If you’re looking for a unique cat, consider the odd-eyed cat. This cat is also called Khao Manee or Diamond Eye cat. These cats have eyes of two different colours, usually one blue and one yellow or green. They come from Thailand and have been seen as lucky for a long time.
Odd-eyed cats aren’t a separate breed. They have different coloured eyes because of their genes. Some cat breeds with these eyes are Turkish Angora, Turkish Van, Khao Manee, Japanese Bobtail, and Persian. In this article, we’ll share more about the odd-eyed cat, like its story, how it looks and behaves, its health, and how much it costs in India.
History of the odd eyed cat
The odd-eyed cat has been around for a long time, going back to old times in Thailand during the Ayutthaya Kingdom, from 1351 to 1767. The royal family and other essential people liked these cats a lot. They thought the cats brought them good luck and kept away evil spirits. These cats were even discussed in an old book called Tamra Maew, which tells about different kinds of cats and their like.
The first name for this cat was Khao Manee, which means “white gem” in Thai. This name talks about the cat’s white fur and its unique eyes. The eyes can be different colours like blue, green, yellow, or amber. Sometimes, each eye is a different colour. This is called heterochromia. This happens because of a change in their genes, which affects how the colour shows up in their eyes.
The Khao Manee was almost unknown outside of Thailand until 1999 when a British breeder named Colleen Freymuth imported a pair of cats from Bangkok. She was fascinated by the breed and wanted to preserve its unique features and heritage. She founded the Khao Manee Cat Club and started to promote the breed in Europe and America. In 2009, the Khao Manee was recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) as an experimental breed.
Appearance of the odd eyed cat
The odd-eyed cat is a medium-sized cat with a muscular and graceful body. The head is round, with large ears set high on the head. The eyes are almond-shaped and can be any colour, but heterochromia is preferred. The coat is short, smooth, and glossy, and always white. Some cats may have faint cream or silver shading on the ears or tail, but this is considered a fault.
The odd-eyed cat has a distinctive feature called “diamond eye, ” meaning that the eyes reflect light differently depending on the angle and light source. This gives the impression that the eyes are sparkling like diamonds.
The personality of the odd eyed cat
The odd-eyed cat is brilliant and always curious. It loves to check out everything around it. This cat is also full of energy and loves to play. It enjoys playing games like catching toys, playing hide and seek, and trying out toy puzzles. This cat type loves spending time with its family and even other pets. It wants to be part of everything you do and often follows you everywhere.
While the odd-eyed cat might not always sit on your lap, it wants to be close by. It will come to the door to welcome you when you get home, hang out beside you when you’re relaxing, or even sleep near you at night. This cat likes to talk a lot, making different noises from little chirps to regular meows to chat with you.
Health of the odd eyed cat
The odd-eyed cat is usually healthy and can live for 15 years or longer. But, like all cats, it can have some health problems. These problems can be because of its genes or its white fur. Check out this article to learn more about Persian Cat Lifespan. How Long Your Cat Can Live?
One common health issue for these cats is not being able to hear. This happens because the same gene that makes their coat white also affects their ears. Some of these cats might not hear in one or both ears. If the cat has a blue eye, it’s more likely to have hearing problems.
Another problem these cats can face is getting sunburned. They have less colour in their skin and fur so the sun can harm them more easily. They could even get skin cancer if they are in the sun too much. So, it’s good to keep them inside or make sure they have shade and sunscreen if they go outside.
Odd Eyed Cat Price in India
The odd-eyed cat is a scarce and expensive breed in India. There are not many breeders or owners of this breed in the country, so finding one may be difficult. The price of odd-eyed cats in India depends on several factors, such as the breed, the rarity, the health, the age, and the demand. According to some online sources, the average price range of some popular breeds that can have odd eyes are:
- Turkish Angora: Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 40,000
- Turkish Van: Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 50,000
- Khao Manee: Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 60,000
- Japanese Bobtail: Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 70,000
- Persian: Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 80,000
If you want an odd-eyed cat in India, do your homework. Look for a good breeder who can show you health papers, vaccine records, and official papers for the kitten. Also, be ready to give your cat lots of love, time, and fun activities. This cat type is energetic and likes being with people.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a cat that’s not just pretty but has a rich history and unique features, the odd-eyed cat is a great choice. This cat has roots going back centuries in Thailand and is known for its striking eyes and lively personality. However, getting one in India won’t be easy or cheap. It’s a rare find and can be pretty pricey, so you’ll need to be ready financially to care for a special needs pet. There’s much to consider, from its history to its health needs. But if you’re up for the commitment, an odd-eyed cat can be a rewarding and loving companion.
