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Conference misery::feline

Title:	Meower Power - Where Differing Opinions are Respected
Notice:	purrrrr...
Moderator:	JULIET::CORDES_JA

Created:	Wed Nov 13 1991
Last Modified:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	1079
Total number of notes:	28858

74.0. "KORAT - The cat with the Thai Passport" by DACT6::COLEMAN (Mowl Sima Korats) Wed Dec 11 1991 10:53

Since I'm currently 'owned' by 5 Korats: (4 kittens, 1 mama)
I have to start the "KORAT" note! Replies are welcome, and
if anyone else owns a Korat, please feel free to introduce
them!

Below is CFA's cat profile on the Korat. This will give you a
brief background on the breed.

                               KORAT

The eyes of the Korat are like those of no other cat, expressive
oversized for the face with a depth and intense gaze that takes
your breath away...as sparkling as the "dewdrops on a lotus leaf'.
Like all new-born kittens, at first the eyes are blue, changing
to amber with a green tinge around the pupil during adolescence.
Then, when the cat is mature the eyes are luminous green.

Korats have extraordinary powers of hearing, sight and scent. They are
gentle pets, moving softly and cautiously, disliking sudden, loud or harsh
noises. Those destined to be shown must be trained from birth to accept
noise and handling, possibly by keeping a radio on in the nursery, and by
lifting and posing the kitten, as judges do. Korats form an exceptionally
strong bond of affection with their owners and respond warmly to cuddling,
setting as close as possible. They mix well with other cats but tend to
want to have the upper hand, and will not let the other keep them from
their rightful place at their owner's side. They have been cherished for
centuries in their native Thailand and they naturally expect this tradition
to be maintained wherever they go. Korats are active in their play, but are
very gentle with children.

Their hair does not float off when they are being stroked and petted, so
many people with an allergy to cat hair find their proximity tolerable. The
silvering over the whole body should  make a halo, or aura, effect, and the
close lying fur shines like a polished silver dollar. The roots of the hair
are a light bluish color.

They are considered a symbol of good fortune by the Thais. Many good luck
traditions surround the Korat: they are the color of silver, signifying
wealth; they are the color of rain clouds, with  eyes the color of young
rice, meaning good crops. The gift of a pair of Si-Sawat cats to the bride,
ensures a fortunate marriage.

The earliest known picture of a Korat, or Si-Sawat, cat is to be found in
the ancient book of paintings and verses, known as THE CAT-BOOK POEMS, in
Bangkok's National Library. It is believed by the Fine Arts Department, a
division of Thailand's Ministry of Education, to have been produced some
time druing the Ayudhya Period of Siamese History (1350-1776).
 
A high-ranking monk, Somdej Phra Buddhacharn Buddhasarmahathera, was
commisioned by King Rama V (1869-1910) to copy THE CAT-BOOK POEMS on
special Khoi paper, known as the SMUD KHOI OF CATS, it hangs in a high
glass case in the Minor Arts Room of Bangkok's National Museum. Books were
folded, not bound as a more recent version, known as THE BOOK OF THE CAT,
also in the National Museum, apparently a 20th century version of the cats
and their accompanying verses. This shows 17 cats, whose ownership brings
good fortune and 6 with boding of the very reverse. Among the Good Luck
cats is the Korat.

King Rama V is said to have named the breed when he remarked, "What a
pretty cat - where is it from?", and was told "Korat". A Mr Robbins, of New
York City, attested to their existence in that Province in 1906. Nowadays,
in Thailand, the Korat are generally referred to as the Si-Sawat cats and,
of course they are found in other provinces. There's no changing the color
of the breed. Korats are silver-blue from birth until death; a cat of any
other color is not a Korat. Their coats are soft and close-lying, with each
blue hair tipped with silver.

GENERAL: The Korat is a rare cat even in Thailand, its country of origin,
and because of its unusually fine disposition, is greatly loved by the Thai
people who regard it as a 'good luck' cat. Its general appearance is of a
silver-blue cat with a heavy silver sheen, medium sized, hard-bodied, and
muscular. All smooth curves with huge eyes, luminous, alert, and
expressive. Perfect physical condition, alert appearance.

