Manx Cat Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts Life Span: 8 to 14 years History Is it really a cat if it doesn’t have a tail? It is if it’s a Manx. There are lots of cats with short tails or no tails, but the Manx (and his sister breed the longhaired Cymric ) is the only one specifically bred to be tail-free. Sometimes jokingly said to be the offspring of a cat and a rabbit (however cute the idea, a “cabbit” is biologically impossible), the tailless Manx is the result of a genetic mutation that was then intensified by the cats’ remote location on the Isle of Man, off the coast of Britain. The cats are thought to date to 1750 or later, but whether a tailless cat was born there or arrived on a ship and then spread its genes throughout the island cat population is unknown. The island became known for tailless cats, and that is how the breed got its name of Manx. The Manx is recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association, The International Cat Association, and other cat registries.

Size This is a medium-size cat who weighs 8 to 12 pounds and feels surprisingly heavy when lifted. The Manx matures slowly and may not reach his full size until he is five years old. Personality The Manx began life as a mouser, and he retains his fine hunting skills and alert nature. With a Manx around the house, you don’t need a watchdog; you’ve got a “watchcat” who reacts rapidly and will growl threateningly or maybe even go on the attack at the sight or sound of anything out of the ordinary. If he sees that you aren’t alarmed, he’ll settle back down. When he’s not protecting his family and property from mice, stray dogs, or other threats, however, the Manx is a mellow fellow: an even-tempered and affectionate cat who enjoys serene surroundings. That’s not to say he is inactive. This is a happy, playful cat who likes to follow his favorite person through the house and assist with whatever he or she is doing. When you are ready to relax, though, the Manx will be in your lap, ready for a comfy nap.

If no lap is available, he’ll curl up on the nearest available spot that allows him to keep an eye on you. He “speaks” in a quiet trill and will carry on a conversation if you talk to him. The Manx has an adaptable nature if he is exposed to activity and other people as a young kitten . He will enjoy meeting new people, greeting them with a gentle head butt or cheek rub, and can adapt to a new home or family if such an upheaval in his life is necessary. This is a smart cat who can learn tricks, including fetch and come, and is willing to walk on leash if taught early. He often likes to ride in the car, making him a great companion on long-distance trips. It’s not unusual for the Manx to enjoy playing in water—he is an island cat, after all—and you may find him turning on faucets or “fishing” in a fountain. He is also good at learning how to open doors, so be sure anything you don’t want him to have is under lock and key. Unlike most cats, the Manx is willing to accept boundaries and will usually respect your wishes if you tell him no when he jumps on the counter or scratches on your sofa.

Just be sure you give him an acceptable alternative as thanks for his nice behavior. The Manx is highly people-oriented. Choose him only if you can give him plenty of time and attention daily. Health Both pedigreed cats and mixed-breed cats have varying incidences of health problems that may be genetic in nature. Manx are generally healthy, but the following diseases have been seen in the breed: Arthritis of the tailbone in cats with partial tails Corneal dystrophy, cloudiness that begins to develop when a kitten is approximately 4 months old Manx syndrome, a collection of birth defects that may include a spine that is too short, urinary tract defects, and problems with the bowels and digestion. The condition affects approximately 20 percent of Manx cats, most often rumpies, and usually shows up by the time a kitten is 4 months old, a good reason to wait until that age before bringing a Manx kitten home. Care The soft, short coat of the Manx is easily cared for with weekly brushing or combing to remove dead hair and distribute skin oil.

Check the rear end closely to make sure feces aren’t clinging to the fur surrounding the anus, and clean it if necessary to prevent the cat from smearing poop on carpets or furniture. Brush the teeth to prevent periodontal disease . Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Wipe the corners of the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye so you don’t run the risk of spreading any infection. Check the ears weekly. If they look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball or soft damp cloth moistened with a 50-50 mixture of cider vinegar and warm water. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the interior of the ear. Keep the litter box spotlessly clean. Like all cats, Manx are very particular about bathroom hygiene. It’s a good idea to keep a Manx as an indoor-only cat to protect him from diseases spread by other cats, attacks by dogs or coyotes, and the other dangers that face cats who go outdoors , such as being hit by a car. Manx who go outdoors also run the risk of being stolen by someone who would like to have such a beautiful cat without paying for it.

