Khao Manee

The Khao Manee was mentioned in the Thai Book of Cat Poems that dated as far back as 1350. Evidently, it is one of the oldest breeds along with the Burmese (Suphalak), the Korat (Dork Lao), and the Siamese (Wichien-maat). In the ancient times, breeders wanted to develop odd-eyed cats because they believe that they are the bringers of luck.

The Khao Manee was introduced in the US in 1999 and was imported to the UK in 2009. Colleen Freymouth was the first to bring a Khao Manee cat to the US and the first to develop the breed in North America. Janet Poulsen from the Odyssey cattery transported the first Khao Manee cat to the UK.

Although the breed is popular in Thailand, it gained TICA recognition only in 2009. In August 2013, the breed was recognised as an advanced new breed. As for the GCCF, the breed name was recognised for exhibition in September 2010. With the efforts of the Khao Manee Cat Club, the breed was granted GCCF pre-affiliation in October 2011.

The Khao Manee is medium in size and can weigh from 8 to 10 lbs. It has a solid and muscular build. Overall, it appears well-proportioned with muscular and strong legs and rounded paws. The paw pads may be pink in colour. Its medium-length tail is slightly broader at the base with a rounded tip.

The eyes of a Khao Manee are indeed remarkable. They are large and almond-shaped. The eye colours can be blue, yellow, amber, or green. As for the bicoloured or the odd-eyed, it can be blue or any other colour. One should be patient and wait for 3-5 months for the cat’s true eye colour to develop.

In a frontal view, the Khao Manee has a heart-shaped head with high cheekbones and squared muzzle. The skin around the eyes, including the lips, is pink.

Further, the Khao Manee is recognised by its solid white fur and close-lying coat that appears smooth and shiny. Kittens may have a darker patch on the head which would eventually disappear after a year.

When it comes to grooming, the Khao Manee is low maintenance. With their short coat, brushing once or twice weekly would suffice to prevent matted hair. Rubbing the coat with a chamois leather can give it an extra sheen. Occasional nail trimming, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning are necessary to maintain hygiene and prevent diseases.

The Khao Manee is known to have a playful demeanour. It is in their nature to be social and would most likely greet whoever would enter the door. It can serve well as the welcoming host. This cat loves to interact with humans, so it does not appreciate being left alone for any length of time.

It is an energetic feline that has a laid-back nature at the same time. It loves to curl up on its owner’s lap. It tends to form a strong bond with the family. It loves to follow its owner around the house.

This breed is highly intelligent and can quickly learn new things. It is inquisitive by nature, so it loves to roam around and check the surroundings when allowed to. If one decides to keep the Khao Manee as an indoor pet, it would be wise to provide it with puzzle toys or activities that would stimulate its mind.

As a sociable cat, it is suitable for families who have older children. Very young children should be supervised by an adult to ensure safe interaction.

The Khao Manee cat should be given a nutritious diet that fulfils its nutritional needs. It should be consistently given the same food following the same feeding schedule. If there are changes to its diet, those must be done gradually to prevent digestive problems.

The serving portions should depend on the cat’s weight, age, and activity level. Its diet must include at least 25% protein and just 5% carbohydrates.

On average, the Khao Manee’s life expectancy ranges from 10-12 years. This cat breed is generally healthy, however, there have been reported cases of deafness, kinked tails, and skin cancer. As such, it is necessary to check Khao Manee breeder credentials before acquiring one.

Further, ensure that this feline gets enough exercise and its diet managed well to prevent it from becoming overweight. Being an intelligent breed, it should be provided with toys and activities that will also challenge its mental abilities

A pedigreed Khao Manee kitten will cost £500 or more. Average insurance expenses would cost £15 (basic) to £26 (lifetime) monthly. Food costs may range from £15-£20 each month. For vaccinations, boosters, annual checks and other veterinary costs, pet care costs may add up to more than £500 each year.

On average, a Khao Manee cat owner will spend about £40-£50 per month. The insurance costs can also affect this estimate. For its entire lifetime (10-12 years), the expenses can be as low as £4,800 to as high as £7,200. This estimate does not include the initial costs incurred in acquiring this cat.