Shorthair cat Medium size 3-5 kg

Korat

A devoted, sensitive silver-blue cat that bonds deeply with one household - quiet and low-grooming but dislikes noise and being alone.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
3-5 kg, 20-25 cm at the shoulder
Moderate
Activity
Playful in bursts, then settles
Low
Alone-time tolerance
People-oriented; dislikes long days alone
Moderate
Handling
Cooperative with a little patience
Low
Coat care
Short coat; minimal brushing
Good
Fit with kids
Fine with considerate kids
Moderate
Other pets
Can share space with slow introductions
Moderate
Health burden
Gangliosidosis (genetic), obesity, HCM

The Korat typically weighs 3-5 kg, stands 20-25 cm, and lives 12-16 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a devoted, affectionate cat that bonds closely with its people,
your home is usually calm and not empty for long full days,
you want a low-grooming cat with a striking silver-blue coat,
you will buy from a breeder who DNA-tests for gangliosidosis.

Do not consider this breed if…

everyone is out long days - this breed hates being alone,
your home is loud and chaotic - Korats are noise-sensitive,
you want an aloof, independent cat that keeps to itself,
you will not seek out a reputable breeder for a scarce breed.

A typical day with a Korat

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    Greets its person, wants attention and breakfast
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Playful burst with a wand toy, then a nap
  3. 13:00 · Noon
    Rests in a quiet, sunny spot
  4. 17:00 · Afternoon
    Follows its person around; interactive play
  5. 19:30 · Evening
    Lap time and quiet closeness
  6. 22:00 · Night
    Sleeps on or near the bed

Temperament and training

Sociability Very high
Tolerance of handling High
Playfulness Moderate
Vocality Moderate
Independence Low
Hunting drive Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Leaving a people-bonded cat alone for long days · Skipping the gangliosidosis DNA test when buying · Free-feeding an indoor cat into obesity

Family and environment

Kids Good
Fine with considerate kids; prefers a calm household.
Other cats Conditional
Can be territorial; slow introductions help.
Dogs Conditional
Manages with calm dogs and gradual introductions.
Apartment Suitable
Indoor life suits it well with daily company and play.
Seniors Great fit
Affectionate, low-grooming, and home-loving.
First cat Good
Easy to care for; just needs company and attention.
Busy household Poor fit
Long empty days wear on this people-oriented breed.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
GM1/GM2 gangliosidosis Inherited neurological disease; DNA test available
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) Most common feline heart disease; echo screening helps
Obesity Indoor cats gain weight easily; watch portions
Dental disease Plaque and gum disease; routine dental care helps

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Another quiet, devoted blue-coated cat
Russian Blue
A reserved, quiet cat that bonds deeply with its people but stays shy with strangers - low-maintenance and long-lived.
View profile →
Affectionate, people-bonded shorthair
Tonkinese
A friendly, playful blend of Siamese and Burmese that loves people and other pets - not one to leave alone all day.
View profile →
Social, attached cat that dislikes solitude
Siamese
A loud, intensely social cat that demands attention and conversation - wonderful company, but not one to leave alone.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Korat cost in the US?
The Korat is uncommon, so expect waitlists and few breeders; kittens from reputable, health-testing breeders commonly run around $600-$1,200, sometimes more. Across a 12-16 year life, food, litter, and routine vet care typically add $10,000-$16,000 or more, and managing a chronic condition can add thousands on top.
Are Korats affectionate?
Very. Korats form strong bonds with their people and like to be involved in the household, following you around and seeking laps and attention. They are one of the more devoted cat breeds, which is a joy for the right owner but means they do poorly in homes where they are left alone for long stretches.
Is the Korat a healthy breed?
It is generally hardy, but it carries an inherited neurological disease, GM1/GM2 gangliosidosis, which a simple DNA test can screen for. Responsible breeders test their cats so affected kittens are not produced, so buying from a breeder who screens the parents is the best safeguard, along with routine care for HCM and weight.
Can a Korat be left alone during the workday?
An ordinary workday is manageable for an adult, but this is a people-oriented breed that struggles with long, repeated days of solitude. If your home is regularly empty for many hours, consider a second compatible pet for company, and provide plenty of enrichment and attention when you are home.