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Korat vs Russian Blue
Two silver-blue, clever, devoted cats for quiet homes. The Korat is smaller, more affectionate and vocal; the Russian Blue is quieter and more independent.
Verdict
These two are close, and voice and independence decide it. Both are silver-tipped blue shorthairs with green or emerald eyes, both are clever, and both do best in calm homes. The Korat is small, scores top marks for affection, has a talkative voice and wants its people near. The Russian Blue is medium, scores lowest for voice, copes with more time alone, and is shy with strangers. The Korat is Rare and the Russian Blue is Uncommon. Choose the Korat for a more demanding, chatty bond, and the Russian Blue for a quieter, steadier companion.
Choose the Korat if
- You want a cat that talks to you and stays close.
- You have one or two attentive people at home.
- You want a CFA championship breed since 1966.
- You will ask your vet about GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis.
Choose the Russian Blue if
- You want a quiet, gentle cat.
- You are out for part of the day.
- You want a cat that rates top marks for small homes.
- You keep a regular routine and do not need it to greet every guest.
Where they are alike
Both have short coats that need little grooming, and both are highly intelligent. Both rate only fair with children and other pets, so a calm household suits them best.
Side by side
| Korat | Russian Blue | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | Thailand | Arkhangelsk region, Russia |
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-11 lb (2.7-5 kg); males are larger | About 5-12 lb (2.3-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Short, fine, glossy single coat that lies close to the body | Short, dense, plush double coat; the guard hairs have silver tips |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1966 | — |
| How common | Rare | Uncommon |
| Affection | 5 | 4 |
| Energy | 4 | 3 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 3 |
| Talkativeness | 4 | 1 |
| Grooming needed | 1 | 2 |
| Shedding | 2 | 3 |
| Good with children | 3 | 3 |
| Good with other pets | 3 | 3 |
| Happy alone | 2 | 4 |
| Trainability | 5 | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 5 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The single coat sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to this one. | — |
| Suits | A quiet, settled home with one or two attentive people who like a clever, devoted cat. | A quiet household or a single person who wants a gentle, loyal, clever cat and keeps to a regular routine. |
| Less suited to | A noisy household with rough play, or a home empty for most of the day. | A noisy house with many visitors, or anyone who wants a cat that greets every guest. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026