THE KORAT
The Good Luck Cat from Thailand
Primprau's
Ditakah Pakhdi
The
Korat cat originates from the North Eastern province of Thailand called Korat.
The Thai people also call the cat Si-Sawat, because its colour is the same
as that of the seeds of the sawat fruit, an inedible fruit that grows in Thailand.
In Thailand the Korat is seen as being a good luck cat, because it has the
colour of rainclouds, silver sheen as money, and eyes the colour of newly
sprung rice - everything points towards wealth. In an old poem it is said
that the Korat has body colour as the seeds of the sawat fruit, the fur is
smooth with roots like clouds and tips like silver. The eyes shine like dewdrops
on a lotus leaf. Things can't be described more poetically!
The Thai people value the Korat as a symbol of good luck so highly that the
cats are given as gifts to people who are respected greatly. The owner values
his Korat so much, he locks his house when he leaves. This is not usual in
Thailand, but he doesn't want to lose his Korat for anything in the
world!
Primprau's
Puying Maigae
The
Korat is a pure-bred breed, but contrary to other breeds it is pure-bred through
nature. The breed has its special beauty from roaming freely in natural surroundings
for centuries - without human interference.
The Korat's ancestor is a jungle cat, still living in the most remote parts
of Thailand. In this free life, the Korat has chosen its own partners. According
to the rules of nature that would mean only the best and strongest cats would
survive to continue the species.
The Korat's body is supple and
compact. It is created for jumping and with a stamina and a springiness as
was it made of steel.
The head is strong, as it is seen in wild cats. In the dense jungle
the soft lines of the body have helped the Korat hunt quietly and imperceptibly.
The eyes, which are very big and luminescent, have also facilitated
hunting. They vary in colour from being golden-green in daylight to having
an emerald-green shine at night. No matter the colour, the eyes are always
aware and watchful - they appear to be a mysterious source of wisdom of the
time long ago in the far away Asian country, Thailand
Primprau's
Blue Emerald.
Foto: Jim Brown
The large
eyes are protected by a bone ridge that goes over the eyes down to the broad
cheek bones. It is this "eyebrow bone" that gives the Korat the special heart-shaped
. The short, slightly downward bent nose and the strongly developed muzzle
with a strong chin support the heart shape. Above the eyebrow bone, there
is a ridge (especially found with older males), which is also seen on the
Thai leopard.
The ears, which are placed high on the head, are large and broad at
the base. They are always turned directly at the interesting sound. The Korat's
sound sensitivity makes it important to accustom the cat to the noises of
the home gradually.
The
Korat has a fabulous temper. It loves and has a special sense of being
around people - it will enjoy participating in all chores. The Korat loves
to play - either with itself or a toy - but the best games are played in company
with a human. Even though things can get rough during play, it is very careful.
It is a wise cat and has no problems fitting into a family. How much they
talk varies - some talk only when their food bowl is empty or they want attention,
others comment everything that happens. One thing is certain - one is never
left in doubt, when they are trying to achieve something!
In Thailand, the Korat has been bred for many years, but only 30 years ago
did the first pair of Korats come to US. Since the number of Korats in US
has grown substantially - several more cats from Thailand have also been imported.
All Korats must be able to trace their ancestry back to Thailand, or they
aren't Korats. That way one can claim that the Korat is one of the few original
breeds left. The first Korat in Denmark, Sawat's Kirilin, came from Norway
in 1992 - the Korat has been bred in Norway for 25 years.