These two breeds are frequently confused with each other and reasonably so, considering the many similarities they share.
Despite being quite similar, the Russian blue and Korat still have a few key differences that set them apart.
History & Origin
The Russian blue hails from Russia, whereas the Korat comes from Thailand (called Siam at the time.)
Appearance & Physical Traits
The two breeds look similar due to the blue coat of fur and beautiful green eyes these cats both possess.
All adult Russian blues have green eyes that range from a bright emerald green to a dull green.
Green is also the preferred eye color in Korats, although some have amber or yellow eyes.
The Korat has a single coat of fur that is typically darker in color than the Russian blue’s light blue double coat.
The Russian blue has a long, slender, athletic body and a defined wedge-shaped head.
Korats have a well-built, muscular body and a heart-shaped head.
Russian blues are a medium-to-large-sized breed, weighing up to 15 pounds (7 kg,) while Korats are relatively smaller in size, weighing between 6 and 10 pounds (3-5 kg.)
Both breeds shed in moderation and only require minimal grooming.
Personality & Behavioral Traits
Russian blues are known for their docile and laid-back personality. They are friendly and affectionate–on their own terms–of course. They’re typically skittish toward strangers, other pets, and high-energy children.
Korats, on the other hand, are very sociable and generally get along well with other pets and children if properly introduced. They’re also very affectionate and playful.
Korats are relatively high-maintenance; they require tons of love and attention and can develop separation anxiety if left alone or ignored for a long period of time, whereas the Russian blue is typically less demanding.
Price & Rarity
A purebred Russian blue is generally priced between $500 and $3,000 (£410-£2,461.)
Russian blues are one of the most popular cat breeds in the USA, whereas Korats are considerably less common.
Sources claim that a purebred Korat is usually sold for about $400-$2,000 (£326-£1,629.)
Health & Lifespan
The Russian blue has no known hereditary health issues, unlike the Korat, who can inherit GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis, although both of these conditions are very rare.
Both breeds can live up to 20 years if properly cared for.
Brown, Jackie, “Russian Blue: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care,” The Spruce Pets,
https://www.thesprucepets.com/russian-blue-cat-4580390
“Korat Cat Breed: Size, Appearance & Personality,” Cats, https://cats.com/cat-breeds/korat#:~:text=How much does a Korat,cost between $400-$2,000.
Puisis, Erica, “Korat: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care,” The Spruce Pets,
https://www.thesprucepets.com/korat-cat-breed-profile-5113718
Scott, Jim, “7+ Facts About Russian Blue Cats,” RAWZ,
https://rawznaturalpetfood.com/russ...t Range,quality, minimally processed cat food.
Despite being quite similar, the Russian blue and Korat still have a few key differences that set them apart.
History & Origin
The Russian blue hails from Russia, whereas the Korat comes from Thailand (called Siam at the time.)
Appearance & Physical Traits
The two breeds look similar due to the blue coat of fur and beautiful green eyes these cats both possess.
All adult Russian blues have green eyes that range from a bright emerald green to a dull green.
Green is also the preferred eye color in Korats, although some have amber or yellow eyes.
The Korat has a single coat of fur that is typically darker in color than the Russian blue’s light blue double coat.
The Russian blue has a long, slender, athletic body and a defined wedge-shaped head.
Korats have a well-built, muscular body and a heart-shaped head.
Russian blues are a medium-to-large-sized breed, weighing up to 15 pounds (7 kg,) while Korats are relatively smaller in size, weighing between 6 and 10 pounds (3-5 kg.)
Image of a Korat by Becka Hernz via Pixabay
Both breeds shed in moderation and only require minimal grooming.
Personality & Behavioral Traits
Russian blues are known for their docile and laid-back personality. They are friendly and affectionate–on their own terms–of course. They’re typically skittish toward strangers, other pets, and high-energy children.
Korats, on the other hand, are very sociable and generally get along well with other pets and children if properly introduced. They’re also very affectionate and playful.
Korats are relatively high-maintenance; they require tons of love and attention and can develop separation anxiety if left alone or ignored for a long period of time, whereas the Russian blue is typically less demanding.
Price & Rarity
A purebred Russian blue is generally priced between $500 and $3,000 (£410-£2,461.)
Russian blues are one of the most popular cat breeds in the USA, whereas Korats are considerably less common.
Sources claim that a purebred Korat is usually sold for about $400-$2,000 (£326-£1,629.)
Health & Lifespan
The Russian blue has no known hereditary health issues, unlike the Korat, who can inherit GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis, although both of these conditions are very rare.
Both breeds can live up to 20 years if properly cared for.
Works Cited
Brown, Jackie, “Russian Blue: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care,” The Spruce Pets,
https://www.thesprucepets.com/russian-blue-cat-4580390
“Korat Cat Breed: Size, Appearance & Personality,” Cats, https://cats.com/cat-breeds/korat#:~:text=How much does a Korat,cost between $400-$2,000.
Puisis, Erica, “Korat: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care,” The Spruce Pets,
https://www.thesprucepets.com/korat-cat-breed-profile-5113718
Scott, Jim, “7+ Facts About Russian Blue Cats,” RAWZ,
https://rawznaturalpetfood.com/russ...t Range,quality, minimally processed cat food.