Pet Wiki

Suphalak

Also called Thong Daeng, Copper cat

A clever, affectionate and playful cat that bonds closely with its people and often trails them from room to room, much like a dog.

SizeMedium
Weight5.4 to 6.8 kg (12 to 15 lb)1
Height23 to 25 cm (9 to 10 in)1
Lifespan10 to 12 years1
CoatShort, glossy single coat
OriginThailand; one of the traditional Thai cats described in the Tamra Maew cat-book poems.2
Rare breedShort profile
people-oriented
dog-like loyalty
striking copper coat
21

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.21

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.2

Colourssolid warm copper brown (the only colour)2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Suphalak. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • 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

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.1

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.1

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.21

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.1

Company who they like around

Very people-focused and does not enjoy solitude, so it suits households that can offer steady company.2

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 2015.2

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its Thai nickname Thong Daeng means 'copper'.2

  2. 2

    According to legend, King Hsinbyushin of Burma took Suphalaks home after sacking Ayutthaya in 1767.2

  3. 3

    The first Suphalak born outside Thailand arrived in Michigan in 2015.2

  4. 4

    A Suphalak appears in the 2015 Thai film 'Cat a Wabb'.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name Suphalak comes from Thai (ศุภลักษณ์), meaning 'auspicious' or 'beautiful,' while the alternative name Thong Daeng (ทองแดง) translates to 'copper,' referring to the cat's solid reddish-brown copper coat.2

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

Thong DaengCopperMaliChaiSudaNiranTawanFahKhanomBuaSomchaiLek

A day in the life told by a Suphalak

I wake up before the sun, padding softly to the kitchen to greet my human with a gentle trill. They laugh and scratch my ears, and I follow them from room to room, my tail high like a little flag. After breakfast, we play with a feather wand, I leap and twist, showing off my copper coat. Then I curl up on their lap while they read, purring like a tiny motor. In the afternoon, I chat about bird shadows and sunbeams, and they always answer back. When evening comes, I settle on the windowsill, watching the stars, content in my cozy kingdom.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

WCF
Breed standard recognised2
ACA (American Cat Association)
First Suphalak registered 6 September 20152
TICA
Covered under the Maew Boran group, registered as an experimental breed2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

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.1

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.13

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. Pet Wiki's plan does not include regular baths, so only bathe when truly needed.14

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. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing once a week, but more often during shedding seasons is fine.14 Pet Wiki 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. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every three weeks, but adjust based on nail growth.14 Pet Wiki 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. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily play sessions to match its active nature.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Suphalak's teeth and ears?

For teeth, Pet Wiki'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. Pet Wiki 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.1

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.21

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.21

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Suphalak Cat Breed - Catster catster.comused for weight, height, lifespan, care
  2. Suphalak - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, appearance, history, facts
  3. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.