I’ve studied many unique breeds as a cat expert, and the Khao Manee is one of the most interesting. The Khao Manee is a rare Thai breed with a beautiful white coat and gem-like eyes that charm cat enthusiasts everywhere.
If you’re considering adding this royal cat to your home, learn more about the Khao Manee’s characteristics, care requirements and expenses.
Khao Manee: A Royal Thai Breed
The Khao Manee cat breed has a rich history in Thailand. I’ve always found its royal connections intriguing. For centuries, these cats inhabited the palaces of Siam. Thai royalty valued them for their pure white coats and mesmerizing eyes.
The Khao Manee dates back to ancient Thailand, so these aren’t your average cats. And, if a Tamra Maew, a manuscript of cat poems from around 1350 A.D., references them, you know they’re a culturally significant breed.
The breed was so special that the average person couldn’t own one. Only people of noble or royal blood could own a Khao Manee. So you know these cats must have been exceptional. Due to their rarity and beauty, they were also considered a lucky symbol.
Thai people believed Khao Manees brought good luck (and potentially fortune) to their owner. So, the breed was probably the most prized and rare cat in existence. Translated, “Khao Manee” means “white gem” to highlight their value.
Physical Characteristics of the Khao Manee
Khao Manees are beautiful cats. Their pure white coat is most notable. It’s also short, smooth, and feels like silk when you touch it. You’ll never get tired of stroking these cats.
However, the eyes are really what make Khao Manees stand out. Khao Manees have jewel-like eyes that can be:
- blue
- green
- gold
- odd-eyed
Picture a cat with one eye that’s a sapphire and the other eye is an emerald. It’s truly a sight to see!
They have a medium body size and structure. They’re neither heavy nor bulky, and they have a muscular, athletic build. The tail is long and tapers. Khao Manees have slightly pointed, large ears that give them a very alert expression.
With their build, they’re able to move with agility and grace. You’ll frequently see them perched up high, looking regal and majestic. All of their physical characteristics combine to make a cat that’s both aesthetically pleasing and useful.
Physical Attributes and Longevity of the Diamond Eye Cat
Khao Manees are medium sized cats. Here’s a general overview:
- Weight: Up to 10 pounds
- Length: About 18 inches
- Lifespan: Up to 12 years
These cats aren’t the largest breeds, nor are they exceptionally small. Males are generally a little larger than females, and they’re an ideal size for most environments.
Khao Manees have a reasonable lifespan for a purebred cat. With good care, they can live a long, healthy life. Factors like diet, exercise, and regular visits to the vet all impact how long they live.
Relative to other breeds, they fall somewhere in the middle in terms of size and lifespan. They’re smaller than a Maine Coon but larger than a Singapura, and their lifespan is similar to many other purebred cats.
Personality and Temperament of the Khao Manee
Khao Manees are intelligent cats that are also very curious. They love exploring their environment, and you’ll frequently find them exploring every corner of your house.
They are very social cats that enjoy human interaction. Khao Manees will often follow you around the house as they want to be involved in whatever you’re doing. They are also not afraid to demand attention.
Khao Manees are generally friendly with other pets.
With proper introduction, they get along well with other cats, and even dogs. Their friendly nature extends beyond just humans.
You’ll definitely hear a Khao Manee before you see one, as these cats are quite chatty.
They will talk to you throughout the day and let you know their opinion on things.
In terms of energy, Khao Manees are playful, but not overly energetic.
They like interactive toys and games with their owner, but are also happy to relax in a sunny spot when playtime is over.
They also adjust well to different living environments.
Whether you’re in a small city apartment or a large house, a Khao Manee cat will do just fine.
They are very adaptable cats that will conform to your lifestyle.
Medical Issues in White Gem Cats
As with any rare breed, Khao Manee cats are susceptible to some health problems. Here are the main health concerns to watch for.
One health concern relates to their beautiful eyes. Khao Manees are at risk for certain eye problems. These can include:
- progressive retinal atrophy
- glaucoma Therefore, regular eye check-ups are a must.