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
74.1	My Korat(s)	DACT6::COLEMAN	Mowl Sima Korats	`Wed Dec 11 1991 11:02`	40
	I'll introduce my Korat(s). The reason for the (s) is because I currently have 4 9-week old kittens who will be sold. I'm trying to keep the one, because he is the only boy, and I think he's going to be BEAUTIFUL! The only way he'll go is if I find a breeder that has a lot of Korats where he can play! Gracie, the "mama" is my first, and really, so far, only Korat. She's 1-1/2 years old, and had her first litter in October of 5 kittens. One died at 2 weeks, but other 4 -- 1 boy, 3 girls, survived and are just a riot! Gracie is exactly what the Korat description is -- she has the upper hand -- tells my other 2 cats what to do, and acts like she's allowing us to stay, just because we're paying HER MORTGAGE@! My other 4 are kittens. I've named them, and each are starting to develop their own personalities... Murphy is the boy. He is a real "mama's boy". He's still trying to nurse, even though the others are on to "real food". He loves to have his belly rubbed, and loves to cuddle. P.A. (which stands for Piss Ant) is just that -- a real ball of fire! Hates to be held, just wants to play and play and play! She likes toy mice (the furry kind) and picks them up, growling as she carries them away! Legs has long legs, and moves like lightning! She's a sweetheart, and loves tennis shoes -- especially velcro. She CHEWS on them! Yuk! Baby is of course, the baby (runt) of the litter. She loves to cuddle, but also loves to play. She's very mello, and also likes furry mice! Well, anyone else have any Korats they'd like to introduce? Cheryl
74.2	Korats! My fav.....	BOOVX1::MANDILE	Bad horse, bad horse	`Wed Dec 11 1991 13:56`	24
	My Korats: Casey - 4 yr old neutered male. He is known as my "fat Korat", because anyone who knows Korats knows they are medium sized, so an extra three pounds makes quite a rolly-poly Korat! (-8 But, the weight doesn't slow him down! He will spend hours chasing a kitty tease, and will fetch and bring back to you his favorite toys. He also enjoys a warm lap. His favorite snack is a beef jerky dog treat.... B.K. - neutered brother to Casey. He is as wiry as Casey is fat. Has to be wherever you are, even to the point of wading through the water in the flooded basement to get to me last winter! (-8 Very vocal, also loves a lap. Likes people, and children. The neigborhood kids come over just to play with the both of them. He is also crazy about the kitty tease, and the both of them become contortionists when we bring it out to play. Always together, too. My mom has another brother, who is just as fun... Lynne
74.3		WISDOM::TAYLOR	The fog comes in on little cats' feet..	`Wed Jan 15 1992 14:36`	34
	Here are my five Korats. From oldest to youngest. Honey - 15 years old. She's the queen. She's SUCH a love! We got her just last year after her owner died a few days after Christmas. Marni - 14 years old. Honey's daughter. A bit more vocal than Honey is, but still a love. She's had a few problems. A cyst behind one of her eyes caused her one eye to turn brown. She can see prefectly fine out of it, but She's now an odd-eyed Korat. She's also got a lump on her tail. It is a cyst, but the vet says that there's nothing that needs to be done about it. Lila - 9 years old. Came to us with Honey and Marni after their owner died. She's a bit strange, but lovable. She's got a weird personality. Only wants to be petted at certain times and will tell you when she doesn't want to be petted. She's been "banned" from showing since she ate a judge for lunch. Silver - 4 years old. Actually, her name is Fogmagic's Sterling Silver. She's the first Korat I got. an absolute love. I'm HER person, and lord held the other cat that wants to sit on my lap when she wants to. Either