Felis catus
Korn Ja Longhair
The Korn Ja Longhair is the longhaired division of the Korn Ja, an ancient Thai cat breed documented in the Tamra Maew with a black-and-white (tuxedo) coat pattern considered auspicious in Thai tradition. The Thai cat fancy and WCF recognize the breed. The standard describes a medium-sized cat with a distinctive black coat and white markings.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- Thailand
- Origin period
- Documented in the Tamra Maew (c. 14th–18th century); Thai cat fancy recognition
- Coat type
- Long
- Coat colors
- Black with white markings (tuxedo/bicolour pattern)
- Size category
- Medium
- Average lifespan
- 12–16 years
- Recognition
- —
Origin
The Korn Ja is documented in the Tamra Maew as one of ancient Siam's auspicious breeds. The name may refer to the elegant contrast of the black coat against white markings. The Thai cat fancy has standardized the breed based on the manuscript descriptions, and the WCF carries it in its registration programme. The longhair division reflects semi-long coat expressions within the Thai domestic cat gene pool.
Standard
The working standard describes a medium-sized, lean, elegant cat with a slightly wedge-shaped head and almond-shaped eyes. The coat is black with distinctive white markings — typically white paws, a white chest, or a white facial blaze — in a bicolour pattern. The longhair division has a semi-long, fine, silky coat with the same bicolour pattern, a plumed tail, and light furnishings.
Black-and-White Pattern Significance
In Thai tradition, the Korn Ja's black-and-white bicolour pattern is associated with specific auspicious properties described in the Tamra Maew. The white markings — particularly white paws — are described as protective, and the bicolour pattern is associated with prosperity and good fortune in the household. The Thai cat fancy's revival of the Korn Ja as a recognized breed is part of the broader effort to document and preserve all eighteen Tamra Maew breeds for future generations.
Sources & further reading (2)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-27
- registry-breed-profile — accessed 2026-05-27
Frequently asked questions
How many breeds are documented in the Tamra Maew?
The Tamra Maew documents seventeen auspicious and one inauspicious breed (the Maew Boran), for a total of eighteen breed descriptions. Among the recognized auspicious breeds are the Korat, Khao Manee, Suphalak, Sam Sawet, and Korn Ja.
Which registries recognize the Korn Ja?
The Korn Ja is recognized by the Thai cat fancy and WCF. CFA, TICA, GCCF, and FIFe do not currently carry the breed.
Is the Korn Ja rare outside Thailand?
Yes. The Korn Ja is almost entirely unknown outside Thailand and countries with Thai cat fancy connections. It is not recognized by CFA, TICA, GCCF, or FIFe, limiting its international exhibition opportunities. Preservation breeding occurs primarily within Thailand, with some WCF-affiliated breeders in Continental Europe.