White cats, like the Khao Manee, are more likely to be deaf. The probability increases if the cat also has blue eyes. Note that NOT all white cats are deaf. Deafness is something reputable breeders check for when breeding white cats.
The best way to keep Khao Manees healthy is through preventive care. Regular vet visits allow you to catch any issues early. I always recommend:
- at least annual check-ups
- visiting the vet more frequently as your cat gets older.
Health clearances you should ask about include:
- any genetic tests
- eye checks
- perhaps hearing tests.
A good breeder will have done at least some basic health screenings on their kittens.
And as always, remember all cats are individuals. Not every Khao Manee will develop any of these issues. However, it’s always better to be prepared.
Grooming and Care Requirements
Grooming a Khao Manee is relatively easy. They have a short white coat that doesn’t require much maintenance. A weekly brush is usually sufficient to keep their coat looking its best.
You won’t need to give these cats a bath very often. Their coats naturally repel dirt. However, if your Khao Manee gets into something they shouldn’t have, feel free to bathe them.
Regular nail trims and teeth brushing are necessary.
- Trimming their nails prevents painful overgrowth.
- Brushing their teeth ensures they don’t develop dental problems.
- Start both of these grooming tasks when they’re kittens.
You should also clean their eyes and ears regularly.
- Their eyes are slightly more prominent and may collect dirt more easily.
- Use a soft cloth to clean their eyes.
- Check their ears for dirt or mites routinely.
Feeding your Khao Manee a nutritious diet is essential.
- They require a balanced diet to thrive and have enough energy throughout the day.
- Feed them high-quality cat food appropriate for their age and level of activity.
These cats are very active, so they’ll need plenty of toys and playtime.
- Invest in interactive toys to keep their minds engaged.
- You can also purchase a cat tree to allow them to explore and perch.
Khao Manee Rarity and Cost
Khao Manees are one of the most rare cat breeds in the world, and that rarity is reflected in their price. You won’t see these cats popping up at your local animal shelter.
Numerous factors contribute to the Khao Manee price.
Their pedigree, show potential, and eye color are all factors.
Therefore, the kittens with the best combination of these traits will be the most expensive.
The average Khao Manee kitten price is about $11,000, making them one of the most expensive cat breeds. Some exceptional kittens may be priced even higher.
Adoption fees for adult Khao Manees are lower, but still in the thousands.
You might find one for around $2,500 or more.
Even at that price, they aren’t exactly a budget investment.
In the grand scheme of rare cat breeds, the Khao Manee is at the top of the price range.
In fact, they are often more expensive than breeds like the Savannah or Bengal.
The reason they are priced so high is because they are one of the rarest cat breeds and also the cost of breeding.
Ethical breeders make considerable investments in health testing and general care, which results in a high price tag.
Breed Recognition and Standards
The Khao Manee was only recently recognized as an official breed. Here’s a timeline of their recognition by TICA (The International Cat Association):
- May 2009: TICA granted “registration only” status
- May 1, 2012: Promoted to “Preliminary New Breed”
- August 30, 2013: Advanced to “Advanced New Breed”
- May 1, 2015: Granted Championship level status
The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) recognized the breed on February 7, 2018. This was a huge step forward for Khao Manee enthusiasts.
Breed standards outline the ideal Khao Manee, which should have a medium-sized muscular body and a short, white coat. The breed’s standout feature is its eyes, so standards highlight eye brightness and color.
In cat shows, judges evaluate these standards. They look at body structure, coat, eye color, and also consider the cat’s condition and temperament.
While each association may have slightly different standards, the basics of the breed’s characteristics in each association are the same.
Recognition has certainly helped increase the breed’s popularity. More people are learning about this incredible breed, and this increased awareness has led to more breeding programs globally.
Choosing a Khao Manee: What to Consider
Before you commit to a Khao Manee, evaluate your daily routine. Khao Manees require a lot of attention and playtime, so if you’re frequently out of the house, they may not be the best choice for you.
