Korat cat

Korat cat, also known as the Silver Cat, originates from the Korat Plateau in northwest Thailand. However, they are rare and very precious. They have a silver-blue coat, large eyes, and a unique chicken heart-shaped face.

Unlike foreign short-haired cats, they do not have a lean and elongated body shape, but rather a muscular one. Overall, they give off a calm and dignified feeling, and are often regarded as a symbol of good luck.

They enjoy peace and quiet, and have a noble and steady temperament. Their voice is gentle, they are friendly towards humans, and enjoy playing with people. They are very intelligent and easy to train, making them an ideal family companion.

The Korat cat originated from the Korat Plateau, located in the northwest region of Thailand. They are very rare and considered precious. According to historical records, the earliest Korat cats can be traced back to the 14th century. At that time, they were given as gifts to brides during weddings, usually in pairs. The name "Korat" is derived from the name of a province in the area, symbolizing good luck and prosperity.

In 1959, Korat cats were introduced to the United States as gifts to an American couple who had just retired from the Foreign Ministry. It wasn't until 1966 that they were recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in the United States. Two years later, a group of Korat breeding experts established a dedicated Korat enthusiasts association. It took another 10 years for the breed to be recognized in the UK.

For families or individuals with or without children and other pets (not recommended for people allergic to cat hair)

1. Cat Ringworm

Cat ringworm is a common skin disease in cats, which is basically a fungal infection.

Cause: Kittens with poor physique are more prone to ringworm. Another cause is fungal infection due to warm and humid living environments.

Symptoms: The most common locations for ringworm are the ears and chin. In the early stages, small patches of ringworm, hair loss, and dry scales may appear on the surface. In severe cases, there may be skin ulcers, large areas of baldness, etc.

Solution: Isolation first - Shave the hair (shave the hair around the ringworm, which is convenient for medication application and prevents fungal spread) - Oral medication (commonly used are Itraconazole/ Fluconazole/ Griseofulvin) - Topical ointment (Ketoconazole cream/ Miconazole cream/ Toltarol cream/ Pifungin spray, be sure to follow the doctor's instructions before use) - Medicated bath (Ketonazole lotion/ Miconazole lotion, maintain for 1-2 weeks until recovery) - Increase nutrition (cats infected with ringworm often have some problems with their immune system, so they need to increase nutrition, boil some chicken breast + carrots) - Sunbathing (sunning and maintaining ventilation can help kill bacteria)

2. Cat flu

Cat flu is also a common disease, and weaker kittens are more susceptible.

Cause: A strain of bacteria called the herpes virus invades the cat's respiratory tract. This virus attaches to the cat's trachea and begins to invade their respiratory system.

Symptoms: Elevated body temperature, mucus around the nose, frequent sneezing, excessive secretion around the eyes, and severe conjunctivitis.

Solution: When it is not too severe in the early stage, you can take lysine, combined with antiviral eye drops. It is recommended that kittens be vaccinated to reduce the chance of cat flu. The cat flu virus has strong viability, so full-house disinfection is necessary. Formaldehyde and phenol can be used for disinfection.

3. Vomiting

Vomiting in cats is also common. Sometimes, cats will vomit their stomach contents out of their body as a protective mechanism, and they will generally feel better after vomiting.

Cause: Ingestion of excessive hair, indigestion, ingestion of foreign objects, rapid food change, catching a cold, and gastroenteritis can all cause vomiting in cats.

Symptoms: Vomiting with hair and mucus; or vomiting food, vomiting yellow water and foam, etc.

Solution: If the cat vomits hair, it is recommended to buy some hairball gels or cat grass for the cat to eat.

When a cat vomits, it is recommended to let the cat fast for a day, give it warm water to drink, and then feed it some pet probiotics to regulate its microbial flora. If the cat's vomiting symptoms stop, you can feed it a small amount of softened cat food or canned food with more soup, and other easily digestible food. If the vomiting does not improve, it is recommended to see a doctor.

The Korat cat does not shed as heavily as long-haired cats, so the interval between baths should not be too short. It is best to bathe them every 5-7 days in the summer and every 7-10 days in the winter. Frequent bathing can cause skin damage and hair loss.

Like other cats, it is best to feed the Korat cat with cat food. If there is a need to supplement vitamins and calcium, you can add some boiled carrots, chicken breast, fish, etc. It is best not to feed them overly stimulating foods, especially those high in oil and salt or spicy foods, as it will increase the burden on their kidneys. A light diet is preferred.

Korat cats are short-haired cats, so they do not shed excessively. Basically, you can use a dedicated pet brush to groom Korat cats 2-3 times a week.

When bathing Korat cats, it is best to use pet-specific shampoo or soap, as their skin is neutral, while most human products are too acidic or alkaline, which can harm their skin and cause allergies or hair loss.

Since Korat cats do not have an undercoat, their ability to withstand cold temperatures is weak. Additionally, they experience seasonal shedding, so it is best for owners to ensure warmth during winter. Their fur is not as fluffy as that of other cats, so even when petting, it won't appear as such.