Suphalak
Also called Thong Daeng, Copper cat
From Thailand; one of the traditional Thai cats described in the Tamra Maew cat-book poems.1
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
General figure 12-15 lb (about 5.4-6.8 kg) from a pet-information site; no registry figure found.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, glossy single coat
A medium-sized, muscular cat of semi-foreign build with a softened wedge-shaped head. The whole body is one even, warm copper-brown, often compared to tamarind pulp, with no tabby markings, and the eyes glow yellow to gold.1
Personality what they are like
A clever, affectionate and playful cat that bonds closely with its people and often trails them from room to room, much like a dog. It is chatty and lively and prefers company to long hours alone.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate to active. Around 15-20 minutes of interactive play a day, plus climbing spots and toys, keeps it fit and content.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Low effort: brush a few times a week to catch loose hair, trim nails regularly and bathe only when needed.2
Home where they are happiest
Happy indoors with vertical space, scratching posts and toys; best in a home where someone is around for much of the day.12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Needs a complete, balanced cat food built around animal protein, with fresh water always available; portion treats so the cat stays trim.2
Company who they like around
Very people-focused and does not enjoy solitude, so it suits households that can offer steady company.1
The story where it all began
The Suphalak is pictured in the Tamra Maew, cat-book poems from the Ayutthaya era of Thailand. Legend says Burmese forces carried many of these copper cats away when Ayutthaya fell in 1767, which is offered as a reason for their rarity. Modern preservation work began only recently, and the first one registered in the West was a cat named Thonga in 2015.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- WCF
- Breed standard recognised1
- ACA (American Cat Association)
- First Suphalak registered 6 September 20151
- TICA
- Covered under the Maew Boran group, registered as an experimental breed1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Suphalak. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Nail trimevery 3 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Litter scoopevery day
- Litter changeevery week
- PlayDaily playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Suphalak, and at what times?
Your Suphalak's feeding schedule depends on its age, activity and the food you use. Follow the label on the complete cat food and ask your vet for the right portions and times. Always keep fresh water available.2
What should a Suphalak eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete, balanced cat food with animal protein as the main ingredient. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and xylitol; cats are especially sensitive to onion and garlic. For a full list, check with your vet.23
Does a Suphalak need baths?
Baths are rarely needed for a Suphalak. Only bathe if the cat is very dirty or sticky, as over-bathing can dry the skin. Furry Diary's plan does not include regular baths, so only bathe when truly needed.24
How often does a Suphalak need brushing?
Brush your Suphalak a few times a week to catch loose hair; its short coat is low-maintenance. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing once a week, but more often during shedding seasons is fine.24 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Suphalak's claws, and how often?
Trim your Suphalak's nails every 10 to 14 days, or as needed. Start slowly, doing just two claws per session, and use proper cat nail clippers. Furry Diary's plan suggests every three weeks, but adjust based on nail growth.24 Furry Diary plan
How much play does a Suphalak need?
Your Suphalak needs about 15 to 20 minutes of interactive play daily, plus climbing spots and toys to stay happy. Furry Diary's plan includes daily play sessions to match its active nature.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Suphalak's teeth and ears?
For teeth, Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing every two days, with daily being ideal using a cat-safe toothpaste. Ear cleaning needs vary; ask your vet for the best routine and check weekly for dirt or redness. Furry Diary plan
How long does a Suphalak live?
A Suphalak typically lives 10 to 12 years. With good care, regular vet visits and a healthy diet, they can enjoy a full lifespan.2
Is a Suphalak good with children and other pets?
Suphalaks are affectionate and playful, so they often do well with respectful children and other pets if introduced slowly. Their people-focused nature means they enjoy company, but always supervise early interactions.12
Can a Suphalak be left alone?
Suphalaks dislike being left alone for long periods. They are very people-focused and may become lonely or anxious if left alone all day. If you work long hours, consider a companion cat or a pet sitter.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Suphalak - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, appearance, history, facts
- Suphalak Cat Breed - Catster catster.comused for weight, height, lifespan, care
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.