The 'White Gem' of Thailand — a pure white short-haired breed prized for centuries in Siamese royal households. Khao Manee are famous for their odd-coloured eyes (one blue, one gold), an outgoing nature, and a chatty, dog-like devotion to their families.
- Origin
- Thailand
- Category
- shorthair
- Lifespan
- 10–12 yrs
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 2.7–5 kg
- Coat
- Short, smooth, close-lying, pure white
- Colours
- Pure white only — often with one blue eye and one gold eye
😺 Temperament
🏡 Best suited to
📊 Personality ratings
📜 History & origin
The Khao Manee (meaning 'white gem' or 'jewel-eyed cat') is an ancient natural breed mentioned in the Tamra Maew (Thai Cat Book Poems) dating back at least to the Ayutthaya period (1351–1767). The breed was historically reserved for Thai royalty and rarely seen outside the country. Khao Manee cats were first exported in 1999 by Colleen Freymuth, and TICA granted Championship status in 2013. They remain rare worldwide.
🧼 Care & grooming
Coat care is minimal — a weekly wipe with a chamois keeps the brilliant white coat radiant. Khao Manee are intensely social and not suited to long days alone; a second cat or a household with someone usually home is strongly recommended. Their odd-eyed individuals carry the W gene, which can be associated with congenital deafness in white cats — kittens should be hearing-tested before placement.
🩺 Health notes
Generally a healthy breed with a robust gene pool, having existed naturally in Thailand for hundreds of years. Deafness (associated with the W gene in white cats) affects a portion of blue-eyed and odd-eyed Khao Manee. Responsible breeders BAER-test kittens for hearing and place deaf cats with informed owners — deaf cats can live full, happy lives indoors.
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