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Khao Manee Traits: What Makes This Breed Stand Out?
The Khao Manee cat, known as the "White Gem," is a rare and ancient breed from Thailand with strikingly beautiful eyes that often come in different colors. Revered for their sleek, pure white coats and friendly nature, these cats have a rich history tied to Thai royalty.
The name "Khao Manee" translates to "white gem," perfectly describing this pure white cat breed. The Khao Manee, or Manee cat, has a short, smooth, and close-fitting coat covering an athletic and muscular body. This ancient Cat Breed, featured in the "Tamra Maew" or Cat Book Poems, has a moderately oriental body type similar to a Siamese, lithe and long but not as extreme. Their eyes can be blue, gold, or odd-eyed, with the latter being the rarest variety of Khao Manee. Originating in Thailand, Khao Manee kittens are considered a new yet historically significant breed.
Quick facts
Life Span |
How long do Khao Manee cats live? 10 - 12 years. |
Average Weight |
3.6kg - 4.5kg |
Colours |
The Khao Manee cat breed are pure white in colour. |
Essential Information
- The Khao Manee is highly active and curious.
- Requires ample outdoor space to satisfy its adventurous nature.
- Slightly vocal, the Khao Manee may communicate more than other cats.
- Benefits from having an experienced owner who understands its needs.
- The Khao Manee thrives with minimal Stress.
- Requires weekly Grooming to maintain its sleek, white coat.
- Not ideal for family homes with a lot of noise or activity.
- The Khao Manee can be left alone for extended periods.
- Needs high level enrichment.
- Enjoys hunting games, Flying Bird Cat Toy is ideal.
- Has a lean and elegant physique, adding to its graceful appearance.
- Sociable and dependent on human interaction.
- This breed enjoys companionship.
- Sensitive to temperature changes, they may need extra care in colder climates.
- Adaptable but prefers a stable routine with familiar surroundings.
- Strong bond with owners, often becoming a loyal and affectionate companion.
- Good with other pets if introduced properly and given time to adjust.
- Can be prone to Anxiety if left without stimulation or companionship.
Khao Manee Breed Health
The Khao Manee, also known as the Manee cat, is generally a healthy Cat Breed with a few specific health considerations:
- Genetic Health: As with any cat breed, the Khao Manee can be prone to certain genetic conditions. It’s important to choose a reputable breeder who tests for common genetic issues.
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Deafness: White cats, including the Khao Manee, can sometimes be born deaf, especially those with blue eyes. Regular hearing tests are recommended for early detection.
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Eye Health: While this ancient breed is generally healthy, regular eye check ups are advisable due to their unique eye colors.
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Dental Health: Regular dental care is essential to prevent periodontal disease in this elegant breed.
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Regular Check-ups: Routine vet visits help catch any potential health issues early and keep Vaccinations up to date.
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Heart Conditions – Although rare, some Khao Manees may develop heart problems like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a common condition in many cat breeds.
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Obesity – They are active cats, but if not given enough stimulation or exercise, they can gain weight easily, which can lead to Obesity related health issues.
By providing proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary check ups, you can help ensure your Khao Manee kitten, part of a breed that originated in Thailand and is mentioned in the "Tamra Maew" (Cat Book Poems), leads a healthy and happy life.
Personality of the Khao Manee
Curious, intelligent, and people oriented, Khao Manee pronunciation (pronounced ‘Cow Man-ee’) makes a friendly and affectionate companion. Though somewhat talkative, the Khao Manee has a pleasant voice, often expressed through purring or chirruping when content. This breed loves to play and spend time with their humans but can also be quite independent and clever when solving problems. It's important not to leave a Khao Manee bored or lonely, as they thrive on interaction and mental stimulation.
Breed Rating
Family Friendly |
1/5 |
Playfulness |
5/5 |
Intelligence |
3/5 |
Likes Other Pets |
4/5 |
Grooming Needs |
2/5 |
Shedding |
3/5 |
Vocalize |
2/5 |
History and Origins
The Khao Manee, a rare and ancient cat breed originating in Thailand, is prominently featured in the 14th century book of poems, "Tamra Maew". Known as the Manee cat, this breed, historically cherished by Siam royals, is still relatively uncommon outside its native region. It was introduced to the United States in 1999 and is currently gaining recognition in other countries. With its striking appearance of blue eyed white coats, often considered a symbol of good luck, the Khao Manee is esteemed as a "plort diamond", reflecting its rarity and unique qualities.
Outdoors or Indoors
The Khao Manee, known for its agility and love for outdoor activities, is well suited for running, jumping, and climbing. As a new and increasingly recognized breed, the Khao Manee's short, fine coat makes it sensitive to rain and wind, which can be discomforting, especially given its pure white coat prone to sunburn on the nose and ears.
To safeguard this attractive and symbolically lucky cat, owners are encouraged to provide a secure, cat fenced garden environment. This precaution not only enhances the cat's safety but also protects its status as a highly sought after breed in cat clubs and among enthusiasts worldwide.
Enrichment and Special Requirements
The Khao Manee, an intelligent and agile breed, thrives on engaging activities like climbing frames or cat trees. They may surprise you by choosing unconventional resting spots such as wardrobe tops or curtain rails, reflecting their adventurous spirit.
This new and highly regarded breed enjoys interactive play with family members and toys, especially those that stimulate their natural hunting instincts. Consider incorporating food dispensing toys to simulate wild cat behaviors, promoting satisfaction and relaxation in your Khao Manee, known for its symbolically lucky pure white coat.
