly
3/5

Is a Korat Right for You?

Apartment Excellent; low energy, quiet, moderate space needs
House with garden access Suitable if indoors primarily with supervised outdoor time
Indoor-only lifestyle Thrive indoors with regular interaction and companionship
First-time owner Good; calm, quiet, manageable needs
⚠️
Families with children Better for calm families; reserved and sensitive
Hot climate (QLD/NT/WA) Short coat handles heat; Australian summers manageable
Cold climate (VIC/TAS/ACT) Thrive in cooler climates; short coat sufficient indoors
Elderly/retired owners Very suited; calm, affectionate, quiet, low-activity requirement
⚠️
Multi-cat household Tolerate but prefer being primary/only cat; sensitive
⚠️
Dog household Tolerate calm dogs; prefer calm, similarly-paced companions
Separation Anxiety: High — this breed may struggle if left alone for long periods.

Korat Size & Appearance

Type
Pedigree
Male Weight
2.5–4 kg
Female Weight
2–3.5 kg
Lifespan
13–16 years
Coat Type
short
Coat
Fine, glossy, short coat with silvery-blue colour unique to breed; semi-transparent guard hairs reflect light; distinctive shimmering appearance
Colours
Silver-blue only; distinctive from other blue breeds; amber, yellow, or green eyes (green preferred)
Brachycephalic
No
Hypoallergenic
No
Indoor Only
No — supervised outdoor OK

Korat Health & Lifespan

13–16 years Average Lifespan

Known Health Conditions

Inherited neurological disorder; signs: neurological decline, ataxia, tremors, progressive disability, often fatal

Est. treatment: $2000–$4000+ diagnosis; no cure; management/comfort care

Thickened heart muscle; signs: lethargy, breathing difficulty, sudden collapse

Est. treatment: $1200–$3000 diagnosis/medication

Abnormal hip development; signs: hind leg lameness, difficulty jumping, pain

Est. treatment: $1500–$3000 assessment/management

Overactive thyroid; signs: weight loss, hyperactivity, increased appetite

Est. treatment: $500–$2000 treatment

Including PRA (less common than other breeds); signs: reduced vision in dim light, bumping

Est. treatment: $1500–$3000 diagnosis if present

Pet Insurance for Korat

Avg Annual Insurance (Australia): $450
Est. Monthly: $18–$32/month AUD; insurers include PetSure, Medibank Pet, Woolworths Pet Insurance

Recommended Australian Cat Insurers:
• Bow Wow Meow (bowwowmeow.com.au)
• PD Insurance (pdinsurance.com.au)
• Petinsurance.com.au (PetSure)
• Budget Direct Pet Insurance
• Petcover
• Woolworths Pet Insurance
• HCF Pet Insurance

TIP: Insure before 6 months to avoid pre-existing condition exclusions.

Compare insurance policies for your Korat

Given this breed's known health conditions, comprehensive coverage is recommended for Australian owners.

Compare Pet Insurance →

Korat Cost of Ownership (AUD)

CategoryAmount (AUD)
PURCHASE PRICE $800 - $1,500
Food $1,250
Vet/Health $350
Grooming $70
Insurance $450
TOTAL/year $1,550
LIFETIME COST (16 yrs) $24,800
Desexing $200–$500
Vaccinations (kitten) $150–$250
First vet check $80–$150
$24,800 Estimated lifetime cost (13–16 years)

All prices in AUD. Costs vary by state, vet, and lifestyle. Sources: PetSure, RSPCA, Animal Medicines Australia.

Korat Grooming Guide

Grooming Frequency Weekly
Brushing 1× per week
Professional Groom Cost $20–$35
Coat Type short — Fine, glossy, short coat with silvery-blue colour unique to breed; semi-transparent guard hairs reflect light; distinctive shimmering appearance
Shedding ★★☆☆☆/5
Care Essentials
• Litter box 1 per cat + 1 extra; scoop daily
• Hairless breeds weekly bath + sun protection

Korat Exercise & Enrichment

Energy Level ★★★☆☆/5
Separation Anxiety High
• Interactive toys wand, feather, laser pointer
Outdoor Risk Assessment Moderate — curious but less escape-prone than some breeds
Note Australian outdoor cats face serious threats — snakes, foxes,

Training Your Korat

Trainability: ★★★☆☆/5
Vocality: ★★☆☆☆/5

Cats can learn: sit, high-five, fetch, recall, harness walking
Method: Clicker training + high-value treats (chicken, tuna)
Sessions: 3–5 minutes max; always end on a success

Socialisation Tips:
• Handle paws, ears, mouth from 3–7 weeks
• Introduce to carrier, car, vet smells early
• Positive exposure to children and gentle dogs
• Feliway diffuser helps in multi-pet households

Korat Feeding Guide

Avg Annual Food Cost (Australia): $1,250

Moderate-sized cats with standard dietary needs. Premium dry food: $30–$55/month. Wet food: $35–$65/month. Raw or freshly cooked: $50–$90/month. Budget $600–$1300/year depending on quality.

