Thailand to patent Korat cat

The Korat feline breed has a heart-shaped head, green eyes that turn to amber when fully grown, silver-blue coat and pointy ears. The breed is also known to be intelligent, playful and loyal to their owners. Locals believe they bring good luck. The patented breed will now be known as Mae Si Sawad or the silver-blue cat.

MP Purapat Wisetjindawattana, Vice Chairman of the House Committee for Commerce and Intellectual Property, said the species had to be protected, because there were only 2,000 Korat cats left in the country.

The rare cat species is worth between Bt4,000 and Bt20,000.

The Livestock Department will soon propose a bill calling for more unique pets to be patented during the Abhisit government's term, Mr Purapat said.

Chuchai Wisetjindawat, President of the Korat Cat Conservation Club, said the patent would enable Korat cat owners and breeders to earn extra income, provided the breeding and sales of Korat cats was legal and proper.


[Source: The Nation]