Khao Manee

Key Visual Markers

• Pure glistening white coat in every individual, the only accepted color — hair is medium-short, fine, and slightly open, smooth enough to reveal the musculature, with a sparse to moderate undercoat; nose leather, lips, and paw pads are pink
• Modified wedge head with a chiseled, oval look from the front and high cheekbones along the lower curve — the tip of the nose and the tips of the ears form the points of an equilateral triangle
• Long, nearly straight profile with a very slight convex forehead and a gentle downhill slope from the brow to just below the eyes; the nose is medium in length, a trait the CFA standard ties to the hot, wet climate of Thailand
• Slightly to moderately large, luminous eyes in an open almond shape with a noticeable Asian slant, set a bit more than an eye width apart — any clear, vivid color is allowed, including odd eyes, and blue ranges from pale aqua to deep blue
• Slightly large ears, wide at the base with oval tips, pointing toward 11 and 1 o'clock and well separated — light furnishings allowed
• Medium torso with very firm musculature that reads agile and springy, never meaty or bulky; legs medium to slightly long with oval paws, five toes in front and four behind
• Medium tail proportional to the body, tapering gradually; a palpable kink is accepted, and a visible kink is accepted from the tip to the last third of the tail

Temperament & Traits

• Extremely intelligent, in the same league as the Korat and Siamese — learns routines, opens doors, and solves puzzle feeders quickly
• Friendly and social — the CFA notes the breed is easy to win over; they enjoy games of fetch and love to carry toys, or the occasional sock, around in their mouths
• Active and athletic, with a balance of play and affection — owners describe them as lap lovers and shoulder riders at once
• Gets along well with other pets and children; the activity level suits families
• Communicative — very good at expressing feelings through body language and a range of vocalizations, though not necessarily noisy; some individuals simply have more to say
• Can be shy with strangers at first — a legacy of centuries spent in seclusion at the Thai court, per the CFA standard

Health Notes

• Congenital deafness — the CFA breed profile states that white cats can be prone to deafness, especially blue-eyed cats, and that odd-eyed cats may be deaf in one ear; a hearing test for kittens with blue or odd eyes is the practical screen
• No breed-specific diseases documented — the CFA describes the Khao Manee as a natural breed not known for any specific health problems; the deafness risk comes from white-coat genetics rather than the breed itself
• Sun-related skin cancer risk — the white coat and pink ears offer little pigment protection; limit heavy midday sun and check the ears for sores that do not heal
• Dental disease — regular brushing and annual cleanings, as with any cat
• Nonwhite kittens in litters — the dominant white gene masks an underlying color, so an occasional nonwhite kitten appears; the CFA notes breeders often use these cats to help reduce the likelihood of deaf kittens

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.