that or lord help me because I'll be ignored for the rest of the day. She jumps on my shoulder, and greets me at the door. A lot of times she'll jump up on the dresser and give me "kisses" (aka, head butts) as I walk by. PITA - 3 years old. My first Master Grand Champion. Her actual name is "Jaltari's Lady Sings the Blues". but PITA fits her much better. PITA stands for "Pain in the *ss". She's a real talker! She'll actually carry on a little confersation with you. She's so funny, but SO cute! I'm thinking of bringing her out on the show circut again since she's really filled out nicely. We'll see. Well, that's my bunch. I wouldn't trade them for the world! They're absolutely the best breed I've ever come across. Holly
74.4	Babies on the way!	GRANPA::CCOLEMAN	Meow Angelo paints Hisstine Chapel	`Tue Apr 28 1992 06:26`	12
	If anyone is interested, my Gracie is due next week! When the vet saw her a few weeks ago, she said there is definitely 4, but she thinks there may be 7-8 kittens! Korats EVERYWHERE! Anyhow, if you're interested, keep this note in mind! (BTW: they'll be ready for homes in September) If you would like more details (pedigree info, specifics) drop me a line: GRANPA::CCOLEMAN or Cheryl Coleman @COP. Cheryl
74.5	Mothers Day litter!	GRANPA::CCOLEMAN	Meow Angelo paints Hisstine Chapel	`Mon May 11 1992 08:42`	13
	Gracie gave birth yesterday (Mothers Day!) to 5 beautiful kittens! She started at about 7, and finished around 9:20. She did fine with all, except she didn't take off the umbilical cord to one of the kittens. So, my husband got to play 'vet', and tied it off and cut it. The only thing we did notice was that she bit off the cords with 1/4 - 1/2" from the bellies -- we put some betadine on all of them last night, and again this morning -- couldn't hurt! Anyhow, mom and babies are all doing fine, and when I can figure out how many are boys, and how many are girls, I'll let you know! Cheryl (Charlie, Shanti, P.A., Robbie, Gracie & her 5 new babies!)
74.6	Congratulations	IJSAPL::MOLL		`Tue May 12 1992 02:11`	22
	Congratulations Cheryl and Gracie !!! Lovely to hear that all has gone well, and so quickly. Maybe a stupid question (i'm not into orientals) but do Korats come in different colours ? (I've only seen brown ones so far). Can you tell directly after birth what kind of colour the kittens are ? Didn't you determine boys and girls right away ? It's not that dificult. How do you know after a few days which one was first, second etc. if they are all the same colour ? Lots of love to the little ones from my MC-mummy. Hope she's going to be in heat very soon so she can be mated. I wish you good luck and lots of joy with the litter, Erwin.
74.7	Brown????	GRANPA::CCOLEMAN	Meow Angelo paints Hisstine Chapel	`Tue May 12 1992 05:53`	15
	Hmmm, there's no such thing as a brown Korat... Anyhow, all Korats are blue, with silver tipped fur. Since ALL the kittens are that color, it's hard to tell who is who! The first litter we were able to tell by weight -- the heaviest was the boy, and then down from there. If I've looked correctly, I believe there are 2 boys and 3 girls, and beautiful silver tipping! Mom cat is wonderful again, and she's acting like it was a piece of cake! Thanks, and will keep you all informed on the kitties progress! Cheryl & crew
74.8	apologies	IJSAPL::MOLL		`Tue May 12 1992 08:18`	8
	Sorry Cheryl, My mistake I must have mixed things up a bit (tonkinese are brown). No offence taken I hope. Erwin.
74.9	Congrats to Gracie & Cheryl!!!	BOOVX1::MANDILE	Always carry a rainbow in your pocket	`Tue May 12 1992 09:08`	7
	I told my husband about Gracie's litter last night.... Hmmm.......now that I think of it, he didn't come right out with an adamant "No"! (: Lynne
74.10	Luv them kitties!	GRANPA::CCOLEMAN	Meow Angelo paints Hisstine Chapel	`Tue May 12 1992 11:40`	10
