Khao Manee
"White Gem" cats from Thailand with stunning odd-eyed gazes.
Khao Manee cats are pure white with eyes that may be blue, gold, or one of each — a striking "odd-eyed" trait that is highly prized. Active, friendly, and intelligent, they are an ancient Thai breed that has only recently become known in the West.
Key facts
| Origin | Thailand |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 8–12 lbs |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years |
| Energy | High |
| Vocality | Medium |
| Grooming | Brush weekly |
| Shedding | Medium |
| With children | ●●●●● |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●○ |
| For beginners | ●●●●○ |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Ancient and prestigious lineage
- Striking appearance
- Friendly and active
- Rare and unique
✗ Things to know
- Some blue-eyed cats are deaf
- Very rare outside Thailand
- White coats need sun protection
Ideal owner
A Khao Manee may suit you well if you:
- Are a first-time cat owner looking for a forgiving, adaptable breed
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
- Enjoy interactive play and can dedicate daily activity time
A Khao Manee may not suit you if you:
- Have a busy schedule with little time for interactive play
- Have significant cat allergies
Health considerations
Like all breeds, Khao Manees can be predisposed to certain conditions. A reputable breeder will screen for these, and regular vet check-ups help catch issues early.
- Deafness in blue-eyed individuals (associated with white coat)
Is a Khao Manee right for you?
The best way to find out if a Khao Manee suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Khao Manee a good cat for first-time owners?
Yes — Khao Manees are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. They are adaptable and forgiving, with a temperament described as: friendly, active, and intelligent.
Are Khao Manees good for apartments?
Yes — Khao Manees adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are Khao Manees good with children?
Khao Manees are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are Khao Manees hypoallergenic?
Khao Manees are not specifically hypoallergenic and produce standard levels of Fel d 1, the main cat allergen. If allergies are a concern, consider breeds like the Siberian, Balinese, or Devon Rex.
Does a Khao Manee suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: Khao Manee on Wikipedia