The Khao Manee cat is a feline native to Thailand that is characterized by a short, white coat and by eyes of different colors (heterochromia), one often being blue and the other green or yellow. Khao Manee cats are affectionate, active, restless, playful, loyal and very dependent on their guardians. They do not need special care, but it is important to give them time to play or exercise. They are robust cats that do not have hereditary diseases, although they can present deafness due to their physical characteristics (white coat and blue eyes).
In this article from PlanèteAnimal, you will discover all the specificities of the Khao Manee, including its origins, physical characteristics, personality, the care it needs and adoption.
Origin
- Asia
- Thailand
Physical Characteristics
- Thin tail
- Big ears
- Strong
Size
- Average
Average Weight
- 3-5
Life expectancy
- 10-15
Character
- Active
- Extrovert
- Affectionate
- Smart
Climate
- Temperate
Hair type
- Short
Origin of Khao Manee
" The first written references to the Khao Manee cat breed date back to the year 1350, they are compiled in the Tamra Maew, the first cat classification book. Her name means White Jewel, but these cats are also known as Diamond Eye."
Between 1868 and 1910, King Rama V of Thailand devoted himself to breeding this breed which had become his favorite. It is therefore a breed of Thai origin, where it is also considered a lucky charm and is highly coveted by the locals. But it was not until 1999 that these cats left Thailand to go to the United States with Collen Freymounth.
Nowadays, it is a rather unknown breed in the West, but still very much appreciated in its country of origin.
Characteristics of Khao Manee
Khao Manee cats are medium in size and have powerful and agile bodies. Males measure between 30 and 35 centimeters and weigh between 3 and 5 kilograms, while females are smaller, measuring between 25 and 30 centimeters and weighing between 2 and 5 kilograms. They reach their adult size after 12 months.
The head is medium-sized and wedge-shaped, with a small straight muzzle and protruding cheeks. The legs are long and sturdy and the feet have an oval shape. The rounded-tipped ears are medium in size. The tail is long and wider at the base. But what sets the Khao Manee apart from other breeds is undoubtedly the color of their eyes. Medium in size and oval in shape, they exhibit heterochromia that is typical of the breed, meaning it has two-tone eyes. In general, they have one blue eye and one green, yellow or amber eye.
Color of Khao Manee
The coat of the Khao Manee is short and white, but strangely it happens that many kittens of this breed are born with a dark spot on the head which will disappear over time, until they become completely whites. So no other color is possible, hence the Khao Manee is popular for its odd eyes.
Character of Khao Manee
Khao Manee cats are affectionate, active and sociable, but what sets them apart the most is that they love to meow at anything and everything! They love to be with their guardians, they create a strong bond with them and follow them everywhere, but it is possible that they cannot stand loneliness, or that they develop separation anxiety. They get along well with children and love to play and run with them. However, they become shy around strangers.
" They are also very playful and restless cats.It is therefore not surprising if they return with a prey as a gift for its master, therefore it should be noted that they tend to escape to explore the outside. Although most of the time they come back due to the strong bond they develop with their guardians, it is advisable to keep an eye on them to prevent them from getting hurt. In addition, they are curious and intelligent, which is explained by the fact that they are oriental cats."
Take care of Khao Manee
The Khao Manee is a breed that is content with the general care intended for a cat. Here are the most important cares for the Khao Manee:
- Good hair hygiene by brushing it once or twice a week, increasing the frequency of brushing during moulting periods (in spring and autumn), and by washing it if necessary. Learn how to properly brush your cat in this article.
- Take care of the ears and teeth by frequent checks and cleanings, to prevent the appearance of mites and tartar, as well as any infection and periodontal disease (infectious disease of the gums and bones).
- Complete and balanced food containing all the nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of your cat's body. Wet foods should be combined with dry foods, all spread over several daily meals. Water should be clean, fresh and always available.
- Regular physical activity. They are very active and mischievous cats who need to let off steam by running and playing, so they should be given a few minutes a day just for that. Another option is to take them for walks on a leash, so they can enjoy it.
- Usual vaccines and dewormers to prevent diseases.
As this is a curious breed that has a tendency to escape, it is important to set up the home and educate the cat to prevent this from happening. Obviously, with the Khao Manee as with other cats, it is more than recommended to take him out on a leash in order to cover this need for exploration.Finally, we must not forget to enrich the environment of our tomcat, so it is essential to introduce various toys as well as scratching posts at home.
Khao Manee He alth
" The life expectancy of the Khao Manee is between 10 and 15 years. This cat does not present any hereditary or congenital disease, but it is exposed to the problem of deafness due to its white color and its blue eyes. By the way, some specimens have this problem. Another condition that these cats can also suffer from is broken tail. In both cases, a consultation with the veterinarian is necessary."
For the rest, they have the same possibility of developing infectious, parasitic and organic diseases as the rest of the cats. That is why controls, vaccines and dewormers are essential for their prevention and rapid diagnosis so that the treatment is fast and effective. To learn more about cat diseases, you can consult the following article: Cat disease: 8 common diseases of cats.
Where to adopt a Khao Manee?
Adopting a Khao Manee kitten is extremely difficult if you are not in Thailand or Eastern countries, because the breed is not widespread enough in the West, so there are very few of specimens. Anyway, you can always ask in shelters or search the Internet for an association. Therefore, you can opt for another breed, or a mixed cat that meets several of the Khao Manee criteria. Any cat deserves a chance!
Photos of Khao Manee
