Okay, so today I’m gonna spill the beans on something I’ve been messing with lately: telling the difference between a Korat and a Russian Blue. Sounds easy, right? Nah, hold my coffee.
The Initial Obsession
It all started when I saw this gorgeous silver-blue cat at the local shelter. I was like, “Russian Blue, for sure!” But then the volunteer was all, “Well, maybe… or maybe it’s a Korat?” That’s when the rabbit hole began. I needed to know.
Dive into the Details
First thing I did? Google, of course. Endless articles, side-by-side pictures, the whole shebang. Here’s what I pieced together:
- Coat Color: Both are blue-gray, but the Russian Blue is a lighter, more even shade. Korats often have silver tipping that makes them shimmer. This shimmer, I learned, is key.
- Eye Color: Russian Blues have bright green eyes, period. Korats start with amber or yellow as kittens, but they should eventually turn a vibrant green, too, as adults.
- Face Shape: This is where it gets tricky. Russian Blues have a more wedge-shaped face. Korats have a heart-shaped face when viewed head-on.
- Body Type: Russian Blues are typically a bit more slender and elegant. Korats tend to be more muscular and compact.
The Fieldwork
Reading is one thing, seeing is another. I started visiting cat shows, shelters, and even contacting breeders (no buying, just observing!). I wanted to see these differences in real life.
My First Blunder
At one show, I confidently pointed at a cat and declared, “Russian Blue!” A breeder gently corrected me. “Notice the slight heart shape of the face and the intense green eyes with a hint of silver in the coat? That’s a Korat.” Face palm. I was focusing too much on the color and not enough on the subtle details.
The Eureka Moment
It finally clicked when I saw a pair of cats side-by-side at a rescue event. The Russian Blue was sleek and graceful, its coat a smooth, even blue. The Korat was stockier, with a coat that seemed to glow with silver highlights. The heart-shaped face was undeniable. Finally, I could see the difference!
Practice Makes Perfect (Almost)
Now, I’m not saying I’m an expert. But I’m much better at spotting the differences. It’s all about paying attention to the finer details: the shape of the face, the intensity of the eye color, and that telltale silver sheen on the Korat’s coat.
My Checklist For Identification
- Is there silver tipping? If so, you are likely dealing with a Korat.
- Are the eyes intense green? This is present for both.
- Is the face heart-shaped? If so, that would be a Korat.
The Takeaway
Distinguishing between a Korat and a Russian Blue isn’t just about knowing the facts; it’s about developing an eye for detail. It took some trial and error, but now I feel like I can (mostly) tell them apart. So next time you see a gorgeous silver-blue cat, take a closer look. You might be surprised at what you find!
