The Khao Manee cat breed is known by many names, including Khao Mani, Khao Plot, Diamond Eye, and Thai White Cat. What sets this breed apart are their captivating and dazzling diamond-like eyes.
1 All About the Khao Manee Cat
Origin of the Khao Manee Cat
Origin of the Khao Manee Cat
The Khao Manee is an ancient breed native to Thailand, with an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. According to researchers, the ancestors of this breed date back hundreds of years in the land of golden temples.
Legend has it that the Khao Manee cat was beloved by King Siam Chulalongkorn Rama V, who kept them as treasured possessions. When French and English visitors expressed their admiration for the breed, the king ordered that all Khao Manee cats be hidden and only Siamese cats be given as gifts.
Khao Manee cats are native to ancient Thailand
From that time until 1999, the Khao Manee was exclusively found in Thailand. It was then that American expert Colleen Freymuth, a conservationist of endangered animal species, began purchasing these cats for breeding and preservation.
Thanks to the breeding efforts of French expert Frédéric Goedert, hundreds of Khao Manee cats were born and gradually spread across the globe. Today, while they are still predominantly bred in Thailand, Khao Manee cats have also become quite popular in Western countries.
In Vietnam, the Khao Manee remains a rare breed due to its high ownership and maintenance costs, as well as the difficulty in finding breeders.
Physical Characteristics of the Khao Manee
Physical Characteristics of the Khao Manee
In addition to being known as Khao Manee, this breed is also called Khao Plot, which in Thai means “completely white,” reflecting the distinctive all-white coat of these cats.
The Khao Manee has a slender and graceful body, with adult cats typically weighing between 4 and 6 kilograms and having an average body length of 25 to 30 centimeters.
The Khao Manee shares many characteristics with other Oriental cat breeds
This breed exhibits many traits common to Oriental cats, such as a heart-shaped head, large and rounded ears that are always erect and sleek, and a slender body.
However, the Khao Manee also has some distinct features, including:
- Immaculate white coat
- Muscular yet agile and nimble build
- Long nose
- Wider mouth and cheekbones compared to other breeds
- Striking and expressive eyes, often with a captivating two-tone color
- Friendly and affectionate personality
Khao Manee cats are extremely affectionate and love to snuggle up with their owners. They are known to express their love and affection openly. However, they can be wary of strangers and may hiss or fluff up their fur when they feel threatened.
Gentle and obedient, the Khao Manee is not known to play pranks or cause mischief around the house, setting them apart from many other cat breeds.
This breed is also highly intelligent, making it easy to train and teach new tricks or cute behaviors.
The Khao Manee is intelligent and easy to train
Khao Manee cats thrive on attention and affection, and they appreciate being cared for and petted daily. If they feel neglected, they will find ways to attract your attention.
2 How to Care for a Khao Manee Cat
Feeding Your Khao Manee Cat
Feeding Your Khao Manee Cat
The Khao Manee is not a picky eater and is relatively easy to care for. They can enjoy a diet of , , , , cat pate, , and more, depending on your budget. It’s best to feed them three meals a day and vary their diet to ensure they stay healthy and avoid digestive, liver, and kidney issues.
Grooming and Hygiene for the Khao Manee
Grooming and Hygiene for the Khao Manee
One of the distinctive features of the Khao Manee is their immaculate, short, and soft white coat. They are diligent self-groomers, but it’s still important to brush their fur once a week to remove dead hair and prevent excessive shedding.
Bath time for a Khao Manee should be once a week, and it’s important to clean their eyes, nose, and ears to remove any discharge or earwax. After bathing, wrap them in a warm towel and thoroughly dry their fur to prevent respiratory issues. Consider using an anti-chew collar to keep them from licking their still-wet fur. Make sure to provide a warm and sunny spot for your Khao Manee to relax in before letting them play outdoors.
Common Health Issues in Khao Manee Cats
Common Health Issues in Khao Manee Cats
Overall, the Khao Manee is a healthy and agile breed, and there have been no reports of rare or common health issues specific to this breed.
However, they can still be susceptible to digestive issues, parasites, periodontal disease, skin infections, and other health concerns influenced by their environment and diet.
3 Things to Keep in Mind When Owning a Khao Manee
Things to Keep in Mind When Owning a Khao Manee
Although the Khao Manee is generally a healthy breed, it’s important not to become complacent. Regularly clean their living spaces and bedding, and make sure to keep up with their vaccinations, health check-ups, and deworming schedule.
4 Tips for Buying a Khao Manee Cat
Price Range of a Khao Manee Cat
Price Range of a Khao Manee Cat
As a rare breed in Vietnam, the Khao Manee commands a high price, with an average cost of over 100 million VND. Those with the coveted two-tone diamond eyes in green and yellow can fetch prices in the hundreds of millions.
What to Look Out for When Buying a Khao Manee
The purebred Khao Manee is primarily bred in Thailand and is rarely exported, making it challenging and expensive to find a genuine purebred.
What to Look Out for When Buying a Khao Manee
When purchasing a Khao Manee, it’s essential to be cautious and thorough. Look for sellers who can provide documentation of the cat’s origins and pedigree. A genuine Khao Manee in Vietnam will rarely be priced below 100 million VND, so be wary of suspiciously low prices, as they may be mixed breeds or Siamese cats with similar appearances.
To ensure you’re getting a purebred Khao Manee, it’s best to have a good understanding of the breed’s characteristics and history and to consider contacting foreign breeders to verify the cat’s origins.
We hope this article has given you valuable insights into the Khao Manee, also known as the Diamond Eye cat. Stay tuned for more fascinating content by following us daily!
