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Khao Manee
Khao Manee
Origin
Thailand
Size
Medium Breed
Ideal Space
Apartment
Ideal Weather
20º-30ºC
Life Expectancy
12-15 years
Cost of buying
₹ 30,000 - ₹ 70,000
Top 5 Traits
Playful
Curious
Vocal
Affectionate
Friendly
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 2,800 - ₹ 10,500
by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 27 Jun 2025
Introduction to the Khao Manee
The Khao Manee, also referred to as the Thai White Gem, is an ancient and religious cat breed. They used to be named Khao Plort, which means entirely white, and have been referred to in Thai poems dating back to the 14th century.
The cats were popular with the royalty, particularly King Rama V, as they were said to bring good fortune and prosperity. The breed remained confined to Thailand until 199,9 when the first Khao Manee made its way into the U.S. courtesy of Colleen Freymuth. TICA recognised the breed in 2015.
How Long Do Khao Manees Live?
Khao Manees have a lifespan of 12-15 years when well taken care of.
Khao Manee Temperament and Personality
Khao Manees are:
- Social and affectionate
- Playful and curious
- Vocal and communicative
- Loyal to their humans
- Good with children and pets (with proper socialisation)
These cats form very strong bonds with their family and don’t like to spend time alone to themselves.
Khao Manee Exercise Needs
These cats are curious and active, so give them:
- 15–20 minutes of daily playtime
- Interactive toys like wand teasers
- Puzzle feeders to keep them mentally sharp
- Climbing trees and safe high spaces
- Games like fetch or treat hunt
They get bored easily and love games that challenge their brain.
Characteristics
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Shedding amount
Negligible
Frequent
Compatibility with other cats
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Prey Drive
Low
High
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Monthly Expenses
Khao Manee’s Price Guide
Cost of buying
₹ 30,000 - ₹ 70,000
The Khao Manee prices depend on coat type and lineage. In India, the price falls somewhere between ₹ 30,000 - ₹ 70,000.
Similar Breeds to the Khao Manee
Shop or Adopt a Khao Manee: Make the Right Choice!
Responsible shopping will make sure that ethical breeding is taking place, while adopting a Khao Manee will give a loving home to a cat that needs it. Pick based on your ability to keep up with their gentle temperament, grooming needs, and lifespan.
Best Practices for Shopping or Adopting a Khao Manee
- Select a good breeder or adoption centre.
- Get health screenings for heart disease and dental problems.
- Observe temperament and socialisation levels.
- Vaccination, deworming and medical history should be checked.
- Offer a quiet, reasonably comfortable indoor environment.
- Prevent obesity by maintaining a balanced diet.
- They need to be groomed regularly to manage their dense coat.
- Always ensure you keep routine vet visits as a commitment to lifelong care.
Nutrition Care for the Khao Manee
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,000
Calories per day
Kittens: 250 kcal
Adults: 300 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Protein
Fats
Carbohydrates
Vitamins
Minerals
Amino Acids (Taurine, Arginine, etc.)
Essential Fatty Acids
Fiber
List of foods
Omega-3 fatty acids
Dry kibble
Wet canned food
Salmon
Turkey
Chicken (cooked or raw)
Cottage cheese
Eggs (cooked)
- They require high quality protein for the maintenance of muscle.
- Healthy fats support energy levels and a shiny coat.
- Immunity and joint health are strengthened with the help of essential nutrients.
- Taurine is important for heart and vision health.
- Wet food helps in hydration and urinary tract health.
- It is best to avoid low quality foods to prevent obesity and digestive problems.
- A balanced diet of wet food, lean meats and supplements is vital for overall well being.
Feeding Guidelines for Khao Manees
Kittens (Up to 12 Months): Feed them 3 to 4 meals a day. Always go for high-protein kitten food with added calcium.
Adults (1–7 Years): Offer 2 meals a day. Giving them 200-250 calories a day is recommended as per their activity levels.
Seniors (8+ Years): Provide smaller, more frequent meals that have easily digestible foods with added joint support.
Breakdown of Macro-nutrients
Best Foods for Khao Manee
Choose foods that are:
- High in animal protein, such as chicken or turkey. Enhances body energy and muscle health.
- Include omega fats for coat and skin. Assists in keeping a shiny coat and decreases dryness or itching.
- Moist or wet food for hydration. This keeps your cat’s urinary system and kidneys healthy and also prevents dehydration.
- Free from artificial colours or fillers. This ensures easy digestion and reduces any risk of allergies.
Wet food with fish oil or chicken fat aids in keeping their shiny white coat and skin healthy.
