Thai Lilac

The history of the Thai Lilac dates back to 1989 when a couple of Korat cats mated and produced a litter that included one kitten who was pink! The kitten was given the name Jenanca Lilac Lilee. When more of these kittens started to appear, they became known as Thai Lilac cats.

Their appearance is credited to recessive genes in the Korat cat. The Korat Breed Advisory Committee has officially recognized the Thai Lilac since 1993. These days, you can find Thai Lilacs 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 Lilac is a medium-sized cat. As is always the case, exact size standards might vary.

Most Thai Lilacs weigh around 15 pounds. Many can be smaller or larger than average.

Just like the Korat, the Thai Lilac is a very social and inquisitive cat. They will often be found following around the people in their lives, and if there’s any action going on anywhere in the household, these felines will want to be right in the middle of it. Children and Thai Lilacs are a great combination–they will come to see each other as new best friends and play buddies.

But make sure you can provide enough attention to the cat–this is a breed that can develop behavior issues if left alone for long periods of the day on a regular basis. Be aware that the Thai Lilac also has a reputation as a very vocal and talkative cat–so get ready to have a cute new voice in the household! There’s a playful and curious side to the Thai Lilac, so make sure you can provide enough space for them to satisfy their physical need. Having safe, climbable furniture is definitely a bonus.

Thai Lilacs are generally considered to be healthy cats–although it’s important to schedule regular wellness visits with your cat’s vet. There aren’t too many breed-specific health problems associated with the Thai Lilac, but always keep an eye out for signs that your cat might be in distress or pain.

• Gangliosidosis: Gangliosidosis is a rare and inherited lysosomal storage disease that can affect cats. Lysosomes are cellular structures responsible for breaking down and recycling various substances within the cells. In the case of gangliosidosis, there is a deficiency or malfunction in the enzymes responsible for breaking down certain lipids called gangliosides. There are two main types of gangliosidosis that can affect cats: GM1 gangliosidosis and GM2 gangliosidosis. Both types are caused by a genetic mutation, and affected cats inherit the condition from their parents.

As with all cats, it’s important to keep up your Thai Lilac’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 Lilac’s living environment. This can help promote healthy scratching and keep the cat’s nails in good condition, which is very important for such an inquisitive cat breed.

The Thai Lilac 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 regime that will suit your cat. Your vet can advise you about specific brands and techniques. Finally, the Thai Lilac is definitely a cat breed that will appreciate a sturdy cat tree to play and interact with. This will keep the kitty stimulated and help prevent any behavior issues from arising.

The Thai Lilac sports a lilac-colored coat, which can often look a little pink in certain light. When it comes to grooming, the short-haired Thai Lilac 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 Lilac doesn’t take to sitting still and being brushed at first.

In terms of climate, most Thai Lilacs are fairly adaptable felines, although 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 Lilac is a top notch fit for families with young kids. Just make sure that early socialization takes place and boundaries are properly set on both sides. Supervise early interactions between young children and cats.

When it comes to other household pets, the social Thai Lilac usually fares well with most other domestic animals. But always make sure to supervise early interactions between the new cat and existing pets, too. 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 Lilac for good behavior when you bring them home to your family!

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

• Hope for Paws
• Best Friends Animal Society