Khao Manees in Thailand today

Hurry and find a good cat to prosper and gain results, 
rank and slaves because of the good cat 
with the correct characteristics...ö

The characteristics of these auspicious cats  beliefs were described  in the Tamra Maew (the Cat Book of Poems) written between 100 and 200 years ago.  The Khao Manee, referred to in the poems as the Khao Plort, is identified as one of the 17 'good cats', 

...two eyes like diamonds 
business meets success with prosperity, 
like a priceless jewel...ö

The one names Sri Parort, white base
paw colour, all over shines like crystal
White whiskers, as if applied
So fine-luck is not slow coming to the house.ö

Click on picture to enlarge

This quaint belief still exists in modern Thailand. For example, recently  a Bangkok businessman who acquired a diamond eyed cat and whose business subsequently prospered, staged an opulent wedding at the Phoebus Amphitheatre for his cat and that of a friend which also had a diamond eye, together with white bridal gown, a red tuxedo for the groom and a dowry in cash and jewelry.

After death, according to another tradition, the cats should be dug up as their eyes will bring good luck. öö