About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 38.1-45.7 cm

Height range  : 25-30cm

Weight range : 2.7-4.5kg

Coat : Short|shorthaired|fine|smooth|close fitting|slightly open|sparse to moderate undercoat|pure white

Life expectancy years : 10-12 (depends on health situation)

Colors: white.

Activitity Level : High

Origin: Thailand

Similar Breeds : Korat|Siamese|Turkish Van|Burmese|Bombay

 

History

Referenced in the Tamra Maew during the Ayutthaya period of Thai history , 1350-1767 , the breed was associated with luck and Thai royalty. It remained exclusive to Thailand until 1999 when Colleen Freymouth brought the first Khao Manee to the United States for breeding and conservation. CFA accepted the breed for registration in 2018 and it is still considered rare in the West.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

Playful

Personality

Curious|intelligent|outgoing|friendly|sociable|playful|devoted|affectionate|communicative|somewhat vocal|mischievous|athletic|inquisitive|lap-loving

Needs

Needs high enrichment , interactive play , climbing spaces , puzzle toys , companionship and should not be left alone for long periods. The breed may enjoy indoor life but also benefits from safe controlled outdoor access because it is agile and active.

Social Needs

Very sociable and people-oriented. They may greet visitors , share affection with the whole family , get along with other pets and older respectful children and prefer homes where people are around much of the time.

Grooming 

The short white coat is easy to maintain. Weekly brushing or once or twice a week with a rubber brush may help control shedding. Occasional baths may help keep the coat sparkling white. Regular nail , ear and dental care are also recommended.

Nutrition

Cats need complete balanced food and fresh clean water. Some source text notes that nutrient balance changes with age , lifestyle and health. Measured feeding helps maintain ideal body condition and wet or dry food may be chosen to suit the individual cat.

 

Breed Standard

The ideal Khao Manee is a natural Thai breed with a medium torso , modified wedge head , high cheekbones , slightly large ears and a muscular , agile , springy body. The coat is medium short , fine and smooth enough to reveal musculature and color must be pure glistening white with vivid gemstone-like eyes.

Did you know?

Khao Manee means White Gem in Thai and the breed was regarded as lucky. Odd-eyed cats are especially prized and the breed was once associated with Thai royalty and traditional royal ceremonies.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Congenital sensorineural deafness, Squamous cell carcinoma, Feline dental disease, Obesity and related complications, Chronic kidney disease

 

Symtoms

1. Lack of response to sound , unusually loud vocalizations , easy startling and seeming like a very heavy sleeper may occur.

1. Small crusty non-healing scabs or sores on the ears , nose or eyelids may occur.
2. Advanced lesions might become raised , ulcerated , bleed easily and not heal.

1. Bad breath , inflamed or bleeding gums , tartar , drooling , pawing at the face , chewing on one side and reluctance to eat hard food may occur.
2. Excess salivation , blood in saliva , dysphagia , loose teeth , weight loss and poor grooming might occur.

1. Loss of waist , inability to feel ribs , lower belly fat pad , reduced activity and difficulty grooming may occur.

1. Increased thirst and urination , weight loss , decreased appetite , nausea , vomiting , lethargy , poor coat and chemical-like breath may occur.

Onset of symptoms

 

Congenital sensorineural deafness

1. Present from birth and may be testable once ear canals are open at about 3 to 4 weeks.

Probability Of Onset:

1. Probability may be high and linked to eye color.
2. White cats with two blue eyes may have 60-80% probability.
3. Odd-eyed white cats may have 30-40% probability.
4. White cats with non-blue eyes may have 10-20% probability.

Squamous cell carcinoma

1. Signs may begin in middle age to senior years and often from 6 years onward after cumulative sun exposure.

Probability Of Onset:

1. Risk may be high with regular sun exposure and low for indoor cats that avoid sunny windows.

Feline dental disease

1. Mild gingivitis may start at 1 to 2 years.
2. Significant disease may be common by 4 to 6 years and many cats over 3 years may need intervention.

Probability Of Onset:

1. Probability may be very high and over 85% of cats over age three may have some form of dental disease.

Obesity and related complications

1. Weight gain may begin after spay or neuter and around full maturity at 1 to 2 years if diet and activity are not managed.

Probability Of Onset:

1. Probability may be high in indoor lifestyles without careful management.

Chronic kidney disease

1. Signs usually become apparent in senior cats often after 7 to 10 years.

Probability Of Onset:

1. Probability may be high in senior cats and is one of the leading causes of illness in older cats.

Reasons

Congenital sensorineural deafness       

 It is not a fault of the breed itself, but a consequence of the dominant “W” gene that produces their brilliant white coat. This gene can interfere with the development of the cochlea, the part of the inner ear responsible for hearing.

 

Feline dental disease:

The most common health problem affecting all domestic cats. Without regular cleaning, plaque builds up and hardens into tartar, leading to gum inflammation (gingivitis).

 

Congenital sensorineural deafness       

 It is not a fault of the breed itself, but a consequence of the dominant “W” gene that produces their brilliant white coat. This gene can interfere with the development of the cochlea, the part of the inner ear responsible for hearing.

Feline dental disease:

The most common health problem affecting all domestic cats. Without regular cleaning, plaque builds up and hardens into tartar, leading to gum inflammation (gingivitis).

 

 

Squamous cell carcinoma

 lacks the protective melanin (pigment) in its skin, especially on the ears, nose, and eyelids. This makes them highly susceptible to damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays

Obesity

In a modern indoor lifestyle with readily available food, they are prone to gaining excess weight and calories.

Chronic kidney disease

CKD is a very common condition in all aging cats, and as a breed with a normal lifespan, the Khao Manee is equally at risk

Normally Treament Methods

Congenital sensorineural deafness:

  1. 1. There is no cure.
    2. Management may involve strict indoor living , visual and vibrational cues and gentle wake-ups.

 

Squamous cell carcinoma:

  1. 1. Prevention may involve limiting sun exposure and using UV-blocking window films.
    2. Veterinary care might include surgical removal , pinnectomy , cryosurgery , radiation or chemotherapy depending on lesion extent.

 

Feline dental disease

  1. 1. Daily tooth brushing and home oral hygiene may help.
    2. Professional periodontal therapy under general anaesthesia , scale and polish , X-rays , extraction and possible surgery might be needed.

 

Obesity and related complications:

  1. 1. Managed calorie control , measured meals , wet food use , scheduled playtime and enrichment may be helpful.

 

Chronic kidney disease:

  1. 1. There is no cure but management may include prescription kidney diets , encouraging water intake , fluid therapy and medicines for secondary signs. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Congenital sensorineural deafness :

  •  No supplement can,might be helpful because the text indicates hearing cannot be restored.
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Squamous cell carcinoma

  • No supplement can,might be helpful because prevention is environmental.
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Feline dental disease

  • VOHC-approved water additives , dental treats or special diets can,might be helpful for reducing plaque or tartar.
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Obesity and related complications

  • L-carnitine can,might be helpful for fat metabolism support.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for reducing inflammation associated with obesity.
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Chronic kidney disease

  •  Potassium supplements can,might be helpful for correcting low potassium.
  •  B-vitamin complex can,might be helpful for replacing losses.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for kidney support.
  • Phosphate binders can,might be helpful for limiting phosphorus absorption.
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