Korat.

Korat. Korat, breed of rare, shorthaired cat from Thailand, one of the oldest natural cat breeds (developed through natural selection rather than through a selective process by cat breeders). The Korat is named for the Thai province where it was discovered. The Korat is a small- to medium-sized cat with a broad chest and muscular body. Smooth curves give the body a limber appearance. The forehead is large and flat, and the face is heart-shaped. Large, light green eyes are set far apart. Upright ears with slightly rounded tips are large and sit high on the head. The tapered tail is heavy at the base. The Korat has short, fine, silvery-blue fur. Its glossy hair does not pull free when stroked, making it a good cat for people with allergies. The first recorded reference to the Korat breed appeared in a manuscript from the city of Ayudha in Siam (now Thailand), which was destroyed in 1767. The city was over 400 years old at the time, so the manuscript is evidence that the breed has existed at least since the 14th century. Natives call it the Si-Sawat, which means mingled color with smooth, glossy shell. The Korat symbolizes good luck, and new brides in Thailand sometimes receive a pair of these cats to encourage a happy marriage. The breed was introduced to the United States in 1959. All North American cat registries now recognize the Korat. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.