Khao Manee

The Khao Manee is an all-white cat from Thailand, prized there for centuries and often odd-eyed — one eye blue, the other gold. The name means "white gem".

History

It appears in Thai manuscripts among the auspicious cats of the kingdom and was long associated with royal households, where white cats were kept deliberately. Western breeding began only recently, from cats brought out of Thailand.

Temperament

The breed is known for being active, vocal and highly people-focused — an intelligent cat that involves itself in the household and is generally easy with children and other animals.

Care

The short single coat is easy to keep. A white cat with pale skin needs some thought about strong sun, and the energy needs an outlet: this is not a decorative cat.

Health

The genetics of a dominant white coat carry a real association with congenital deafness, particularly in blue-eyed cats, so hearing is worth establishing early; the breed is otherwise generally robust. These are known patterns for the breed and a matter for a breeder and a vet; the measured facts and trait ratings are in the panels.