Korats have extraordinary powers of hearing, sight and scent. They are gentle pets, moving softly and cautiously, disliking sudden, loud or harsh noises. Korats form an exceptionally strong bond of affection with their owners and respond warmly to cuddling, setting as close as possible. The roots of the hair are a light bluish color, darkening before the ends become silver-tipped. Many good luck traditions surround the Korat: they are the color of silver, signifying wealth; they are the color of rain clouds, with eyes the color of young rice, meaning good crops. The gift of a pair of Si-Sawat cats to the bride ensures a fortunate marriage. The earliest known picture of a Korat, or Si-Sawat, cat is to be found in the ancient book of paintings and verses known as The Cat-Book Poems in Bangkok’s National Library. A high-ranking monk was commissioned to copy The Cat-Book Poems on special Khoi paper which hangs in a high glass case in the Minor Arts Room of Bangkok’s National Museum. The Korat is among the Good Luck cats. Presently in Thailand the Korats are generally referred to as the Si-Sawat cats, and are found in other provinces as well. There’s no changing the color of the breed. Korats are silver-blue from their first day until their last; a cat of any other color is not a Korat. Their coats are soft and close-lying, with each blue hair tipped with silver.