Khao Manee
The Khao Manee (meaning "White Jewel" in Thai) is an ancient Thai breed documented in the Tamra Maew ("Cat Book Poems") — the same ancient manuscript that describes the Siamese.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Thailand
Lifespan
10–12 years
Weight
2.5–5 kg (5.5–11 lbs)
Height
25–30 cm (10–12 in)
Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Diet
Obligate carnivore — high-quality wet and dry food.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
The Story
The Khao Manee (meaning "White Jewel" in Thai) is an ancient Thai breed documented in the Tamra Maew ("Cat Book Poems") — the same ancient manuscript that describes the Siamese. Pure white with jewel-like eyes — blue, gold, or the highly prized odd-eyed (one blue, one gold) — the Khao Manee has been a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Thailand for centuries. Thai royalty kept Khao Manee cats, and King Chulalongkorn reportedly gave them as gifts to foreign dignitaries. The odd-eyed variety was considered particularly auspicious.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Khao Manee is a medium-sized, athletic cat of moderate foreign type — an overall balanced, elegant build with a slightly oval head, high cheekbones, and a strong, well-muscled body. The coat is always pure white, short, smooth, and close-lying. The eyes are the defining feature — vivid blue, vivid gold (amber), or odd-eyed. The odd-eyed combination of one intense blue and one intense gold is the most prized.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Coat Length
short
Coat Type
smooth
Brushing
1x-Weekly
Bathing
Rarely
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Khao Manee are active, sociable, and vocal — they are curious and investigate everything. They are affectionate with their family. They are intelligent and enjoy interactive play. Their personality is closer to the active Siamese end of the spectrum than the calm Persian end.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Ideal Weather
18°C to 35°C
Indoor/Outdoor
Indoor-Preferred
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Vocal Profile
chatty
Stress Signals
excessive vocalisation, clinginess, over-grooming, hiding
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Minimal grooming — weekly brushing. White cats with blue eyes should be BAER tested for deafness. Sun protection if outdoor access — white coat and pink skin susceptible to sunburn and potentially solar-induced squamous cell carcinoma. Regular dental care.
Nutrition Notes
Thai royal white cat. Deafness in some (W gene). Odd-eyed (one blue, one gold) most prized. Generally very healthy natural breed.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Deafness (white cat + blue eyes). Very few other health issues. Tamra Maew documented (Thai cat poem manuscripts). "Diamond Eye" — odd-eyed most prized. All white always. TICA recognized 2015. 10-12 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
350 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
250 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Congenital deafness from the white coat gene — BAER testing essential for all Khao Manee kittens. Deaf cats can live full and happy lives with appropriate indoor management. Skin cancer risk from sun exposure on white, unpigmented skin. HCM.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Thai royal cat. "Diamond Eye." Odd-eyed = premium. India: perfect climate fit (Thai origin).
Purchase Price
$1,500 to $5,000
Adoption Fee
$100 to $500
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Khao Manee is documented in the Tamra Maew ("Cat Poems"), a Thai manuscript estimated to date from the 14th–18th centuries — placing it among the oldest documented domestic cat breeds alongside the Siamese.
King Chulalongkorn of Thailand (Rama V) reportedly so valued his Khao Manee cats that he gave a pair to British advisors as a diplomatic gift — contributing to the breed's first appearance outside Thailand.
The odd-eyed Khao Manee — one vivid blue eye and one vivid gold eye — was considered the luckiest and most auspicious variety. A Thai proverb states that keeping an odd-eyed white cat brings good fortune to the household.