Foods to Avoid for Khao Manee
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Onions and Garlic
Grapes and Raisins
Xylitol
Caffeine
Chocolate
Alcohol
Bones
Raw Eggs
Avoid these foods:
- Artificial colours or dye (may fade their white coat). Use natural ingredient food to maintain the brightness of the coat.
- Raw fish (risk of thiamine deficiency). Fish must always be cooked to prevent loss of nutrients and food poisoning.
- Dry foods containing carbs (Can lead to gain of weight gain). Choose low-carb, high-protein diets to keep a healthy weight.
- Milk (most cats are intolerant to lactose). It may lead to diarrhoea and is not recommended in their diet.
- Soft-only diets can possibly cause dental issues unless balanced. Add dental food or dry, crunchy food to help oral health.
Follow natural and balanced diets which will sustain both energy and look.
Healthcare for the Khao Manee
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 500 - ₹ 7,000
Common Health Issues
Upper Respiratory Infections
Dental Problems
Obesity
Kidney Disease
Hyperthyroidism
Skin Allergies
Eye Problems
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Activities
Play with Toys
Chasing Objects
Exploring
Climbing
Interactive Playtime
Energy Level
High
Exercise routine
30 - 60 minutes
Recognising Stress
Hiding
Increased vocalization
Changes in litter box behavior
Decreased appetite
Overgrooming
Common Health Problems of Khao Manees
Khao Manee are generally healthy cats but may suffer from some health issues. Here are some of the common health issues found in Khao Manees:
- Deafness at birth, particularly in blue-eyed or odd-eyed individuals. Periodic hearing examinations allow addressing communication and safety.
- White fur causes sunburn and skin cancer. Keep them in the shade or away from the sun, particularly during the peak hours.
- Periodontal disease occurs when teeth are not taken care of. Brush regularly and schedule dental cleanings with the vet.
- Obesity occurs when not enough. Play with them daily and control food portions.
- Eye irritation is related to bright-colored eyes. Clean with a damp cloth and see a vet when discharge occurs.
General Healthcare Tips for Khao Manees
- Blue-eyed cats are more prone to deafness; an early test is recommended. Early detection helps you take needed actions early.
- Khao Manees are prone to sunburn. Limit direct sun exposure as their white fur offers less protection, especially on the ears and nose.
- Clean their teeth regularly and schedule dental cleanings from time to time. This helps prevent gum disease and bad breath.
- Always stay on schedule with vaccinations and deworming. It protects your cat from common infections and parasites.
- Look at any discolouration of the coat or irritation of the skin. This is either a symptom of allergies or other underlying conditions.
Senior Khao Manee Care
Older Khao Manees need:
- Increased visits to the vet (every 6 months). Assists in early monitoring of age-related or breed-specific health concerns.
- High-quality protein and low-phosphorus foods. Helps to preserve muscles, along with promoting kidney health.
- Comfortable bedding and warm sleeping places. Gives comfort to the joints and assists in body temperature.
- Fewer jumps and gentle play. Helps cushion joints and keeps them in motion and occupied.
- Daily routine to lessen stress. Routine is what makes the senior cats comfortable and safe.
Vaccination details
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
6-8 Weeks
FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia).
10-12 Weeks
FVRCP.
14-16 Weeks
FVRCP , Rabies.
16-20 Weeks
FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus).
1 year
FVRCP , Rabies, FeLV,.
Annually
FVRCP - Booster, Rabies - Booster, FeLV .
Khao Manee Grooming Routine
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 800 - ₹ 1,500
Shedding Level
Low Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Feeding
Grooming (for some breeds)
Litter Box
Hydration
Health Observation
Nail Trimming
Benefits of Grooming
Cleanliness
Low Shedding
Prevents Bad Breath
Prevents infections
Quality of life
- Brushing: Once a week with a soft brush
- Bathing: Only if dirty; use cat-safe white coat shampoo
- Nail Trimming: Trim their nails every 2–3 weeks
- Ear Cleaning: Once a month or as needed
- Teeth Brushing: 2–3 times per week to prevent gum issues
Written by
Happy Pet TeamAuthor
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some Khao Manee have different colored eyes?
They possess an inherited disorder termed heterochromia. It’s rare and highly prized.
Are white cats like the Khao Manee more likely to be deaf?
Yes, especially blue-eyed or odd-eyed individuals. Hearing tests are recommended.
How rare is the Khao Manee breed?
Very rare. They were exclusive to Thailand until 1999 and are still uncommon globally.
What kind of personality does the Khao Manee have?
They are talkative, playful, smart, and love human interaction. They hate being left alone.
