What does the name Khao Manee mean in English?

The Thai cat breed name Khao Manee means “white gem” in English.

Khao Manee cats are known for their short, pure-white coats and striking eyes. Some have odd eyes, with one blue eye and one green, gold, or amber eye. Others have matching eyes. The breed has long been associated with Thailand and was historically linked with royal households, although popular claims about exclusive royal ownership are difficult to document in every detail.

The Thai name reflects the breed's bright white appearance rather than a gemstone-colored coat. Khao Manee should not be confused with the Turkish Angora, another white cat that can also have odd eyes. Their histories and breed standards are different.

The breed became more widely known outside Thailand in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, when enthusiasts began establishing formal breeding programs internationally.