Nutrition and Feeding
Every Khao Manee cat is unique, with distinct likes, dislikes, and specific nutritional requirements. As a cat breed originating from Thailand and featured in the ancient "Tamra Maew," they are known for their striking white coat and unique eye colors. Being a new and ancient breed, Khao Manee kittens require a balanced diet tailored to their age, activity level, and overall health.
Like all cats, Khao Manees are obligate carnivores needing 41 specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients varies based on factors such as age and lifestyle. It's essential to follow feeding guidelines to maintain their ideal body condition and cater to individual preferences, whether for wet or dry cat food recipes.
Grooming your Khao Manee
The Khao Manee boasts an easy care coat, requiring just a weekly brushing session for maintenance. It's important to note that a greasy coat may signal that your cat has stopped grooming, possibly indicating underlying health issues. Like all cats, Khao Manees should receive regular vaccinations, parasite control, and annual veterinary check ups to ensure their health and well being.
Family Life Compatibility
The Khao Manee thrives in a household with adults present most of the time. While they may not be the most child friendly breed, they generally get along well with older children who understand and respect a cat's boundaries and requirements.
FAQ
How to identify Khao Manee?
How to identify Khao Manee? The Khao Manee is easily recognizable by its pure white, sleek coat and striking eye color. Most Khao Manee cats have odd-colored eyes—one blue and the other green, gold, or amber—but they can also have eyes of the same color. Their lean, muscular build and triangular face are other physical features to look for. Additionally, the Khao Manee is known for its friendly and curious personality, which sets it apart from other breeds. When considering how to identify Khao Manee cats, these unique characteristics make them stand out.
Why is Khao Manee so expensive?
Why is Khao Manee so expensive? The Khao Manee cat is considered rare, originating from Thailand and historically linked to royalty, which adds to its exclusivity. This breed is prized for its unique appearance, particularly its pure white coat and striking eye color, often with one blue eye and one of a different hue. The rarity of the Cat Breed, combined with its historical significance and limited availability outside of Thailand, significantly increases the Khao Manee cat price. Breeders take great care in maintaining the purity of the lineage, which also contributes to higher costs. The Khao Manee price in the UK can range from £3,000 to £5,000, depending on the breeder, the cat’s lineage, and eye color, making it one of the more expensive breeds.
Which cat breeds are related to Khao Manee ?
The Khao Manee is closely related to other ancient Thai cat breeds, such as the Siamese and the Korat. Like the Khao Manee, these breeds have a long history in Thailand, often associated with royal families and revered for their beauty. The Siamese is known for its sleek body and striking blue eyes, while the Korat has a silvery-blue coat and vibrant green eyes. Although each breed has its own unique traits, all three share similar origins and are prized for their elegance, making them closely connected to the Khao Manee.
Where can i find Khao Manee kittens for sale?
If you're looking for Khao Manee kittens for sale, it's important to find reputable breeders who specialize in this rare breed. Khao Manee kittens for sale can often be found through specialized cat breeding websites or registered breeders that focus on preserving the purity of this unique breed. Additionally, checking online platforms that list pedigree cats or reaching out to breed-specific clubs can be helpful in locating Khao Manee for sale. Keep in mind that the Khao Manee cat for sale is rare, so you may need to join a waiting list. It's essential to ensure the breeder follows ethical practices and provides proper documentation for any Khao Manee kitten you are interested in.
What's the rarest eye colour a cat can have?
The rarest eye color a cat can have is amber or orange. While blue, green, and yellow eyes are more common, amber eyes are particularly unusual and result from unique genetics affecting melanin levels in the iris. Khao Manee cats, known for their strikingly different-colored eyes—often one blue and one gold—rarely have amber eyes, making it even more special when they do. This rare eye color, found in certain breeds like the Burmese, adds an extra layer of uniqueness to cats like the Khao Manee, which are already prized for their distinct eye combinations.
How rare is the Khao Manee cat?
The Khao Manee cat is considered one of the rarest cat breeds in the world. Originating from Thailand, this breed was historically kept by Thai royalty and was not widely known outside of the country until more recently. Its rarity stems from the limited number of breeders who specialize in preserving its pure lineage, as well as the unique traits that make it so distinctive, such as its striking white coat and heterochromatic eyes (often one blue and one gold). Due to its scarcity, finding a Khao Manee cat for sale can be challenging, and they often come with a high price tag, further highlighting their exclusivity.
What does khao Manee mean?
The name "Khao Manee" comes from the Thai language, where "khao" means "white" and "Manee" translates to "gem" or "jewel." Together, Khao Manee means "white gem," a fitting name for this striking breed known for its pure white coat and gleaming, often mismatched eyes. Historically, the Khao Manee was regarded as a symbol of good luck and was cherished by Thai royalty, with its name reflecting the breed's beauty, rarity, and precious status. The name highlights both the cat's physical elegance and its cultural significance as a treasured breed in Thailand.
Kelly Rushton
Meet Kelly Rushton, a dedicated cat enthusiast and proud owner of Feline Fancy Ltd. With a heart as big as her household, Kelly is the loving mum to 10 charming Ragdoll cats. In her world, felines reign supreme, and she brings professionalism and warmth to everything she does. Through her blog, Kelly shares her wealth of knowledge and experiences, offering insights into cat care, behavior, and the joy of living alongside these majestic creatures.
