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Cymric Cat: Breed Profile, Characteristics, and Care Guide

By:
| Updated: April 18, 2023
Cymric Cat with heterochromatic eyes

Did you know that some cats are born without tails? It’s not a defect or an injury—it’s a natural mutation that gives them a unique and adorable look. One of these tailless breeds is the Cymric cat, a long-haired variety of the Manx. The Cymric is a medium-sized, round-shaped cat with a thick, silky coat that comes in many colors and patterns. The Cymric is also known for its friendly, playful, and sociable personality, making it a great companion for people of all ages.

This article will explore everything you need to know about the Cymric cat breed, from its history and characteristics to its care and grooming needs. Whether you already have a Cymric, are thinking of getting one, or like learning about cat breeds, you will find this guide helpful and informative.

Breed Overview

Weight Up to 12 pounds
Length Up to 18 inches
Coat Length Long hair
Coat Colors Any color except chocolate or lavender
Coat Patterns Any pattern except Himalayan or patterns mixed with white
Eye Colors Any
Personality Friendly, playful, kittenish, sociable
Hypoallergenic No
Good with Kids Yes
Good with Pets Yes
Origin Isle of Man

History of the Cymric Cat

The Cymric evolved on the Isle of Man, an island located in the middle of the Irish Sea, with the Manx breed. The first felines arrived on the island via ship, but no one knows where they originated. Sometime in the late 18th century, a spontaneous natural mutation occurred in a litter of kittens—they were born without tails. Within the island’s limited gene pool, the mutation passed to more and more cats until the Manx breed and its long-haired variant, the Cymric cat, became well-established.

Manx cats were part of the earliest cat shows in the 1800s, but the long-haired variety was not as well-known. Later, the long-haired Manx became known as the Cymric cat, which means “relating to Wales,” the country near the Isle of Man where many long-haired tailless cats were found.

Various cat registries recognize the Cymric cat differently. For instance, the Cat Fanciers’ Association considers the breed to be a long-haired variety of the Manx breed. The CFA calls the breed a Longhair Manx, and it follows the Manx breed standard, which includes both Shorthair Manx and Longhair Manx. The International Cat Association and the Canadian Cat Association both recognize the Cymric as a separate breed from the Manx. Both TICA and the CCA have established a unique breed standard for the Cymric cat.

Cymric Cat on a street in Reykjavik
Photo: ©fitopardo/ Gettyimages

Appearance

Cymrics are slow-growing cats, taking up to two years to fully mature. Even when it is an adult, this medium-sized cat continues to act like a playful kitten. Its friendly personality makes it a great pet for most people, including families with kids and other pets.

Physical Traits

Cymric cats have a round head with a firm muzzle and prominent cheeks, short front legs, high hindquarters, great depth of flank, and a short back, which forms a smooth continuous arch from the shoulders to the round rump. The way the ears are placed forms a rocker shape when viewed from behind. The hind end should be higher than the front, which is apparent when standing.

Coat

The Cymric has long hair and a double coat, which makes it thick and dense. Britches (long hair on back legs), tufts of hair between the toes, and full furnishings in the ears distinguish a Cymric cat. The coat can be any color except chocolate or lavender and any pattern except Himalayan or patterns mixed with white.

Tail

Not every Cymric cat is completely tailless. On a completely tailless Cymric, no protuberance can be felt. These cats are called rumpies. Some Cymrics are called Stumpies as these cats have a small stump of a tail. Others are called rumpy risers because when your hand goes down around the rump, it causes the small tail to rise. As a rumpy riser gets older, this little tail may be covered by a fat pad and will no longer rise when petted. Some Cymric kittens are born with full tails, and some are born with half tails.

Personality

The personality of the Cymric has won a strong following. They are intelligent, fun-loving cats who get along well with other pets, including dogs. Cymrics are particularly noted for their loyalty to their humans, and enjoy spending quality time with them. As cats go, they can be easily taught tricks. Despite their playful temperament, they are gentle and non-aggressive. Their playful yet tractable dispositions make the Cymric a good choice for families with children.