	Re .8 - No offense taken! Sometimes the pictures of Korats in magazines make them look brown, not silver tipped blue! Lynne -- well, all I can tell you is they are SO silver tipped, it is unbelievable! I looked at one of them last night, and he literally GLISTENED! I can't wait till their eyes open, and they start crawling, and their little personalities start coming in! They look like little Yodas right now! Cheryl
74.11	Baby update...	GRANPA::CCOLEMAN	Club Pet Opens Resort in Licktenstein	`Wed Jun 24 1992 13:41`	17
	Just had to give an update on my babies! I bought a scale and weighed them. At 6-1/2 weeks, 1 girl is 1.2 lbs, 1 girl and 1 boy are 1.4 lbs, another girl is 1.6 lbs, and the other boy is 1.8 lbs! They're at the "everything scares me!" stage. Fur is always standing straight up -- the bottle brush tail! They are so cool! The littlest girl is like a rocket -- run here, jump on moms' tail, run here, climb walls, climb cage, climb mom, and run some more! Two of them are more than likely show potential. I'm going to Columbus over July 4, so Jackie (the breeder I'm working with in Columbus) can take a look at them. Additionally, I'll be showing Robbie and P.A. at the show. If anyone is interested in a Korat kitten, they'll be ready for home in September! Cheryl
74.12		DSSDEV::TPMARY::TAMIR	DECforms Roadie	`Wed Jun 24 1992 13:42`	3
	Oh, tiny baby kittens......the inn is full....the inn is full...... Mary
74.13	Come on Mary! You can do it!	STUDIO::COLAIANNI		`Thu Jun 25 1992 07:37`	6
	Steady Mary! You can do it! Just keep chanting your mantra. "The inn is full, the inn is full, the inn is....! ;-) Y
74.14		DSSDEV::TPMARY::TAMIR	DECforms Roadie	`Thu Jun 25 1992 08:45`	10
	Well, last night, I had Honey on the pillow beside me, Beth at the foot of the bed (playing with a mousie), Julie snuggled next to me, growling at Biff who was hiding under the bed, Chauncey on the rocking chair beside the bed, and Robin and Mikey were crusing for a perch in the windows. I have too many cats!! But there is something about tiny baby kittens-----hey, I think that something is that they grow up to be Biffs.... The inn is full The inn is full The inn is full The inn is full
74.15	(-: (-;	BOOVX1::MANDILE	Green eggs and ham...yuck!	`Thu Jun 25 1992 13:44`	6
	But you don't understand! These are Korat babies!!!! THE INN IS FULL THE INN IS FULL!!!!!!!!!! Lynne
74.16		SMILEY::SMILEY::TAMIR	DECforms Roadie	`Thu Jun 25 1992 15:52`	6
	God is good--I've never seen a Korat, even a TBK (tiny baby kitten) Korat! I think I can resist--especially with 6 out of 7 due for vet checks in the next month. The wallet is empty The wallet is empty The wallet is empty
74.17	Two mantras are better than one!	STUDIO::COLAIANNI		`Fri Jun 26 1992 06:35`	7
	Way to go mary! With TWO mantras, you should be golden! ;-) Now just keep saying them, day and night until all the tiny baby kitties are all in new homes, and you should be fine! 8-0 Love, Y
74.18		SELL3::FAHEL	Amalthea Celebras/Silver Unicorn	`Fri Jun 26 1992 07:09`	12
	...or until they grow up... :^) the inn is full the wallet is empty the inn is full the wallet is empty the inn is full the wallet is empty the inn is full the wallet is empty K.C.
74.19		AYRPLN::TAYLOR	NEVER trust a smiling cat!!	`Fri Jun 26 1992 11:42`	12
	Gee Mary, if you REALLY want a tiny baby kitten, I know of this adorable little tortie and white that's only about 5 weeks old that is looking for a home!! I know, I know .. the inn is full the wallet is empty But you can't say that until you've caught up with me! Holly and the nine furrfaces!
74.20		GRANPA::CCOLEMAN	Club Pet Opens Resort in Licktenstein	`Fri Jun 26 1992 11:44`	5
	But Korat babies have that sort of "Yoda" look about them! They're at the point now when mom's tail tastes great....(less filling???) Cheryl and TEN furfaces!
