BANGKOK (The Nation/Asia News Network): The seminar, organised by the Social Development and Human Security Ministry at Amporn Gardens in Bangkok final month, was instructed that of the 17 auspicious native Thai cat breeds, solely 4 have survived. They are Siamese, Supalak, Konja and Sisawat or Korat.
Experts on the seminar bemoaned Thailand’s lack of efficient measures to preserve native breeds, saying this is the reason 13 at the moment are extinct.
Since native Thai cats have turn into uncommon, a kitten can cost as a lot as 250,000 baht (RM32,000) – particularly if its traits match these described in historical data.
According to consultants and a few web sites, Thailand’s 17 native breeds are:
1. Nilrat (black gem)
All black, together with nails, tongue, tooth, eyes and even bones. Its tail is lengthy sufficient to succeed in its head. Ancient Thais believed a Nilrat cat would carry the proprietor prosperity and maintain her or him protected.
2. Vilas
Black from the neck to the stomach, whereas ears, tail and legs are white. This cat has inexperienced eyes. Ancient Thais believed the proprietor of a Vilas could be the grasp of individuals and really rich.
Completely copper in color with glowing eyes. Ancient Thais believed the proprietor of this breed would turn into senior authorities officers and even ministers.
4. Kao-Taem (Nine spots)
Black spots on the neck, head, back and front legs on each side and on the again, including as much as 9, on a white background. This cat was believed to carry prosperity in business.
5. Sisawat (Korat)
Gleaming blue-silver coat described as gray rain clouds, with massive mild eyes that appear to be “dew on lotus petals”. It is believed the Korat cat is auspicious and brings happiness.
6. Sam Sawet
Slim in form with quick black and white fur and eyes that glitter like fireflies. It is believed to carry luck to the proprietor.
7. Rattanakamphon
Its fur is described to be white like a conch shell with a black belt across the chest. It has yellow eyes and is believed to carry house owners authorities jobs and respect from others.
8. Wichienmaat (Siamese)
It is all white at beginning, however the fur adjustments to mild cream, with 9 elements on the physique turning a darkish brown. The 9 elements are the face, tail, ft, ears and the genital space. This cat is believed to make its house owners very wealthy.
9. Niljak
Completely black with a white collar and is believed to make its proprietor very rich.
10. Mulila
These cats have a black physique, white ears and chrysanthemum yellow eyes. Folk tales say these cats had been raised by monks because it helped them turn into good college students.
11. Krob Waen (eyeglass frames) or An Ma (saddle)
It has a saddle-like marking on its again and historical books say this cat cost as a lot as 100,000 gold cash. This breed was believed to carry fame and dignity to its house owners.
12. Pat Sawet Pat Talod
It’s completely black with a white stripe alongside its again from the tip of its nostril to the tip of the tail and has shiny yellow eyes. This breed was believed to carry prosperity and fortune to its house owners.
13. Krajok (shoddy)
It is spherical in form and black in color with a white mouth and yellow eyes. Ancient perception was that its house owners would get land and gold, and even earn excessive positions in society.
14. Singhasep or Songhasep
Black physique with a white mouth, nostril and collar. This cat had yellow eyes and a sleek gait like a lion. It was believed to carry success to its house owners.
15. Karavek
Black physique, white nostril and gold, glowing eyes. It was believed that inside seven months of its adoption, the proprietor would achieve quite a lot of honour and fortune.
16. Jatubot (4 elements)
This cat is all black with white socks and eyes which might be yellow like Sesbania flowers. Folklore says these cats had been solely raised by high-ranking folks or members of the royal household.
17. Konja (fully darkish)
Its fur is a high quality black and its yellow eyes have been in comparison with flowers of the gourd plant. It has a protracted lean tail and walks with a lion’s grace. It is broadly believed that elevating a Konja will carry you good luck.
Apart from these 17 auspicious cats, historical texts additionally record six inauspicious cats. They are:
1. Thuppol Paet (flawed species)
It is normally white and has blood-red eyes. It was believed that these cats favored stealing meals and would carry unhealthy luck and struggling to its house owners.
2. Phanphayak (tiger stripes)
Its fur has stripes and appears prefer it’s been coated with salt and rice husks. Description in historical texts stated its eyes had been the color of pink clay and its cry like a ghost. They additionally believed it will carry unhealthy luck to its house owners.
3. Pisaj (Demon)
They are skinny with tough fur and historical folks believed these cats ate their very own infants.
4. Hinathot
These cats had been believed by historical Thais to carry unhealthy issues and catastrophe to the house owners. They normally had stillborn kittens.
5. Kobpleng (handful of fireside)
Appearance: These cats had been described as mysterious as a result of they favored hiding from folks. It was believed that these cats would see their house owners punished.
6. Neb Sanied (misfortunes)
This cat retains its tail curled and hidden beneath its backside. It usually has a deformed physique. Ancient folks believed its house owners would see their status and honour broken.
