My name is Catherine Tew and I run a small cattery in the centre of England which is dedicated to the breeding and the preservation the Korat. The aim of this website is to introduce you to this most wonderful breed and to my cattery.  The Korat is a very special cat: it is one of the oldest natural breeds of cats, first recorded in the Ayudhya Period of Siamese History (1350-1767). As a natural breed, they have not been ‘designed by man’ and will never be outcrossed to any other breeds. All Korats trace their ancestry back to Thailand, where they are still rare today. Their name was chosen by King Rama V after the Region in Thailand where they were said to originate: the bluish grey granite outcropped region of the north eastern region of Kkorat (today called the Nakhon Ratchasima District). This high plateau region, dominated by thick forests and granite outcrops, is said to have been the ideal living and breeding ground for the Korat during the years of wars which raged between Siam and her neighbours: the Korat’s unique colouring blended perfectly in this habitat and enabled its survival! In Thailand, the Korat is also called Si-Sawat, which refers to its unique colour and to the good luck that its possession is believed to bring. Korats were traditionally never sold but given as very special token of esteem. Their ‘rain filled cloud’ colour coat symbolises wealth, fertility and an abondant harvest.   In the world of domesticated cats, they are truly a unique Eastern beauty. When I looked for my first Korat, back in 1996, I was attracted by their silky soft shimmering blue coat, their luminous, highly expressive green eyes and all the history behind this amazing breed...but the true meaning of what it really means to be owned by a Korat only came to me gradually, as I discovered my new cat’s lively, lovable and enchanting personality and the friendship she unconditionaly gave me! Today, I would like to share my passion for this special cat with other cat lovers around me so that they too, can experience what it feels like to be owned by a Korat! I hope you enjoy your visit! Welcome to the Naamjai Cattery! Naamjai Korats Gem, aka Koorahk Saaeng Daao, our first Korat breeding female, at nearly 12 months old.   © 2011 Naamjai Korats -  Last updated on 2nd January 2012