Khao Manee

The white gem of Siam

Also known as: Khao Plort · Diamond Eye · Diamond Eye cat · White gem cat

Khao Manee, a medium cat from Thailand (photo 2)

Khao Manee, a medium cat from Thailand (photo 3)

Khao Manee, a medium cat from Thailand (photo 4)

Khao Manee, a medium cat from Thailand (photo 5)

Khao Manee, a medium cat from Thailand (photo 6)

Photos: Janet Poulsen (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Lunile (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Octavio.hgc (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Axistence.aryan (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Zackrow (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons.

Breed profile

25–30 cm(10–12 in)Height at the shoulder

3–5 kg(7–11 lb)Adult weight

12–15 yearsLife expectancy

30 min of play a dayDaily play

GroupOriental

OriginThailand

SizeMedium

CoatShort, smooth and close-lying

ColoursPure white only; blue, gold or odd eyes

HypoallergenicNo

Breed dates from14th century

Estimated cost in Spain*€860–1,190 a year

* An estimate for Spain in 2026 (food, litter, vet and insurance), based on the size, grooming and health needs of the breed, not on measured costs of individual cats.

What it is like

Its name means “white gem”, and it appears in the Tamra Maew, the old Thai book of cat poems. For centuries it was a prized cat in Thailand, associated with good luck and royalty. Outside its homeland it was almost unknown until an American breeder imported the first cats in 1999; since then registries such as TICA and the GCCF have gradually recognised it. It is a pure white cat with an athletic body and blue, gold or odd eyes, the last being the most sought after. It is outgoing, curious and quite talkative, and usually forms a strong bond with its people.

Coat colours and patterns

Colours and patterns that are common or accepted in this breed. Each page explains where the colour comes from, the myths around it and other breeds that have it.

White Colour · Solid white cat, White

All cat coat colours and patterns →

Temperament

SociableActiveTalkativeCurious

Activity

4/5

With children

4/5

With dogs

4/5

With other cats

4/5

Ease of learning

4/5

How vocalless is better

4/5

Sheddingless is better

2/5

Brushing needsless is better

1/5

Health robustness

3/5

Indoor and flat life

4/5

Copes with being alone

2/5

For first-time owners

4/5

the more, the better the less, the better

Care

The coat is cared for with a weekly once-over and it hardly sheds. It needs daily play and company. Like all white cats, it burns easily in the sun: if it goes out on a terrace, make sure there is shade, and ask your vet how to protect its ears and nose, where skin cancer can develop. Watch how it hears from kittenhood and, if it turns out to be deaf, adapt your home and never let it out unsupervised.

Health

The dominant white gene is linked to congenital deafness, more common in blue-eyed cats and, in odd-eyed cats, on the side of the blue eye. The BAER test checks kittens' hearing. It also has a higher risk of squamous cell carcinoma on the ears and nose from sun exposure. Ask for the BAER test and the parents' health checks.

General information about tendencies in the breed, not a diagnosis. Any symptom should be checked by your vet.

Health problems to watch for

These are described more often in this breed. It does not mean a Khao Manee will have them, nor that a moggy is free of them: they are worth knowing about and discussing with your vet.

Tumours Squamous cell carcinoma A tumour that appears on unpigmented skin (ear tips, nose, eyelids) of white cats that get a lot of sun, and also in the mouth, where it is more aggressive. Inherited breed conditions Congenital deafness in white cats Many white cats, especially those with blue eyes, are born deaf in one or both ears because of the same gene that gives them their colour. Inherited

The A to Z of cat diseases →

Fun facts

Odd-eyed cats, with one blue eye and one gold, are the most prized.

Outside Thailand it is known as the Diamond Eye.

It is considered one of Thailand's oldest breeds, together with the Siamese and the Korat.

A cat deaf in one ear usually lives a normal life; cats deaf in both ears should always live indoors.

Frequently asked questions

How big does a Khao Manee get?

An adult Khao Manee usually weighs 3–5 kg (7–11 lb) and stands about 25–30 cm (10–12 in) at the shoulder, which makes it a medium cat.

How long does a Khao Manee live?

Its usual life expectancy is 12–15 years. Living indoors, being neutered and having regular vet check-ups make the biggest difference.

Is the Khao Manee hypoallergenic?

No. It produces the usual cat allergens. If someone at home is allergic, spend time with the breed before deciding and talk to an allergist.

Is the Khao Manee good with children?

Usually yes: it tends to be patient and sociable with children. As with any cat, teach children to let it walk away when it has had enough.

How much play does a Khao Manee need?

As a guide, 30 min of play a day. Its activity score is 4 out of 5: short daily play sessions with a wand toy work better than one long one.