74.21		AYRPLN::TAYLOR	NEVER trust a smiling cat!!	`Fri Jun 26 1992 12:31`	17
	RE: Cheryl Yeah, I know what you mean. Korat babies are definitely interesting looking. When I first brought Silver home my mother couldn't see WHY I thought she was so cute! She finally decided that she was so ugly that she was cute! Pita never went through that "ugly duckling" stage. She was always adorable! And boy, did she earn her name!! haha!! RE: the ten furrfaces .. Now that's not entirely true .. we breeders aren't supposed to count kittens since they're only temporarily there! Holly
74.22		XENON::TPMARY::TAMIR	DECforms Roadie	`Mon Jun 29 1992 08:28`	10
	Ahem, Holly, need I remind you what happened the LAST time I took in a 5 week old tortie kitten?????? She's the reason the wallet is empty!! I'm just finishing off paying her vet bills..... I heard Dr. Bachrach is taking a month of to sail in the South Pacific on his new yacht named Beth..... (just kidding on the above...no law suits...I can't afford them.......) Mary
74.23	Korats at a show!	GRANPA::CCOLEMAN	Club Pet Opens Resort in Licktenstein	`Tue Jul 07 1992 06:25`	23
	Anyone who's been to cat shows will rarely see a Korat. However, this weekend I was at the CFA show in Columbus, OH. There were 8, yes EIGHT Korats! Three kittens, 4 adults, and 1 premier. It was so fun to get to meet the other Korat people! We all went out to dinner Saturday night, which was REALLY funny. I'm from Maryland, one couple was from Oklahoma City, and the others were from Toronta, Canada. The Canadians had a hard time understanding the women from Oklahoma, and both of them kept making fun of each others 'slang'! The compromise was: "Y'all come down, eh?" The Korats attending were: Dagneau's Cym Sisawat Dagneau's Throb Bleu of Mowl Sima Skookumchuck's Dazzler Skookumchuck's Tecumseh Mowl Sima's Silver Shadow Soigne's Prima Peridotta Skookumchuck's Seun Lei of Dagneau Skookumchuck's Freya of Dagneau Cheryl
74.24	Anyone interested in showing a Korat?	GRANPA::CCOLEMAN	I love Korats!	`Wed Jul 29 1992 09:10`	10
	Out of my litter of 5, I have 2 show quality kittens for premiership -- one male, and one female. If anyone is interested in showing a Korat in premiership, please let me know (or forward it on to someone that might be interested.) These kittens will be available the first week in October -- they're registered in shows the entire month of September, so they'll be 'seasoned'!! Cheryl DTN 339-5742
74.25	(-;	BUSY::MANDILE	American take a Jerk-pill Week	`Wed Jul 29 1992 11:21`	3
	The inn is full......the inn is full.....
74.26		GRANPA::CCOLEMAN	I love Korats!	`Thu Jul 30 1992 05:58`	3
	I'm bringing pictures (and maybe a video) when I come to Fitchburg....
74.27	Any Korat breeders around?	NETCAD::DREYER	More great memories	`Fri Dec 15 1995 06:40`	6
	This note had been quiet for a few years now. I'm wondering if there are any Korat breeders still active in this file, or if anyone knows a breeder they can recommend. I know someone who's interested in getting one. Thanks, Laura
74.28	ex-deccie with korats	GRANPA::JBOBB	Janet Bobb dtn:339-5755	`Tue Dec 19 1995 10:27`	15
	Cheryl Coleman, who started this note, has been gone from digital for a few years now. However, she is doing well and still showing/raising Korats. She and Perry (and many korats) live in the Maryland geography. I don't know what their current korat number is (a few months ago it was 9) and if they have kittens ready for sale, but they usually either have a group ready or about to be ready. Cheryl spends almost every weeked showing, and has the wall/room of ribbons to prove it. Let me know if you want more info and I can send it to you. janetb.
74.29	Thanks...all set!	NETCAD::DREYER	More great memories	`Thu Dec 21 1995 07:32`	4
	Thanks, janet. Holly gave me the name of a breeder in Worcester, and I passed that info on. Laura