Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Korat is one of the oldest known cat breeds, originating from Thailand. The first written mentions of this breed appear in ancient manuscripts such as The Cat Book Poems (dating from the 14th–15th centuries), where Korats were presented to kings and nobles as symbols of luck and prosperity. These cats were highly valued as household guardians — their silver-blue coats and eyes the color of young spring leaves were believed to bring happiness and wealth. The breed was introduced to Europe only in the mid-20th century and later to the United States. Despite gaining recognition in many countries, the Korat remains a rare breed that has preserved its original type and strong cultural connection to its Thai heritage, which gives it special significance within the ICCF system.
General Appearance
The Korat gives the impression of an elegant, well-balanced cat of medium size with a strong, muscular body and smooth, glossy coat. Its distinctive feature is the silver-blue coloration that emphasizes the refinement of its body lines. The body is compact, with a deep chest and sturdy limbs that provide strength and endurance. The head is heart-shaped; the ears are large and widely set; the eyes are big, bright green, and full of expression. Adult Korats retain an athletic yet soft outline that combines power with grace. According to ICCF standards, the Korat must appear noble, proportionate, and refined, maintaining balance between strength and delicacy.
Important Proportions
ICCF standards emphasize balance in the Korat’s proportions. The body is of medium length — strong and muscular, yet never heavy. The back is straight, the chest deep and broad, and the limbs proportionate to the torso, with oval paws. The head has a distinct heart shape, formed by gently curved cheekbones and a smooth transition from forehead to nose. The eyes occupy about one-third of the head’s length, giving the face its characteristic expressiveness. The tail is of medium length, thick at the base and tapering slightly toward a rounded tip, forming a smooth continuation of the body. All proportions should reflect the natural, historically established type without signs of over-refinement or artificial breeding.
Temperament and Behavior
The Korat has a friendly yet independent disposition. These cats are deeply devoted to their owners, forming strong attachments to their families and enjoying constant attention. Intelligent and perceptive, they easily learn to recognize tone and emotion. Korats are social but not demanding, enjoy being part of family life, and get along well with other pets. Their natural curiosity is tempered by caution, and they adapt quickly to new environments. The ICCF notes that Korats display a stable temperament free from aggression and should show confidence, curiosity, and approachability in a show environment.
Head
The Korat’s head is uniquely heart-shaped, most evident when viewed from the front. The broad, smooth forehead, rounded cheeks, and softly tapering chin form the distinctive outline. The top of the skull is slightly rounded, with a gentle, unbroken curve from forehead to nose. The nose is medium in length and straight, with a slight downward slope near the tip, free from dips or bumps. The muzzle should appear neither elongated nor short, maintaining harmonious proportions. Overall, the head should convey the breed’s gentle, noble expression, reinforcing its characteristic refinement and intelligence.
Facial Features
The Korat’s facial structure emphasizes the heart-shaped contour. The cheeks are well-defined, forming a smooth curve that frames the face with softness and precision. The chin is firm but not heavy, in line with the muzzle and maintaining symmetry. The whisker pads are slightly rounded and expressive. The nose is straight and of medium width, with a smooth transition from forehead to bridge. When viewed from the front, the face appears gentle and symmetrical; from the side, it shows a soft, continuous line without abrupt angles.
Eyes
The eyes are the hallmark of the Korat breed — large, luminous, and captivating. They are round when fully open but tend toward an oval shape at rest, enhancing expressiveness. The color is a vivid green reminiscent of young spring leaves. Kittens may show amber tones that deepen into true green by about two years of age. The eyes are slightly slanted and set wide apart, harmonizing with the heart-shaped head. The expression must be intelligent, lively, and affectionate, giving the cat its characteristic charm.
Ears
The ears are large, set high and wide, accentuating the heart shape of the head. The base is broad, and the tips are gently rounded. They are slightly tilted forward, giving an alert and attentive look. The inner surface is open, sometimes lightly furnished with fine hair. The outer surface is covered with short, close-lying fur that outlines the shape clearly. The ears should be in balance with the head — neither too small nor excessively large — contributing to the breed’s harmonious and expressive appearance.
Neck
The neck is of medium length — strong, elegant, and smoothly joining the head to the body. It broadens gradually toward the shoulders, emphasizing the Korat’s athletic build. Males may have a more muscular neck, while females tend to appear slender and graceful. The line of the neck should be soft and flowing, without excess skin or heaviness. In motion, the neck enhances the cat’s poise and contributes to the overall grace of its silhouette.
