Pet Wiki

Khao Manee

Also called Khao Plort, Diamond Eye, White Gem, Thailand White

Recognised breedShort profile

From Thailand, an old native breed described in the Thai Tamra Maew (cat-book poems).12

At a glance the quick version

Lifespan10 to 12 years3
Sizesmall
curious and clever
friendly and talkative
striking jewel-like eyes
213

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth white coat with little undercoat

A moderate, muscular and athletic cat dressed only in pure white. The short, fine coat lies smooth enough to show the muscles beneath. Kittens can carry a small smudge of colour on the head that fades by about 18 months. Nose and paw pads are pink, and the eyes are the showpiece, shining like gemstones.213

Colourswhite only; eyes blue, green, gold/yellow or odd-eyed21

Personality what they are like

Inquisitive, bright and outgoing, happy to chat with its people and not shy with visitors. Many enjoy a game of fetch and mix busy play with affectionate downtime.23

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. It likes room to run, climbing trees and interactive toys.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush weekly, for example with a rubber brush; an occasional bath keeps the white coat bright. Trim nails and check ears regularly.23

Company who they like around

Sociable and people-focused; enjoys interaction with its family.23

The story where it all began

The Khao Manee appears in the old Thai cat-book poems and was long treasured by Thai royalty as a lucky cat. It stayed within Thailand until 1999, when Colleen Freymuth brought the first cats to the United States, and Western registries began accepting it from 2009.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Khao Manee means 'White Gem' in Thai.2

  2. 2

    Odd-eyed cats, with two different eye colours, are the rarest and most prized.2

  3. 3

    It was originally called Khao Plort; the name Khao Manee came into use during King Chulalongkorn's reign (1868-1910).1

  4. 4

    Traditional Thai breeders mated only white to white.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name Khao Manee means 'white gem' in Thai, and the breed is also known as Khao Plort, meaning 'complete white' or 'all white'. The name reflects the cat's pure white coat and jewel-like eyes.1

Name ideas for your new friend

ManiPlortDiamondSnowyLotusJasmineChaiSukiPearlCoconutGlitterMoonbeam

A day in the life told by a Khao Manee

I wake my human with a soft trill and a paw tap. We play fetch with my crinkle ball, I pounce and bat it back. Then I perch on the windowsill, watching birds and chatting with passersby. After a cozy lap nap, I explore my climbing tree, leaping from branch to branch. Later, I curl up for head scratches, purring a happy song. A perfect day of play and cuddles.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

TICA
Registration 2009, Preliminary New Breed 2012, Advanced New Breed 2013, Championship from 1 May 20151
GCCF
Breed name granted 2010; preliminary (pre-affiliation) stage 20111
CFA
Accepted for registration in 2018; shown in the Provisional class2
WCF
Accepted1
FIFe
Not recognised1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Khao Manee. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Salmon Cat Biscuits

A simple, vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses salmon to create a high-protein treat your cat will find irresistible.

You need

  • 170g skinless and boneless salmon (one tin)
  • 1 egg
  • 120g plain flour

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the salmon and mix it with the egg and flour in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Tasty Tuna Crackers

Cats love tuna, and these simple crackers are a crunchy, protein-packed reward.

You need

  • 6 oz. undrained tuna
  • 1 c. cornmeal
  • 1 c. flour
  • 1/3 c. water

How

  1. Mix all ingredients together.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
  3. Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
  4. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily caloric intake. Offer one or two small crackers per day.

Recipe from ASPCA Pet Insurance

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Khao Manee, and at what times?

Feeding frequency and times depend on your cat's age, health and preferences. Ask your vet for a schedule tailored to your Khao Manee.

What should a Khao Manee eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality cat food appropriate for its life stage. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and xylitol.4

Does a Khao Manee need baths?

Yes, an occasional bath helps keep its white coat bright. Bathe only when needed, as over-bathing can dry the skin.235

How often does a Khao Manee need brushing?

Brush weekly with a rubber brush to keep its short coat smooth and reduce shedding.235 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Khao Manee's claws, and how often?

Trim claws every 2-3 weeks using cat nail clippers. Be careful not to cut the quick, and start with a few claws per session.235 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Khao Manee need?

This active cat needs daily play sessions with interactive toys and room to run. Many enjoy fetch and climbing.3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Khao Manee's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily if possible, at least every other day. Check ears weekly for dirt or redness and clean gently if needed.23 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Khao Manee live?

Khao Manee typically live 10 to 12 years.3

Is a Khao Manee good with children and other pets?

Yes, its outgoing and sociable nature makes it generally good with children and other pets when properly introduced.23

Can a Khao Manee be left alone?

Khao Manee are very sociable and may become lonely if left alone for long periods. Consider interactive toys or a companion to keep them happy.23

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Khao Manee (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for history, recognition timeline, names, fun facts
  2. CFA: Khao Manee breed profile cfa.orgused for CFA status, coat, colour, eyes, temperament, grooming
  3. Daily Paws: Khao Manee (Khao Plort) dailypaws.comused for weight, lifespan, activity, grooming
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.