Khao Manee
The Khao Manee is a rare, naturally occurring breed of domestic cat from Thailand, instantly recognizable for its pure white coat and striking blue, gold, or odd-colored eyes.
Origin Story
Originating in Thailand, the Khao Manee has been cherished for centuries and was historically favored by Thai royalty. Its name, meaning "White Gem" in Thai, reflects both its pristine white fur and jewel-like eyes. While the breed has long been a part of Thai culture, it only gained formal recognition in Western cat registries in recent years, with The International Cat Association (TICA) granting championship status in 2015. The Khao Manee is a naturally occurring breed, descended from indigenous Thai cats and not the result of deliberate crossbreeding.
Classification
The Khao Manee belongs to the species Felis catus, the domestic cat. It is classified as a distinct breed within the cats taxonomy, recognized for its unique physical traits and cultural heritage. Unlike hybrid or experimental breeds, the Khao Manee is a naturally occurring variety, tracing its lineage directly to indigenous Thai cats.
Appearance or Form
The Khao Manee is a medium-sized, muscular cat with a short, close-lying coat that is always pure white. Its most captivating feature is its eyes, which may be vivid blue, rich gold, or odd-eyed—where each eye is a different color. The head is gently rounded with high cheekbones, and the ears are medium-sized and set well apart. The tail is medium in length and tapers to a rounded tip, contributing to the breed’s elegant and refined appearance.
Behavior or Usage
Primarily kept as a companion animal, the Khao Manee is celebrated for its affectionate and elegant nature. These cats thrive in human company, forming close bonds with their families and displaying a gentle, sociable temperament. Their rarity and beauty have made them highly sought-after pets, especially among those who value unique and culturally significant breeds.
Merchandise & Prints
Bring this kind into your world � illustrated posters, mugs, and shirts.
Khao Manee Poster
Archival print, museum-grade paper
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Khao Manee Mug
Stoneware mug, dishwasher safe
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Khao Manee Shirt
Soft cotton tee, unisex sizes
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Taxon-Specific Insights
🌍Cultural Significance
In Thailand, the Khao Manee holds a special place in cultural lore and tradition. Historically associated with royalty, the breed is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Its pure white coat and luminous eyes have inspired legends and are often depicted in Thai art and literature. Today, the Khao Manee continues to be revered both in its homeland and among international cat enthusiasts.
📌Notable Facts
- The Khao Manee’s name means "White Gem" in Thai, a nod to its dazzling appearance.
- Odd-eyed Khao Manees—cats with one blue and one gold eye—are especially prized and considered auspicious.
- Although the breed has existed for centuries in Thailand, it was only formally recognized by a major Western registry (TICA) in 2015.
📜Breed Recognition
The Khao Manee is recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA), which granted it championship status in 2015. Other major registries, such as CFA and FIFe, do not currently recognize the breed.
Visual Variations
Composition & Context
Taxon-Specific Insights
😺Temperament And Personality
Khao Manees are known for their affectionate, elegant, and companionable nature. They enjoy interacting with people, are gentle and sociable, and often form strong bonds with their families. Their temperament makes them ideal for households seeking a loving and interactive pet.
❤️Health And Lifespan
The Khao Manee is generally a healthy breed, with no major genetic health issues documented. However, as with many white cats, blue-eyed individuals may be predisposed to congenital deafness. Lifespan is typical for domestic cats, though specific longevity data is limited.
🧼Grooming And Care
With its short, close-lying coat, the Khao Manee requires minimal grooming. Regular brushing helps maintain coat condition and reduces shedding. Routine health checks, especially for hearing in blue-eyed cats, are recommended. As a companion breed, they thrive on attention and interaction.
🎨Common Colors And Patterns
The Khao Manee is always pure white, with no other colors or patterns permitted by the breed standard. Eye color may be blue, gold, or odd-eyed, adding to the breed’s distinctive allure.
🌟Famous Examples
While individual Khao Manees have been cherished by Thai royalty and featured in local legends, no single cat has achieved international fame. The breed itself is celebrated as a living symbol of Thai heritage and good fortune.
🌍Regional Variants
In Thailand, the Khao Manee is known as "Khao Manee" (Thai: ขาวมณี). There are no formally recognized regional variants, though the breed is sometimes confused with other native Thai cats such as the Siamese or Korat. Older terms like "Khao Plort" may be used interchangeably in some contexts.
🔖Synonyms And Nicknames
- Khao Plort
- White Gem Cat
- Diamond Eye Cat