Body
The body is medium in length — compact, muscular, and well-balanced. The chest is broad and deep, giving stability and strength. The back is straight and firm, blending smoothly into the croup. The abdomen is taut and neat, lending a light and agile appearance. The structure should be solid without signs of coarseness or frailty. The proportions must reflect natural harmony — the perfect balance between strength and grace. The Korat should look powerful, healthy, and refined.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, proportional to the body — thicker at the base and tapering smoothly to a rounded tip. It should be straight and flexible, complementing the lines of the body. The tail must not be kinked or knotted. In motion, it acts as a balance for the body, emphasizing the fluidity of movement and completing the cat’s elegant silhouette.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are straight, of medium length, muscular, and with strong bone. The shoulders are well-set, forming a sturdy frame. The forearms are parallel and firm, with no curvature. The paws are oval, compact, and strong, with well-developed pads. The limbs should ensure both stability and agility, maintaining balance with the body’s proportions.
Hind Limbs
The hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs, giving the Korat its springy gait and excellent jumping ability. The thighs are powerful, with well-developed joints and strong hocks. The paws are oval and compact, matching the forelegs. The alignment of the hind limbs must be straight and stable, ensuring smooth, balanced movement.
Gait and Movement
The Korat’s movement is graceful, light, and elastic. Steps are confident and coordinated, with visible flexibility thanks to strong hind limbs. The back remains straight while the tail serves as a natural counterbalance. The gait should display agility and control without stiffness or heaviness, reflecting the breed’s natural poise and athleticism.
Coat
The coat is short, fine, and lies close to the body with a soft sheen. It feels smooth and silky, with minimal undercoat. The hallmark feature is the silver-tipped effect — each hair ending in a lighter, silvery tone that gives the coat its luminous appearance. The color is richer along the back and sides, lighter on the chest and face. The coat must be even in color, free of stripes or patches, emphasizing the breed’s distinctive glow.
Approved Colors
Under ICCF standards, the only accepted color for the Korat is silver-blue — even across the entire body, with the signature shimmering silver effect. Slight variation in tone between the back and the chest is allowed, but sharp contrasts are not. The coat must give the impression of soft internal light. Any visible tabby markings, spots, or patches are disqualifying faults. Kittens may temporarily show faint ghost markings that disappear with maturity.
Size
The Korat is a medium-sized breed but feels heavier than it appears due to its muscular build. Males usually weigh between 3.5 and 5 kg, with a broader chest and more substantial frame. Females weigh from 2.5 to 4 kg and appear more delicate. The breed should never look small or bulky — overall balance and proportion are key.
Faults
Minor faults include deviations from the standard that do not affect health but reduce show quality: loss of heart-shaped head profile, weak cheekbones, coarse or overly broad muzzle, dull eye color, or eyes that lack proper green hue in adults. Ears that are disproportionately large or small, an overly long or short body, a tail that is too thin or long, or coat texture that is too harsh or fluffy are considered faults. Uneven silver tipping or temporary shading in young cats is acceptable but penalized if persistent.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying features include any coat color other than silver-blue; visible tabby patterning or spotting; non-green eyes in adults (blue or yellow tones); tail deformities such as kinks or thickened joints; improper proportions — such as a square or triangular head lacking the heart-shape contour; skeletal deformities, weakness of limbs, or an unbalanced body. Extreme timidity or aggression preventing handling, as well as absence of ICCF pedigree documentation, also result in disqualification.
Important Notes
The ICCF requires preservation of the traditional Korat type without artificial modification. Judges must consider age when evaluating — kittens may temporarily lack full coat color or eye tone. Adult cats must show vivid green eyes and uniform silver tipping. Breeders should avoid crossbreeding to preserve the unique features of the breed. Emotional sensitivity is typical for Korats; therefore, proper care and calm handling are essential during shows. Only cats with verified ICCF documentation confirming lineage and breed purity may participate in exhibitions or breeding programs.
Conclusion
The Korat is a unique and ancient breed combining strength, harmony, and elegance. Within the ICCF system, it is regarded as a living cultural treasure, demanding strict adherence to the breed standard. Participation in shows and breeding is allowed only for officially registered ICCF cats that meet all criteria of conformation and temperament. Judging emphasizes the heart-shaped head, vivid green eyes, and luminous silver-blue coat. The Korat embodies gentleness, intelligence, and devotion — a true symbol of heritage and refinement.