Khao Manees need a moderate amount of space. They are active cats that enjoy lots of room to play, but they can also do well in an apartment if you give them plenty of toys and other enrichment.
Time is arguably the most important consideration for this breed. Khao Manees love being around people, so plan to spend time with them each day playing, grooming, and snuggling.
There are more costs associated with owning a Khao Manee than just the initial purchase price. You’ll also need to budget for food, healthcare, and other supplies. It’s possible your Khao Manee could require specialty care, which can be expensive.
If you have allergies, make sure you spend time around a Khao Manee before you bring one home. While Khao Manees shed less than some other cats, they are not hypoallergenic.
Preparing your house for a Khao Manee isn’t complicated. Simply offer them:
- scratching posts
- cat trees
- interactive toys
You should also create several spaces in your home where they can feel safe and relax.
Comparing Thai White Gems to Similar Pale Feline Breeds
Khao Manees are often compared to other white cat breeds. So how do they differ from other cats that look similar?
Foreign White Siamese are perhaps the closest relative to the Khao Manee. After all, they both come from Thailand. The biggest difference is that Foreign Whites only have blue eyes. They’re also more long and slender while the Khao Manee can have blue, gold, or odd-coloured eyes and has a more moderate body shape.
Turkish Angoras are another breed that is white, so they’re often mistaken for Khao Manees. The biggest difference is that Angoras have longer, silkier coats and are more delicate while Khao Manees have a stockier build and short hair.
White Persian cats are a stark contrast to Khao Manees. You can identify Persians by their long, fluffy coats and flat faces. Additionally, they’re much more laid back than the high-energy Khao Manee.
Their special qualities that set them apart include their “diamond eyes” and the fact that they were historically exclusive to Thailand. They also tend to be more extroverted than other white breeds.
Here’s a brief overview:
| Breed | Coat Length | Eye Color | Body Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khao Manee | Short | Any | Stocky |
| Foreign White Siamese | Short | Blue | Long and elegant |
| Turkish Angora | Long | Any | Delicate |
| White Persian | Long | Any | Cobby |
For more information on rare breeds, consider reading about Chinese cat breeds. It provides another example of unique feline characteristics.
Finding Reputable Khao Manee Breeders
Selecting a responsible breeder is essential when obtaining a Khao Manee. Good breeders put the health and wellness of their cats first.
Be on the lookout for red flags when searching for a breeder.
- If a breeder always has kittens available, don’t walk away—run.
- Additionally, never buy from a breeder who won’t allow you to visit the cattery.
- Responsible breeders generally have waiting lists, and they’re also happy to share information about their breeding practices with you.
Ask breeders a lot of questions.
- Ask about health testing, genetic screening, and how they socialize their kittens.
- If a breeder isn’t forthcoming with this information, that’s a major red flag.
Look for health certifications from reputable organizations.
- This might include HCM screening, PKD testing, and FELV/FIV tests.
- These are all certifications that responsible breeders will have, and investing in these tests is crucial to ensure that you’re getting a healthy kitten.
Understand breeder contracts before making a commitment.
- Most breeders require that you sign a contract that includes a spay/neuter agreement, health guarantee, and return policy.
- Read through the contract carefully, and if you don’t understand any part of it, ask the breeder to clarify.
The best places to find reputable breeders include
- the TICA and CFA breeder directories.
- You can also attend cat shows in your area to meet reputable breeders and learn more about the breed.
In Summary
The Khao Manee cat is a hidden treasure within the cat world. It has a deep Thai ancestry beautiful white fur, and enchanting gem-like colored eyes that draw people in. Khao Manees are smart, friendly, and have moderate care needs.
Their status as a rare breed with royal roots is a key reason why they cost a pretty penny. Before you purchase one, think about your lifestyle, living situation, and budget. You aren’t just adopting a pet. You’re adding a piece of feline royalty to your family.
