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Hailing from Thailand, the Khao Manee is nicknamed the “Diamond Eye Cat” because of their luxuriously jewel-shaped eyes. These cats naturally developed over a period of time several hundred years ago. This is a breed accustomed to tropical climates, but they can do well in cold climates if they live indoors.
Breed Overview
Height:
10–12 inches
Weight:
8-10 pounds
Lifespan:
10-12 years
Colors:
White
Suitable for:
Families, singles, seniors, apartments, houses
Temperament:
Intelligent, curious, alert, loves attention
This cat breed may be born with black spots, but those spots will disappear, and a fully grown Khao Manee ends up being white as snow. These beautiful cats are muscular and agile and make great mouse hunters. Their playfulness is typically enjoyed by everyone in the household, and their independence makes it easy to leave them for the day without having to worry about misbehavior.
Khao Manee Characteristics
Khao Manee Kittens
Khao Manee kittens are adorable, but it is important to remember that their coloring changes as they age. So, don’t expect your new Khao Manee kitten to look the same as an adult.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Khao Manee
These bold cats are sociable, inquisitive, affectionate, and playful. They are also highly intelligent, which makes them a bit of a challenge when it comes to managing their behavior. The average Khao Manee is outgoing and will not hesitate to greet visitors that come to their homes, even if they are initially strangers.
These are vocal felines that tend to “talk” when they want attention. Due to their curious and active nature, Khao Manees will leave no stone unturned when it comes to exploring the house and everything in it. They need access to plenty of toys and scratching posts to interact with; otherwise, they are likely to tear up furniture and ruin other items around the house.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
While they are independent enough to spend time alone at home, Khao Manees prefer to be with their human companions throughout the day. Therefore, these are not the best pets for households with hectic schedules. That said, Khao Manees get along well with children of all ages and don’t mind the teasing nature that tends to be embedded in child’s play. These cats form strong bonds with their family members and always want to be a part of the action when something interesting is happening at home.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Whether it’s another cat or a gentle dog, Khao Manees seem to get along with other pets in the household. Of course, they don’t enjoy being chased by aggressive dogs, but they are not afraid of cuddling up with gentle dogs when it’s cold outside. They should be able to get along with any other cat breed, although they need their own bed that is just for them to reduce the risk of them becoming territorial.
Things to Know When Owning a Khao Manee
Let’s explore what it would be like to own a Khao Manee kitty as a pet. What do they eat? How much exercise do they need? Can they be trained? What about grooming? Here’s what you need to know.
Food & Diet Requirements 🐡
While the Khao Manee is unique in its own right, this breed does not require any special diet. They have the same nutritional requirements as any other feline. It is important to choose high-quality commercial food that includes real meat proteins, such as chicken, beef, turkey, and fish. Both dry and wet food is acceptable. Some owners prefer to mix both wet and dry food at mealtimes, while others choose just one or the other. Keep in mind that dry food can help scrape tartar away, while wet food can get stuck in a cat’s teeth and cause problems like bad breath and even gum disease.
Exercise 🐈
Khao Manees are active cats that don’t need much encouragement to play and explore. Therefore, they typically get all the exercise that they need without any help from their owners. However, it’s important to make time to play with your pet every day. Not only does playtime support healthy exercise habits, but it also provides mental stimulation and rich social experiences.
Training 🧶
Khao Manees are intelligent animals that can be trained to do things like come when called and even to use a toilet instead of a litter box! However, there is no need to train this breed because they are generally well-behaved if they are given the space and equipment to play, explore, and exercise. They will naturally come to you when you call their name, and they are decent at reading the room to know how they should be behaving.
Grooming ✂️
Since the Khao Manee’s coat is so short and lays close to the body, this breed does not require much grooming assistance. Aside from an occasional brushing, your kitty should be able to handle all their own grooming needs. Making a scratching post available will help them keep their nails naturally trimmed. Be sure to prioritize dental hygiene. It is a good idea to invest in professional teeth cleaning services once a year.
Most veterinarians offer this type of service. It is also important to get your cat used to a toothbrush so you can brush their teeth once a week or so. This will help ensure that food and tarter don’t build up. Proper dental care is the only thing that can help your kitty avoid developing dental disease as they age.
Health and Conditions 🏥
The Khao Manee is usually a healthy cat overall, although there are a few health conditions that they are susceptible to. Being aware of these issues makes it easy to spot the development of such problems so medical help can be sought before it’s too late.
Male vs. Female
Both male and female Khao Manees are about the same size. When it comes to personality, males tend to be a little more independent, but they still love the attention of their family members. There are no other real differences between the two sexes that should be noted. They are loving, curious, and active cats that just want good homes to live in.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Khao Manee
There is not much known about these intriguing cats, but enough people around the world are lucky enough to have them as pets that there are still interesting facts about them.
1. They May Have Different-Colored Eyes
Khao Manee cats can have eyes of green, blue, gold, or a combination of these colors. For instance, your kitty could end up having one blue and one gold eye. No matter their eye color, your kitty is sure to have amazingly mesmerizing eyes that are hard to look away from.
2. They Have Thick Yet Close-Lying Hair
These cats are known for having thick fur that lays close together, almost in a matted manner. Regular brushing is necessary to keep their locks knot free and soft.
3. They Are Always White in Color
Khao Manee cats may show other colors, like black spots, when they are born, but they always end up being completely white when they are fully grown. Some people misinterpret their breed for albinos, which is not the case.
Final Thoughts
The Khao Manee is a gorgeous cat breed that loves attention, likes to be part of all the action, and never seems to get tired of exploring. This breed is not as common as many other cats breeds, so don’t expect to find a purebred Khao Manee at the humane society. You will likely have to find a reliable breeder to purchase this breed from.
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Featured Image Credit: Bram Alamsyah Tjahjadi, Shutterstock
