Pet lover keeps family of rare 'diamond-eyed' cats at home in Thailand

A pet lover keeps a family of rare 'diamond-eyed' cats in her home in Thailand.

Jeeraporn Moonwong, 48, keeps the feline family of nine in her yard in Phayao province, including the sought-after Khao Manee breed that is incredibly rare outside of the country.

The animal lover said her cat collection began when she adopted a Persian cat and a Khao Manee three years ago. The pair then mated and produced a litter of seven - five kittens with a pure, snow-white coat like their parents, and two striped calicos.

The cats, which all appeared to be healthy under Jeeraporn's care, have captured villagers' hearts thanks to the jewel-like eyes with different colours which they inherited from their parents.

Jeeraporn said: ‘I have been raising cats for more than three years: a Persian cat and a Khao Manee cat. My cats then gave birth to beautiful kittens.

‘It is believed that these cats bring good luck to the house. I named them Mee-ngern, Mee-thong, Mee-tang, Hengheng, Ohmo, Kati, Sprite, Coke, and Kaitoon.'

The Khao Manee is believed to be an auspicious breed in Thailand, and was mentioned as a bringer of good fortune in the Tamra Maew - an ancient Thai treatise on cats. Their eyes, which are striking, clear and vibrant, can be gold, green, blue, or odd-coloured.

The first Khao Manee was reportedly imported to the west, in the United States, in 1999. The International Cat Association has classified it as a 'Preliminary New Breed' in 2012.