Skip to content

Feline breed atlas · 043 / KHM

Khaomanee

A natural breed from Thailand, distinguished by a white short coat, luminous eyes and an agile, muscular frame.

Origin
Thailand
Coat
Pure white shorthair with sparse to moderate undercoat
Build
Medium-sized, muscular and agile
Illustrated variety
Pure white short coat; almond-shaped odd eyes: the cat’s right eye blue, left eye amber
Download card ↓

Move your pointer for a subtle sheen; flip the card to read its profile.

Khaomanee · Pure white short coat; almond-shaped odd eyes: the cat’s right eye blue, left eye amber · Original breed illustration
miaomap.com · Breed atlas043 / KHM

Khaomanee

Pure white short coat; almond-shaped odd eyes: the cat’s right eye blue, left eye amber

✳ miaomap.comBreed atlas · 043

01History and origin of Khaomanee

The Khaomanee is a natural Thai breed whose name is commonly translated as “White Gem.” CFA connects its history with the old Thai cat-poetry collection Tamra Maeo, while accounts of exclusive royal ownership remain legend. Cats were brought to the United States in 1999 for breeding and conservation. Blue, green, yellow and odd eyes are variations within the breed, not separate ancestries.

02Khaomanee appearance and coat

Look for a moderate wedge-shaped head with high cheekbones and a rounded, medium-length muzzle. The ears are slightly large, broad-based and oval-tipped; luminous eyes have an open almond shape with a gentle slant. A medium torso carries firm rather than bulky muscle, medium to slightly long legs and a proportionate tapering tail. Fine white short hair reveals the body’s contours.

03Khaomanee temperament and interaction

Khaomanee are often described as curious, intelligent and interested in household activity, with many enjoying interactive games and close companionship. Some are expressive, while others may be cautious around strangers. Comfort with handling or other pets depends on the individual, early experiences and thoughtful introductions rather than breed alone.

04Grooming and everyday care

Brush regularly with a soft rubber brush to remove loose hair, and bathe only when needed using cat-safe products. A white coat does not mean no shedding. White cats can have congenital hearing impairment, particularly blue-eyed individuals; odd eyes alone cannot establish hearing ability. Discuss hearing assessment with a veterinarian, provide safe indoor exercise, interactive play and dental care, and avoid prolonged intense sun exposure.

Khaomanee · Common questions before choosing a cat

Must a Khaomanee have one blue eye and one yellow eye?

No. Khaomanee may have matching eyes or odd eyes, and breed references include shades of blue, green and yellow. Clear, vivid eyes are an important feature, but mismatched colors are not required. Odd-eyed cats belong to the same breed and do not represent a separate breed or ancestry.

Is every shorthaired white cat a Khaomanee?

No. White short coats occur in other breeds and domestic cats. Khaomanee also have characteristic head proportions, ear shape, eye shape and an agile, muscular body, but these features cannot prove pedigree. Reliable ancestry documentation is needed to confirm breed identity; a photograph or odd eyes alone is insufficient.

Are blue-eyed or odd-eyed Khaomanee always deaf?

No. White cats can have congenital hearing impairment, with particular concern for blue-eyed individuals, but eye color does not establish a particular cat’s hearing. One or both ears may be affected. Ask a veterinarian whether objective hearing testing is appropriate; confirmed impairment calls for a secure indoor environment and visual communication cues.

Sources and production notes

Text is based on the association sources below. AI-assisted original illustrations depict one coat variety, not every individual. Health and care information is general and does not replace veterinary assessment.

Based on the association sources listed on each profile. Illustrations do not establish pedigree. Independently produced by miaomap, without association endorsement. Numbers are catalog IDs, not rarity ranks.

miaomap · Updated

Meet a breed. Create your own cat.

Use our illustration creator to choose fur colors, eyes and tails, then download your own cat.

Cat creator ↗