Khao Manee cat breed: facts, temperament and care
A rare all-white cat from Thailand, often with one blue and one gold eye, mentioned in old Thai cat poetry as a bringer of good fortune.
Also known as Khao Manee cat, White Gem, Diamond Eye cat, Khao Plort, Khao Mane
Quick facts
| Origin | Thailand |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-10 lb (2.7-4.5 kg), as reported by breeders |
| Lifespan | Commonly 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short |
| Coat | Short, smooth, close-lying coat with no undercoat |
| Colours and patterns | Pure white only, with pink nose leather and paw pads |
Recognition
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Provisional / preliminary |
|---|---|
| How common | Very rare |
Temperament and care (1 low, 5 high)
| Affection | 4 |
|---|---|
| Energy | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 1 |
| Shedding | 3 |
| Good with children | 3 |
| Good with other pets | 3 |
| Happy alone | 2 |
| Trainability | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 |
Allergies and health
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The short coat sheds moderately, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this one. |
|---|
Best suited to
| Suits | A home that wants a rare, bright, communicative cat and is ready to wait for a kitten. |
|---|---|
| Less suited to | Anyone who needs a cheap or readily available breed, or a calm cat that ignores visitors and noise. |
Registries that recognise it
- TICA
- CFA
- WCF
Health conditions to watch
- Deafness
About the Khao Manee
The Khao Manee is a Thai cat whose name means white gem. An old Thai book of cat poems, the Tamra Maew, is thought to describe it, and it was called the Khao Plort before the name changed in the reign of King Chulalongkorn in the late nineteenth century. For a long time the cats were kept in Thailand, and the first export to the United States came in 1999. A French breeding programme began in 2004.
Registry recognition is recent. TICA moved the breed from registration only in 2009 to championship in 2015. The GCCF granted the breed name in 2010 for exhibition only. The CFA accepted the breed in 2018 and shows it in its provisional class. FIFe does not recognise it.
The cat is pure white and short coated. The body is moderate and muscular, with large almond-shaped eyes and a wedge head. The eyes may be blue, gold or green. An odd-eyed cat, with one blue eye and one gold, is the rarest and most prized variety.
Temperament and living with one
Khao Manee cats are described as active, intelligent and communicative. They follow their owners, chatter in a soft voice and enjoy interactive play. Because the breed is so rare, few formal studies exist, and individual cats vary.
They do best in a home where someone is around and where there is space to climb. A second cat can be company for a cat alone for long periods.
Care: coat, food and play
Grooming is easy. Comb the coat weekly to remove loose hair. White coats show dirt, so an occasional wipe or bath may be needed. Keep white cats out of strong sun, since pale skin on the ears and nose can burn, and ask your vet about sun protection.
Feed a complete diet in measured portions, and give climbing space, puzzle feeders and daily play.
Health
No breed-specific diseases are firmly established. White cats can be prone to deafness, especially those with blue eyes, and an odd-eyed cat may be deaf in one ear. Ask a breeder whether kittens have had a hearing test, and ask your vet to check a kitten. A deaf cat needs to be kept indoors for safety. Responsible breeders keep health records for the parents. Because the gene pool is small, ask about pedigree depth.
Is it right for you?
A Khao Manee suits someone who wants a rare, striking white cat and will spend time with it. Expect a wait and a high price. The Korat is another old Thai breed with a shorter list of colours, and the Turkish Angora offers a longer white coat.
Profile last reviewed November 7, 2026