Manx Cat: Breed Profile, Characteristics, and Care Guide

Have you ever seen a cat without a tail? If so, chances are you’ve encountered a Manx cat, one of the most unique and fascinating breeds in the feline world. The Manx cat is not only tailless but also has a round and robust appearance, a playful and loyal personality, and a history that dates back to ancient times. Whether you’re looking for a new furry friend or just curious about this rare breed, here’s everything you need to know about the Manx cat.

History of the Manx Cat Breed

The Manx cat breed has a long and mysterious history that traces back to the Isle of Man, an island in the Irish Sea. The most distinctive feature of this breed is its taillessness, which is caused by a dominant gene mutation that affects the development of the spine. But how and when did this mutation occur? And how did the Manx cat become one of the world’s most popular and ancient cat breeds?

The exact origin of the Manx cat breed is not clear, as there are different theories and legends about it. Some suggest that the tailless mutation was a spontaneous event that happened on the island, where the cats had limited genetic diversity and were isolated from other populations. Others suggest that cats from other regions, such as Japan or Southeast Asia, introduced the mutation, where tailless cats are also found. Some even claim that the Manx cat is related to the Turkish Angora or the Egyptian Mau.

What is known is that by the mid-18th century, tailless cats were common on the Isle of Man, where they were called stubbin or rumpy. They were valued as working cats and excellent hunters of rats and other pests. They also had strong, athletic bodies and a high sense of agility, which they still have today.

The Manx cat breed also has a long-haired variety, likely due to crossbreeding with the Norwegian Forest Cat. The ancestors of this breed came with the Vikings, who ruled the Isle of Man for several centuries. Some registries call the long-haired Manx the Cymric, which comes from Cymru, the Welsh name for Wales. Wales is another Celtic region near the Isle of Man, and both share a similar culture and language.

The Manx cat breed was one of the first show cats in Great Britain, where it was exhibited in cat shows since the 1800s. It was also one of the founding breeds of the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1906. The breed became popular in the US in the 1920s, where it was recognized by the American Cat Association (ACA) in 1925.

The Manx cat breed is one of the oldest known cat breeds and has many legends surrounding its origin. Some say that the Manx cat lost its tail when Noah shut the door of his ark on it. Others say that it was a result of crossbreeding between cats and rabbits. Of course, these stories are not true, but they add to the charm and mystery of this breed.

Appearance

The Manx cat breed is a medium-sized cat with a compact and sturdy body. It has a round head, a small nose, large ears, and round eyes that can be amber, copper, green, gold, hazel, orange, or yellow. The Manx cat has a short back that slopes from the shoulders to the rump, which is higher than the front. The Manx cat also has long hind legs that give it a powerful and agile gait.

Tail

The most distinctive feature of the Manx cat breed is its taillessness, which is caused by a dominant gene mutation that affects the development of the spine. However, not all Manx cats are completely tailless. Some have a small stub of a tail, called a rumpy or a rumpy riser. Some have a partial tail, called a stumpy. And some have a nearly full-length tail, called a longy. The tail length can vary even within the same litter of kittens.

Coat

The Manx cat breed has a double coat that can be short or long. The short-haired Manx has a thick, dense coat that lies close to the body. The long-haired Manx, also known as the Cymric, has a silky and fluffy coat that forms a ruff around the neck and britches on the legs.

The Manx cat breed can come in all coat colors and patterns except pointed, chocolate, or lavender. Some common colors are white, black, red, cream, silver, tortoiseshell, blue-cream, and brown. Some common patterns are solid color, bicolor, tricolor/calico, tabby, ticking, smoke, and shaded.

Common Health Issues

The Manx cat breed is generally healthy and hardy, but it can also suffer from some health issues that are related to its tailless mutation.

The most serious one is called Manx syndrome, which can cause spinal deformities, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and hind leg paralysis. This condition affects about 20% of tailless or nearly tailless Manx cats and usually shows up before they are six months old. There is no cure for Manx syndrome, but some cats can live with it with proper care and management.

Other health issues that can affect the Manx cat breed include spinal problems, arthritis, urinary tract infections, and dental problems. These issues can be prevented or treated by regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, parasite control, dental care, and surgery if needed. Some genetic tests can help identify carriers of the tailless gene or other health conditions, such as DNA testing or x-rays.

Care and Socialization

The Manx cat breed is easy to care for as long as you pay attention to its grooming, feeding, exercise, and play needs. Depending on its coat length and type, the Manx cat may need more or less grooming. Shorthaired Manx cats need weekly brushing to remove loose hair and dirt, while longhaired Manx cats need daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Both varieties need regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and eye wiping.

The Manx cat breed loves to exercise and play with its human family and animal friends. Provide toys that stimulate its natural hunting instincts, such as balls, feathers, or mice. Also, provide scratching posts or pads to keep its nails healthy and protect your furniture. Additionally, you can train your Manx cat to do tricks or fetch using positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise.

Diet and Nutrition

Manx cats do well with a high-quality diet that includes real meat or fish as the main ingredient. Avoid grains and fillers that can cause allergies or digestive issues. Make sure your cat always has fresh water available. Also, monitor how much food you give your cat and how often you feed it to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding.

Personality

The Manx cat breed is a great companion for many people, as it has a social, playful, intelligent, and loyal personality. It can bond well with humans and other animals alike. It can also be trained like a dog to do tricks or fetch. The Manx cat breed is active yet not hyperactive. It enjoys exploring its surroundings and jumping to high places. It also likes to follow you and join in whatever you do.

The Manx cat breed is also adaptable and easygoing. It can adjust well to different environments and situations. It can also tolerate being left alone for short periods of time if you provide it with enough stimulation. However, the Manx cat breed may also have some challenges or drawbacks that you should be aware of before adopting one.

Due to its tailless mutation, Manxs may require more veterinary care and attention than other breeds. Depending on its tail length and spinal condition, it may also have special needs or limitations. Manx cats may also be too curious or mischievous for some people. They may get into trouble by opening drawers or cabinets, hiding in small spaces, or knocking things over. More supervision and safety measures may be necessary compared to some other breeds.

The Manx cat breed may also be too vocal or demanding for some people. It may communicate with a variety of sounds or meows to express its needs or wants. It may also crave more attention and affection than other breeds.

Where to Buy a Manx Cat Breed

Price can vary depending on the breeder, the location, the quality, and the demand. Generally, a Manx kitten from a breeder can cost between $150 and $500, depending on the breed standards it meets. For one of the oldest cat breeds, they are not necessarily rare but aren’t common either; they fall somewhere in the middle. Certain color patterns, such as all white, are significantly rarer than others. The tailless mutation is also not very frequent, as only about 20% of Manx cats are completely tailless.

If you are looking for a Manx cat for sale, we suggest starting with these breeder lists:

• Find a Breeder – CFA
• Breedlist

Both have a few Manx breeders listed. Nonetheless, we urge you to exercise caution still and check the breeder and the cats’ health and reputation before buying a cat.

Conclusion

The Manx cat breed is a unique and wonderful companion for many people. Its history dates back to ancient times on the Isle of Man. It has a tailless mutation that gives it a distinctive appearance and personality. It has a playful and loyal temperament that makes it bond well with humans and other animals alike.

Are you ready to welcome a Manx cat into your home? Do you have any questions or comments about this breed? Let us know in the comments section below!

More Cat Breeds

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

• Japanese Bobtail
• British Shorthair
• Norwegian Forest Cat

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