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Getting a Cat or Kitten
17 min read
| Family-friendly: | 2/5 |
| Playfulness: | 5/5 |
| Intelligence: | 4/5 |
| Tendency to Vocalise: | 2/5 |
| Likes Other Pets: | 4/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 2/5 |
| Shedding: | 3/5 |
Khao Manee
The name translates literally to ‘white gem’ - and that shouldn’t be a surprise as the Khao Manee is a pure white cat. Their coat is short, smooth and close fitting, covering an athletic and muscular body. They have a moderately oriental body type (i.e. similar to a Siamese cat) that is lithe and long but not as extreme as other members of that group. Eyes can be blue, gold or odd-eyed, i.e. one of each colour, with this latter variety being the rarest type of Khao Manee.
Lifespan
10 - 12 years
Weight
3.6 - 4.5kg
Colours
Khao Manee cats are pure white in colour.
The need-to-know
- Benefits from an experienced owner
- Needs high-level of enrichment including simulated hunting games and interactive play
- Highly active and inquisitive cat
- Sociable and dependent cat
- Slightly talkative cat
- Lean and elegant cat
- Requires grooming once a week
- Needs extensive outdoor space
- Not ideal for family homes
- Can be left alone all day
- Needs a calm environment
Personality
Curious, intelligent and people-oriented, the Khao Manee (pronounced ‘Cow Man-ee’) is a friendly and affectionate companion. Whilst somewhat talkative, the Khao Manee has a pleasant voice that is usually employed in purring or chirruping when enjoying a fuss. The Khao Manee loves to play and spend time with their people, but can also be quite an independent and clever problem solver where necessary – don’t leave one to be bored or lonely!
There is an established link between the white coat colour, blue eyes and deafness. Not all blue-eyed whites will be deaf but it is a possibility. Cat fancy organisations and the Khao Manee Cat Club recommend that cats registered for breeding must be tested.
An ancient breed originating in Thailand, the Khao Manee is referenced in the Tamra Maew, a book of poems about cats, written in the 14th century. Said to only be kept by the Siam royals, the breed is still relatively rare in the Western world, first being imported to the US in 1999, and still going through the process of recognition in the UK.
As such the Khao Manee can be considered one of the rarest cat breeds in the world.
The Khao Manee is physically well equipped to run, jump and climb, and will enjoy outside time. This is quite a short, fine coated cat and they will not enjoy rain or wind, or a combination of both. Additionally, their pure white coat means they are at a higher risk of sunburn on the nose and ears.
A cat-fenced garden will reduce the risk of theft of such an attractive cat.
This is a clever and athletic breed so provide multiple climbing frames or cat-trees to accommodate this need but don’t be surprised if your Khao Manee likes the top of the wardrobe or the curtain rail as resting spots! They love to play, both with their family members and with suitable toys. Provide food dispensing toys that recreate some of the hunting, catching and dissecting behaviours wild cats would perform as this will give you a satisfied and relaxed cat to live with.
Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry cat food recipes. Find out more about cat feeding guidelines with our article.
The Khao Manee has an easy-care coat, so when it comes to grooming your cat, just a quick brush through once a week will suffice. Remember that a greasy coat can be evidence that your cat is no longer attempting to groom themselves, which can be indicative of poor or failing health. As with all cats, Khao Manee benefit from regular vaccination, parasite control and an annual veterinary cat health check.
The Khao Manee will thrive in a home where adults are around most of the time. Whilst not typically considered a child friendly breed, they are fine with older children who can respect a cat’s space and needs.
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