Khao Manee Cat: The Rare White Thai Cat With Jewel Eyes

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

With its pure white coat and jewel-bright eyes, the Khao Manee looks like a cat from a legend. In Thailand, it has a long history as a royal and temple cat, and it is believed to bring good fortune to its owners. In the rest of the world, it remains a rare treat. Its looks attract attention, but its lively, social nature is what wins owners over.

History

The Khao Manee is one of the breeds listed in the Tamra Maew, the old Thai manuscript of cat poems, and it has been kept for centuries by Thai royalty and nobles. The name means white gem. The breed was little known outside Thailand until the 1990s, when breeders began exporting cats, and in the 2000s associations in several countries gave it recognition. Because it is so rare, numbers are small, and breeders work hard to maintain genetic diversity. See the Korat profile for another ancient Thai breed.

Appearance

The Khao Manee is a medium-sized, muscular cat with a short, smooth, glossy, pure white coat. There are no markings. The head is wedge-shaped, with a slightly rounded muzzle and large, upright ears.

The eyes are the star. They can be blue, gold or green, and some cats have one of each color, which is called odd-eyed. Gold and blue are the traditional shades, and the odd-eyed cats are highly prized. Kittens may have a smudge of color on the head that fades as they grow. Adults weigh about six to ten pounds.

Deafness risk

White cats, especially those with blue eyes, have an increased risk of congenital deafness. The same gene that makes the coat white can affect the inner ear. Some Khao Manees are deaf in one or both ears, and cats with blue eyes are most at risk. Responsible breeders test hearing with a BAER test, which measures the brain's response to sound. See white cats and deafness and caring for a deaf cat.

Deaf cats can live happy lives, but they must be kept indoors or in a secure catio, since they cannot hear dangers. See how to build a catio.

Personality

Khao Manees are lively, intelligent and affectionate. They love people, and they like to be involved in whatever you do. Many follow their owners around, sit on shoulders and greet visitors at the door. They are playful, acrobatic and curious, and they enjoy climbing, chasing toys and learning tricks.

They are usually vocal in a soft way, and they will chat with you. They do best with company, either people or other pets, and they can become bored or lonely if left alone. See cat separation anxiety. They are usually good with children, cats and cat-friendly dogs. See how to introduce a new cat to your cat.

Give them climbing trees, puzzle feeders and interactive play. See indoor cat enrichment ideas and how to choose a cat tree.

Grooming

The short coat is simple to maintain. Brush weekly to remove loose hair, and wipe with a damp cloth to keep it bright white. See how to brush a cat. Brush teeth, trim nails and clean ears. See how to trim cat nails.

White cats are more prone to sunburn and skin cancer on the ears and nose if they spend time in the sun. Keep your cat indoors or limit sun exposure, and ask your vet about protection. See cancer in cats.

Health

The Khao Manee is considered a healthy breed, but its small gene pool and white coat bring some concerns.

• Deafness, as above.
• Sunburn and skin cancer, especially on ears and nose.
• Heart disease. Ask about screening. See hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats.
• Dental disease. See cat dental disease.
• General care. Vaccines and checkups. See cat vaccination schedule.

Is it the right cat for you?

The Khao Manee suits owners who want a social, lively, striking cat and are prepared for the expense and a long search. It is not a match for someone who wants a quiet, independent cat or who cannot spend time at home. See best cat breeds for families.

Finding a Khao Manee

Because the breed is so rare, kittens are costly, and you may need to import or travel. Be wary of scams and sellers who lack documentation. Choose registered breeders who test hearing and health, and who raise kittens in the home. See how to choose a kitten. If you simply love white cats, many white domestic cats in shelters need homes. See adopting a cat from a shelter.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your cat shows signs of ear problems, skin changes on the ears or nose, or changes in behavior. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.