Korat vs Oriental Short Hair

Which cat breed is right for you?

Korat

Size
6–10 lbs
Lifespan
10–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Intelligent Loyal Gentle Playful

Oriental Short Hair

Size
5–10 lbs
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Vocal Social Playful Intelligent

About the Korat

The Korat is one of the oldest natural cat breeds — originating in Nakhon Ratchasima (historically called "Korat") province of Thailand and documented in the Tamra Maew as early as the 14th century. This small-to-medium breed weighs 6–10 pounds and has a semi-cobby, muscular body with a distinctive heart-shaped face and large, luminous green eyes. Their single coat is exclusively silver-tipped blue — each hair is lighter at the root and tipped with silver, giving the entire cat a shimmering, halo-like appearance.

Temperament & Personality

Korats are gentle, intelligent cats that form extraordinarily strong bonds with their families and prefer quiet, stable environments. They can be shy with strangers but are deeply devoted to their people — often choosing one person as their absolute favorite. They do well with respectful children and calm companion cats, though they tend to assert dominance over other pets in the household.

Pros

  • Stunning silver-blue coat with a unique shimmering "halo" effect
  • Naturally healthy with a long lifespan — often living 15–20 years
  • Extremely loyal and forms deep, lasting bonds with their owner
  • Single coat sheds very little and requires minimal grooming

Cons

  • Prone to GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis — fatal genetic storage diseases (testable)
  • Startles easily and is sensitive to loud noises and sudden movements
  • Can be possessive of their owner and jealous of other pets
  • Very low body fat — sensitive to anesthesia and temperature changes

Experience the ancient beauty of the Korat — find cats looking for loving homes on Puplister.

About the Oriental Short Hair

The Oriental Shorthair emerged in the 1950s and 1960s when British breeders crossed Siamese cats with Russian Blues, British Shorthairs, and Abyssinians to create a Siamese-type cat in a rainbow of non-pointed colors. Sleek and angular at 6–12 pounds, this breed has a wedge-shaped head, strikingly large ears, vivid green eyes (or blue in white coats), and a short, fine, glossy coat in over 300 color-and-pattern combinations — more than any other cat breed.

Temperament & Personality

Oriental Shorthairs are among the most extroverted and opinionated cats in existence — they will tell you exactly what they think in a loud, distinctive voice. Fiercely loyal, they bond tightly to their humans and follow them everywhere, including into the shower. They are athletic, curious, and endlessly entertaining, making them ideal for active households with children and other social pets.

Pros

  • Incredible coat variety — virtually every color and pattern available
  • Minimal grooming needs thanks to the short, close-lying coat
  • Highly intelligent and trainable — enjoys puzzle feeders and learning tricks
  • Deeply loyal and affectionate with family members

Cons

  • One of the most vocal cat breeds — constant meowing can be overwhelming
  • Severe separation anxiety when left alone — does best with a companion cat
  • Prone to dental issues, heart disease, and amyloidosis
  • Demands constant attention and can become destructive if under-stimulated

Think you can keep up with this talkative, spirited feline? Search for Oriental Shorthair cats on Puplister and meet your new best friend.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Korat and a Oriental Short Hair?
The Korat is 6–10 lbs sized while the Oriental Short Hair is 5–10 lbs sized. They differ in size (6–10 lbs vs 5–10 lbs), lifespan (10–15 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Korat or Oriental Short Hair?
Korat is generally good with kids. Oriental Short Hair is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Korat or Oriental Short Hair?
The Korat has a lifespan of 10–15 years while the Oriental Short Hair has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

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