General Feeding Tips:
• Mix wet food + dry kibble for hydration and dental health
• Cats are obligate carnivores — high-protein diet essential
• No grapes, onion, garlic, chocolate, xylitol, raw dough
• Fresh water always available (consider cat fountain)
• Avoid all-dry diets — linked to urinary tract issues
• Measure portions to prevent obesity (40% of cats are overweight)

📊 Calculate your Korat's daily food amount →

Finding a Reputable Korat Breeder

REGISTRIES / FINDING AN ETHICAL BREEDER:
• ANCATS (ancats.com.au)
• CCCA (ccca.asn.au)
• ACF (acf.asn.au)

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
• Registered with ANCATS, CCCA, or ACF
• Health-tests parents (HCM, PKD, FIV/FeLV as appropriate)
• Allows kitten visit — you meet the mother
• Kittens raised underfoot in family home (not caged)
• Provides vaccination certificate, microchip, desexing agreement
• Screens buyers with questions

RED FLAGS — AVOID:
• Kittens always available without waitlist
• Multiple breeds always available
• Refuses home visit
• No health certificates or registry papers
• Selling via Facebook/Gumtree without ANCATS/CCCA/ACF credentials

✅ Green Flags

  • Registered with ACF, GCCF, TICA, or a state feline body
  • Invites you to visit and meet the mother (queen)
  • Provides health test results for parents
  • Includes vet certificate, microchip, and vaccination records
  • Has a waiting list (sign of demand, not a kitten mill)

❌ Red Flags

  • Multiple breeds always available with no wait
  • Won't let you visit or meet the mother
  • No health testing mentioned
  • Price significantly below market average
  • Meets in a public place instead of their property
Trusted Australian Cat Registries:

ACF (acf.asn.au) · GCCF of NSW · Feline Control Council of QLD · CATS Victoria · TICA (tica.org)

Adopting a Korat in Australia

RESCUE & ADOPTION:
• Korat Rescue (if available; rare)
• PetRescue.com.au
• RSPCA Australia

ADOPTION COST: $150–$350 AUD (includes desexing, microchip, vaccinations)

BENEFITS:
• Often past the demanding kitten stage
• Lower upfront cost
• Temperament known by carers
• Gives a cat a second chance

Search PetRescue.com.au — Australia's largest cat adoption platform
Note: Many Australians find wonderful pets via RSPCA and council shelters.

❤️ Thousands of cats need homes. Rescue cats come desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped.

Korat — Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Korat considered a lucky cat in Thai culture?

In Thai folklore and culture, Korats are believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and good fortune to their owners. They have been treasured in Thailand for centuries and featured in classical Thai poetry. This cultural significance influenced their international recognition as a breed and contributed to their reputation as 'lucky cats.'

What makes the Korat's coat colour unique?

The Korat's silver-blue colour is distinctive from other blue breeds (like Russian Blue). Their semi-transparent guard hairs reflect light, creating a shimmering, luminescent appearance unique to the breed. This reflective quality gives Korats a distinctive 'wet' or glistening appearance even when dry.

Are Korats good for apartment living?

Yes, Korats are excellent for apartments. Their moderate energy, calm nature, and low space requirements suit apartments perfectly. They are quiet, adaptable, and content with modest space. However, they thrive best when owners are home frequently; prolonged solitude triggers separation anxiety.

Do Korats get along with other pets?

Korats are generally reserved and prefer calm, similarly-paced companions. They tolerate other cats if socialised early but may feel overwhelmed by high-energy animals. They are not naturally playful or interactive with other pets; coexistence is typical. They prefer being the only or primary pet.

What is the cost of owning a Korat cat?

Initial acquisition: $600–$1500 from breeders (relatively rare in Australia). Annual expenses: $1200–$1800 including food, grooming, veterinary care. Health screening (gangliosidosis genetic testing, HCM, hip dysplasia assessment) adds $300–$500. They are moderately expensive.

What is gangliosidosis and why is it important in Korats?

Gangliosidosis is an inherited neurological disorder causing progressive neurological decline, ataxia, tremors, and disability. It's carried as a recessive gene in Korats; genetic testing of parents helps prevent affected offspring. Responsible breeders conduct genetic testing and screen breeding cats.

Can Korats live outdoors?

Korats can have supervised outdoor access in safe environments but are sensitive to stress and environmental change. They bond strongly with owners and prefer indoors. Some adapt to harness/leash training for controlled outdoor time. Indoor with supervised outdoor access is ideal; full outdoor placement is unsuitable.

What is the lifespan of a Korat?

Korats typically live 13–16 years; some reach 18+ years with excellent care. Regular health screening (genetic testing for gangliosidosis, HCM assessment, hip dysplasia evaluation) helps detect conditions early. Maintaining calm environments, managing separation anxiety, and providing consistent care support longer lifespans.

Are Korats suitable for first-time owners?

Yes, Korats can work for experienced first-time owners. Their calm, affectionate nature and minimal grooming make them manageable. However, their separation anxiety and need for consistent companionship suit them better to owners able to spend significant time at home.

Why are Korats relatively rare in Australia?

Korats are an ancient, treasured Thai breed with limited global breeding populations. They are less prolific breeders than some other pedigree cats and require careful genetic management. Limited breeding lines, geographic distance from Thailand, and breed rarity contribute to their scarcity in Australia. Finding Korat breeders may require national searching.