Felis catus
Khao Manee
Featured photokhao-manee.jpgThe Khao Manee, meaning 'White Gem', is an ancient all-white breed from Thailand documented in the Tamra Maew — the Thai cat-poetry manuscripts of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The breed has been associated with Thai royalty and is regarded as a symbol of good fortune. TICA accepted the Khao Manee for registration in 2009; CFA does not yet maintain a separate Khao Manee standard. The standard describes a muscular, athletic all-white cat with jewel-toned eyes.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- Thailand
- Origin period
- Ancient Thai breed; documented in Tamra Maew; TICA recognition 2009
- Coat type
- Short
- Coat colors
- Solid White (the only recognized colour)
- Size category
- Medium
- Average lifespan
- 10-12 years
- Recognition
- TICA 2009
Origin
The Khao Manee is documented in the Tamra Maew — the series of Thai cat-poetry manuscripts produced under the Ayutthaya Kingdom between the 14th and 19th centuries — as one of the auspicious Thai breeds. Its name means 'White Gem' in Thai. The breed was historically kept by Thai royalty, and Siamese kings are recorded to have valued odd-eyed Khao Manee specimens (one blue eye, one gold eye) as particularly auspicious. Modern preservation work was led by Khunying Abhibal Rajamaitri, who established a breed programme in the 1990s.
Recognition
TICA accepted the Khao Manee for registration in 2009, placing the breed in the advanced new breed category on the path toward full championship. The Cat Fanciers' Association, GCCF, and FIFe had not published separate Khao Manee standards as of the mid-2020s. Breed clubs in Thailand and the United States are pursuing further international recognition through TICA's championship advancement programme.
Standard
The TICA standard describes a medium-sized, muscular, athletic cat with a round head, moderate muzzle, and large open eyes. The coat is short, fine, and snow-white; the only recognized colour is solid white. Eye colour may be blue, gold, or odd-eyed (one blue, one gold) — the odd-eyed pattern is the most historically prized. The broad-set eyes are a defining feature of the breed's facial expression. Unlike the odd-eyed white forms recognized in some other breeds, the Khao Manee's odd-eye occurrence is not associated with deafness at the same prevalence as in non-pedigreed white cats, according to TICA breed club documentation.
Sources & further reading (3)
- tica-standard — accessed 2026-04-30
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-30
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-30
Frequently asked questions
What does Khao Manee mean?
Khao Manee is a Thai phrase meaning 'White Gem'. The name refers to the breed's all-white coat and to its historical status as a jewel-like gift associated with Thai royalty and good fortune. The breed is also called 'Diamond Eye' in reference to the jewel-bright eye colours — blue, gold, or the prized odd-eyed combination.
When was the Khao Manee recognized by TICA?
TICA accepted the Khao Manee for registration in 2009, placing it in the advanced new breed category. CFA, GCCF, and FIFe had not published separate Khao Manee standards as of the mid-2020s. TICA's recognition was the first by a major international cat registry.
Is the Khao Manee the same as any other white cat breed?
No. The Khao Manee is a distinct Thai natural breed separate from the Turkish Angora (also often white), the Turkish Van, and the British White. Each carries a different standard, conformation, and geographic and historical origin. The Khao Manee's identity is specifically tied to the Tamra Maew manuscripts and the Thai royal court tradition.
