Let's talk Khao Manees
They’ve been nicknamed Diamond Eye, called aristocratic, even jewel-like, but no moniker suits the Khao Manee more than the translation of their name: “White gem.” The Khao Manee is an all-white cat marked by sparkling eyes that are typically blue or two separate colours. Beautiful, with a confidence to match, the Khao Manee breed is fantastic for families as they are highly affectionate and social. They were believed to bring good luck to their owners as well. Whether true or not, the Khao Manee is a gorgeous feline to have in your midst.
Official name: Khao Manee
Other names: Khao Plort
Origins: Thailand
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Warm weather? |  |
| Energy level (high, low, medium) *: | High | Family pet? * | |
| Compatibility with other pets: |
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* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
| Baby cat: | Birth to 4 months |
| Growing kitten: | 4 to 12 months |
| Adult: | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature: | 7 to 12 years |
| Senior: | From 12 years |
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Origins of the breed
For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.
The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.
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2 facts about Khao Manees
1. The eyes have it
The Khao Manee is one of the cat breeds who presents a stunning eye colour, and quite often, two completely different ones. More commonly called odd eyes, it’s known as heterochromia, a genetic condition in which the level of melatonin differs from eye to eye. Colours range from only blue to blue, green, and amber.
2. Pure as the driven snow
Any animal with a pure white coat makes an impression and the Khao Manee certainly does. They are one of the only breeds to sport a singular coat colour, a product of their genetics. Khao Manee kittens however, are often born with a dark patch on their head. It’s something that will usually disappear around the first year or so of their life, then it’s back to all white, all the time.
History of the breed
Graced with a storied lineage and a royal coterie, the Khao Manee breed hails from Thailand, and the 14th century, back when the country was known as Siam. The first mention of the breed was made in an ancient text called Cat Book Poems, or Tamra Maew. Valued by Thai kingdoms throughout the ages, the royal members considered the cat good luck and that they would bring fortune and prosperity to all who owned one. Originally known as the Khao Plort, their name was changed in the latter 1800s to the Khao Manee.
To this day the Khao Manee remains well-known in Thailand but relatively little known elsewhere. They were only fully registered by the International Cat Association (TICA) in 2013 and by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) in 2018.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Khao Manees
1. Ears
Ears wide at base, somewhat large, rounded tips.
2. Body
Lithe, strong, agile body, usually long in composition.
3. Coat
Pure white coat composed of short hair lying close to body.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Khao Manee
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Caring for your Khao Manee
Grooming, training and exercise tips
The Khao Manee benefits from a simple grooming routine. Their short-lying coat needs brushing on a weekly basis to keep it neat. Remember, cats groom themselves so need little assistance when they have short fur like this. Baths rarely need be taken unless your cat gets into something messy. Trimming their nails and cleaning their ears counts as a basic part of good care for the Khao Manee breed as well. Periodontal disease in cats is a concern and daily brushing of teeth (or as often as your cat permits!) is a necessary part of keeping them healthy. Exercise is something of a no-brainer for the active Khao Manee. This is a confident cat, not prone to hiding in a corner or lounging around all day. The Khao Manee enjoys playing; the more toys around the house, the better. Cat trees or a similar climbing apparatus will help them stay fit. A cat that bonds strongly to their owner, the Khao Manee is a pleasure to train. They are very smart, and that, combined with a desire to please, makes this a breed who is all too willing to comply. Mastering the litter box and knowing right from wrong will be a snap for the lovely Khao Manee.
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All about Khao Manees
A snowy-white cat is actually fairly common. Many breeds can turn out white, which is determined by genetics. Persians, Siamese, Turkish Angora can commonly be white (or another tone). The colouration occurs when a cat is born with little or no melanin pigmentation—about 5% of the cat population. What is even more rare? A chocolate brown cat (the rarest), followed by cinnamon, fawn, or lilac!
The very gregarious Khao Manee cat is known to use their voice a good deal. This is an exceedingly sociable cat. They will want to be with you, get all into what you’re doing, and almost seek a response. Ditto with strangers, whom they’ll easily approach and meow to as well. Being in the middle of things is a great place for the Khao Manee.
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Cat Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book