Korat Cat Breed Information
Also known as: Si-Sawat, Good Luck Cat
A blue-coated, green-eyed Thai cat that pre-dates the Russian Blue and Chartreux but is rarer than either in NZ. Considered a good-luck cat in Thai tradition and a wedding gift between Thai families.
A highly affectionate, highly trainable cat. On the practical side: low grooming demands and minimal drool.
About the Korat.
The Korat is one of the older recognised cat breeds, documented in Thai cat-poetry manuscripts from the 14th century onward. The breed is small, blue-coated, green-eyed, and quiet, with a temperament closer to a Russian Blue than to its other Thai cousins (Siamese, Tonkinese, Burmese).
Personality and behaviour
Reserved with strangers, affectionate with family. The Korat is quietly intelligent and forms strong bonds with one or two trusted humans.
Care and grooming
Weekly rub with a rubber mitt. The single-layer coat sheds lightly.
Indoor vs outdoor in New Zealand
Indoor or catio. The breed is rare, valuable, and not street-aware.
Where to find a Korat in New Zealand
NZCF and Catz Inc list registered breeders (NZCF Korat, Catz Inc Korat). Litters are infrequent. Expect a long waitlist, NZD 1,500 to 3,000. Ask whether parents have been DNA-tested for GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis.
The Korat, by the numbers.
Each trait scored 1 to 5 on the AKC scale. The verdict synthesises the data; the panels below show the strengths, group averages, and the full trait table.
Top strengths
Family Life
avg 3.3Affectionate with Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Pets
Physical
avg 1.5Shedding
Grooming Frequency
Social
avg 2.8Openness to Strangers
Playfulness
Adaptability
Independence
Personality
avg 3.2Trainability
Energy Level
Vocal Level
Prey Drive
Mental Stimulation Needs
Living with a Korat.
A 24-hour breakdown of how this breed's day typically goes, scaled to its energy, mental-stimulation, and grooming needs.
What a Korat costs to own.
An indicative NZ lifetime cost: purchase, setup, then food, vet, insurance, grooming and other annual outgoings. Adjust the inputs to see how your choices change the total.
A Korat costs about
$124per month
$29
$4
$24,795
Adjust the inputs:
Where the monthly cost goes
Food
$30 / mo
$355/yr · breed-appropriate dry & wet food
Insurance
$30 / mo
$358/yr · lifetime cover protects against breed-specific claims
Vet (avg)
$39 / mo
$470/yr · routine checks plus breed-specific risk
Grooming
$0 / mo
$0/yr · brushes, shampoo, professional clips
Other
$25 / mo
$300/yr · toys, treats, dental, boarding
Indicative NZ averages calculated from breed weight, grooming need and screened-condition count. One-off costs (purchase $2,250 + setup $300) are factored into the lifetime total but not the monthly figure.
How does the Korat compare?
This breed
Korat
$24,795
15-year lifetime cost
- Purchase + setup$2,550
- Food (lifetime)$5,325
- Vet (lifetime)$7,050
- Insurance (lifetime)$5,370
- Grooming (lifetime)$0
- Other (lifetime)$4,500
Reference
Average NZ cat
$23,600
14-year lifetime cost
- Purchase + setup$500
- Food (lifetime)$7,000
- Vet (lifetime)$5,600
- Insurance (lifetime)$5,600
- Grooming (lifetime)$1,400
- Other (lifetime)$3,500
A Korat costs about $1,195 more over a lifetime than the average nz cat, mostly higherpurchase + setup and lowerfood.
What to ask the breeder.
Reputable NZ cat breeders test for these conditions and share results. The bigger health drivers for the breed appear in the Common group.
Occasional
1 conditionGM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis
Inherited neurological condition. DNA test available; reputable breeders test parents.
Rare but urgent
1 conditionGenerally healthy breed otherwise
Rare in the Korat but worth knowing the warning signs.
The Korat in NZ.
- Popularity: A rare Catz Inc and NZCF breed in NZ.
- Typical price: NZ$1500–3000 from registered breeders or rescues
- Rescue availability: rare
- NZ climate fit: Single-layer coat needs warm sleeping spots in cooler regions.
- Living space: Apartments and quiet houses suit best.
Who the Korat is for.
Suits
- Quiet households without small children
- Owners wanting a long-lived NZ pedigree cat
Less suited to
- Loud or chaotic households
- Outdoor-roaming setups
Common questions.
How is a Korat different from a Russian Blue?
Are Korats hard to find in NZ?
If the Korat appeals, also consider.
Breeds with a similar profile that might suit your household.
Russian Blue
Reserved, quiet, and naturally shy with strangers, the Russian Blue forms a strong bond with one or two trusted humans and is content alone for long stretches. The dense double silver-blue coat and emerald green eyes are unmistakable.
Burmese
Compact, muscular shorthair famous for being intensely affectionate and following its person from room to room. Often called the "Velcro cat" for the way it sticks close. Vocal but soft-spoken, with a notable separation anxiety risk if left alone all day.
Tonkinese
A deliberate cross between Siamese and Burmese, the Tonkinese sits between its parent breeds in colour, build and temperament. Active, vocal, demanding, and a fixture in NZ Catz Inc and NZCF breeder lists.
Last reviewed:
Sources for this pageInformation only. Breed traits and health notes on this page are aggregated from public registry and breed-authority sources. Individual animals vary; this page is general information, not veterinary, behavioural, or insurance advice. Always consult a registered NZ vet or breeder for guidance specific to your situation.