Cymrics are powerful jumpers and, if sufficiently motivated, will manage to breach the most secure shelf. Water also fascinates them as long as you don’t dunk them in the nasty stuff. Perhaps this fascination comes from originating on a small piece of land surrounded by it.

Care

Diet and Nutrition

Cymrics must have their nutrition strictly controlled in order to keep them in good condition. They tend to have a wonderful appetite and can become overweight rather quickly. A high-quality, balanced diet that meets their age and activity level is recommended. You should also monitor their food intake and weight regularly and consult your veterinarian if you notice any changes.

Grooming

The double coat must be groomed daily. A good brushing will keep the coat in smooth condition as the undercoat will build up over time if brushing is neglected. This will also help reduce shedding and hairballs. You should also check their ears for dirt and wax buildup and clean them gently with a cotton ball or a soft cloth. Trim their nails as needed and brush their teeth with vet-approved toothpaste to prevent dental problems.

Common Health Issues

Cymrics are generally healthy cats, but they can be prone to genetic or hereditary conditions affecting their spine, joints, urinary tract, or teeth. Some of these conditions include spinal defects, arthritis, urinary tract infections, and dental issues. You should always buy from a reputable breeder who tests their cats for genetic diseases and provides health guarantees. You should also take your Cymric to the vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations and keep them indoors or in a safe enclosure to protect them from accidents, predators, or diseases.

Where to Buy a Cymric Cat

The average cost of a Cymric cat can vary depending on the breeder, location, gender, coat pattern and color, and type of tail. According to some sources, pet quality can range from around $275 to $700, while show quality, especially the rare and prized rumpy ones, can run $1,000 and up.

You may have to spend time looking for a breeder as the Cymric cat is not a very common breed, as it is only recognized by some cat associations and has a limited gene pool. They are also less popular than their short-haired counterpart, the Manx, which may affect their availability and demand.

To help start your search, you can check out the breeder listings from CFA. They don’t recognize the Cymric as separate from the Manx, but someone may be able to point you in the right direction.

  • Manx | The Cat Fanciers Association Find A Breeder

Conclusion

The Cymric is a unique and lovable cat breed with much to offer its owners. With its round features, long coat, and tailless appearance, the Cymric is sure to catch your eye and melt your heart. With their friendly, playful, and sociable personalities, they are sure to keep you entertained and happy.

If you already have a Cymric, what do you love most about them? Share your stories and photos with us in the comments below!

More Cat Breeds

If you’re interested in similar cat breeds, check out:

FAQ

Q: How do I know if a Cymric is tailless or not?

A: You can tell by feeling the base of the spine for any protuberance or movement. A completely tailless Cymric will have a smooth rump, while a Cymric with a stump or a riser will have a small bump or a tail that pops up when touched.

Q: How often should I groom my Cymric?

A: You should groom your Cymric daily to prevent matting and shedding of the long and dense coat. You should also check and clean their ears, trim their nails, and brush their teeth regularly.

Q: What are some common health problems that affect Cymrics?

A: Some common health problems that affect Cymrics are spinal defects, arthritis, urinary tract infections, and dental issues. These can be caused by genetic factors or environmental factors. You should always buy from a reputable breeder who tests their cats for genetic diseases and provides health guarantees. You should also take your Cymric to the vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations and keep them indoors or in a safe enclosure to protect them from accidents, predators, or diseases.

Q: What are some good toys or activities for Cymrics?

A: Cymrics are intelligent and playful cats who enjoy interactive toys and games that challenge their minds and bodies. You can provide them with puzzle toys, teaser toys, catnip toys, scratching posts, tunnels, and cat trees. You can also teach them tricks, play fetch, or hide treats around the house for them to find.

Q: How do Cymrics get along with other pets and children?

A: Cymrics are friendly and sociable cats who get along well with other pets and children. They are gentle and nonaggressive and can adapt to different situations and personalities. However, you should always supervise their interactions with other animals and kids and introduce them gradually and carefully. You should also respect their boundaries and preferences and provide them with a safe and quiet place to retreat if they need some space.

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