The Official Cats of Thailand

Cats are a big deal in Thailand.Recently, the Cabinet designated five cat breeds native to Thailand as a “National Identity” companion animal. Recommended by Thailand’s National Identity Committee (What, you thought “identity politics” was unique to the US?), this is intended to protect the animal and encourage ownership.That means these five breeds of cats now enjoy the “official” status of other Thai animals, including the elephant, the official animal; the Thai fighting fish, the national aquatic animal; and the Naga (a race of half-human/half-serpent beings), Thailand’s official legendary creature.These five breeds were selected as the only five remaining purebred cats in the country, with distinctive physical and behavioral traits.The five breeds are: Wichien Maat: Better known as the Siamese cat, it is probably the most famous cat breed outside of Thailand. Actually, they are related to the Western, modern-style Siamese cat but are still a distinct breed. Konja: These black cats have sleek black fur and yellow eyes. Unlike in the west, Thais consider these cats to be lucky and are believed to bring good fortune. They are also very playful and energetic. Given his unusually sleek and silky coat, I half suspect my own cat, Groucho, to be a Konja, although I wouldn’t describe him as playful so much as just really squirrely. Suphalak: These are ancient cats with an unusual copper-colored coat. They are thought to be an ancestor of the modern Burmese cat. They are mentioned in the “Tamra Maew,” a treatise on cats believed to have been written sometime in the Ayutthaya period (1351 A.D. to 1767 A.D.). Khao Manee: Also known as the Diamond Eye cat, the Khao Manee have short white hair and are also named in the “Tamra Maew.” Their ancestry dates back hundreds of years. Korat: According to the Cat Fanciers Association, “The Korat has a medium-sized, muscular body with surprising heft. Its silver-tipped blue coat is short, glossy, and fine. The eyes are large, luminous, alert, and expressive in a rich shade of peridot green.”According to the National News Bureau of Thailand, “The initiative is also intended to protect Thailand’s rights over these native breeds, prevent attempts at foreign registration, and create opportunities to enhance economic value and develop related creative industries.”What is not clear is if this initiative will actually improve the plight of stray cats in the country. Cats are deeply ingrained and much beloved in Thai culture. They can be spotted hanging around markets and lounging about in temples. However, like so many other parts of the world, including right here in Nebraska, no one seems quite sure what to do about the ever-growing stray population.

Joyce Pollman

Arraignments in Jefferson County District Court

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