Thai

The Thai cat breed comes from Thailand, where these kitties are known by the name Wichienmaat, which translates into “moon diamond.” In the 1800s, the breed was brought to Great Britain to be given to the royal family as a gift–a move which helped spread news about these felines around the world.

The Thai was officially given advanced new breed status by the International Cat Association (TICA) in 2009.

These days, you can find Thais in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. So make sure to consider adoption if you decide that this is the breed for you!

The Thai is a medium-sized cat. As is always the case, exact size standards might vary.

Most Thais weigh between eight and 15 pounds. However, many cats can be larger or smaller than average.

First of all, the Thai is a very people-focused feline. These cats will often follow the humans of a household around from room to room as they seek out company.

The Thai is also a very vocal breed of cat, with many owners insisting that their Thai cats talk to them to let them know how they’re feeling! They’re also inquisitive and curious creatures who love to explore the world around them, so living in a home with lots of safe climbable furniture would be a bonus.

Just be warned that, due to the Thai’s very sociable nature, they are cats who definitely need what might seem like constant attention. If you have a household with young children, that’s great, as the Thai will happily become like a new best friend and play buddy to your kids.

Thais are generally considered to be healthy cats, although it’s always important to schedule regular wellness visits with your cat’s vet.

There aren’t any breed-specific health problems associated with the Thai, but always keep an eye out for signs that your cat might be in distress or pain.

As with all cats, it’s important to keep up your Thai’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your cat healthy.

Beyond scheduling yearly wellness visits with your vet, make sure that you pick up a scratching post for your Thai cat’s living environment. This can help promote healthy scratching and keep the cat’s nails in good condition.

The Thai cat’s ears should be examined regularly for signs of dirt building up or possible infection. Talk to your vet about starting a regular teeth brushing regimen that will suit your Thai. Your vet can advise you about specific brands and techniques.

Finally, the Thai will definitely appreciate a sturdy cat tree to play and interact with. This will help keep the kitty stimulated and satisfied and may prevent behavior issues from arising.

The Thai cat can be found in any point color, including tortie point, torbie point, and tabby point.

When it comes to grooming, the short-haired Thai cat is pretty low maintenance and will be good with weekly brushing sessions. This will help ward off the chances of any mats forming. Although, ask your vet for tips if you find that your Thai doesn’t take to sitting still and being brushed at first.

In terms of climate, most Thais are fairly adaptable felines, but they do tend to prefer warmer rather than colder places to live. Just remember to always make sure that there’s enough shade and fresh water available during the hotter months.

The Thai is a wonderful match for families with young children. Just make sure that early socialization takes place and boundaries are properly set on both sides. Supervise all interactions between kids and cats, especially early on.

When it comes to other household pets, the outgoing Thai usually fares well with most other domestic animals, including dogs. But always make sure to supervise early interactions between the new cat and existing pets. Sometimes these relationships are very much dependent on the individual pets’ personalities.

Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this breed. Make sure to reward your Thai for good behavior when you bring them home to your family!

It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Thai cats. However, you may want to try shelters and rescues that cater to all types of cats, including Thai cats, as well as your local shelter. Here are some nonprofit rescues you can try:

• Hope for Paws
• Best Friends Animal Society

You can also try CatTime’s adoption page that lets you search for adoptable cats by breed and zip code!