Korats enjoy very good health. Because they have not been affected by typical breeding endeavors, they have maintained the natural immunity of their wild ancestors. Contemporary Korat breeders rigorously care for genetic diversity and avoid inbreeding, which is why no breed-characteristic defects or genetic diseases appear in the Korat.
In Thailand, cats’ breeds have been described according to the color of their fur for many centuries. Because Korats share the common ancestry of two other breeds (the Siamese and Burmese), they may occasionally carry a recessive color gene, which makes their kittens non-blue – they may be born point or lilac. These beautiful cats (points resembling old-type Siamese cats very much) cannot, however, be registered as Korats, since Korats – according to the Thai tradition – may only be blue.
Korats have excellent parental instincts. Females take superb care of their young; males are no less eager to have their share in caretaking. Korats’ mating instincts are very strong as well. The cats mature early, as early as 5-6 months. Females in season can be very noisy for days on end, and they may spray. Males spray a lot. If breeding is not planned, it is recommended that Korats be neutered as soon as possible. Otherwise their sexual drive may make their owner’s life miserable, and besides, it exhausts cats and does not add to their well-being.