Coat Color And Grooming The Manx is known for his lack of a tail , but not every Manx is completely tailless. Some, known as “longies,” have a normal-length tail, and others, known as “stumpies,” have short tails. A Manx with no tail is called a “rumpy” and one with just a rise of bone at the end of the spine is known as a “riser.” You will see only rumpies and risers in the show ring, but cats with tails can be used in Manx breeding programs. A Manx has other distinguishing characteristics as well, including a round head with large round eyes, a stout, powerful body with a broad chest, short back and broad, round rear end, short front legs and long hind legs with muscular thighs. The long rear legs give him the appearance of a rabbit and may be the source of the “cabbit” myth. The Manx has two different coat lengths: a short double coat or a longhaired double coat. The longhaired Manx is called a Cymric in some cat registries, but the Cat Fanciers Association simply considers the longhair a variety of Manx.

In both lengths, the coat comes in many different colors, including various solids, tabbies, tortoiseshells and calicos. Chocolate and lavender colors and the pointed Himalayan pattern are not permitted. This is a medium-size cat who weighs 8 to 12 pounds and feels surprisingly heavy when lifted. The Manx matures slowly and may not reach his full size until he is five years old. Children And Other Pets If he is introduced to them in kittenhood, the active and social Manx is a perfect choice for families with children and cat-friendly dogs. He will play fetch as well as any retriever, learns tricks easily and loves the attention he receives from children who treat him politely and with respect. He lives peacefully with cats and dogs who respect his authority and can learn to leave birds and fish alone. An adult Manx may not appreciate children as readily, especially if he is used to a quiet household. Always introduce pets slowly and in controlled circumstances to ensure that they learn to get along together. Manx Cats | Manx Cat Breed Info & Pictures | petMD Best-known for its lack of tail, the Manx is native to the Isle of Man, located between England and Ireland.

This round, cuddly breed is also fun-loving and friendly, should there be any other household pets. Physical Characteristics Though plump and round, the Manx has a compact body with solid muscles. The most striking feature of the cat is its small "stub" of a tail, which is classified into four varieties: rumpy, rumpy-riser, stumpy, and longy. Rumpy tops the popularity charts and is in great demand in show rings: these have no tail, with just a dimple present in its place. Stumpy has a short curved tail while longies -- the least popular -- possess a normal tail. There are also two types of Manx coats: shorthair and longhair (formerly Cymric). The shorthair’s double coat is glossy and padded, while the longhair has a silky and plush double coat. There are many different types of accepted color and varieties, including white, black, brown spotted, silver tabby, and black tipped. Curiously, the Manx has a rabbit-like gait, appearing to hop around rather than walk. Personality and Temperament This fun-loving cat is a great companion.

It adjusts easily, bonds well with other household pets (especially dogs), and enjoys playing fetch and leaping on high shelves, but will still find time to curl up with you for some snuggling. History and Background The Manx has a long history and has lived on the Isle of Man -- which lies in the Irish Sea, between England and Ireland -- for centuries. There are several tales of how they first arrived on the island. According to one story, the cat was traveling with the Spanish Armada when it was wrecked on the Isle of Man in 1588. The cats swam to the island and made it their home. Another story is that they were brought to the Isle by Phoenician traders, who arrived from Japan. Others claim that the cat was introduced to the island by Viking settlers who colonized it. Inhabitants of the isle also have many fanciful tales to account for its lack of tail, which is most often attributed to a spontaneous genetic mutation that occurred many centuries ago. According to one story, the Manx was a result of a cross between a cat and a rabbit. Another imaginative tale narrates how Irish invaders stole the cat’s tail to make plumes for their helmets.

Yet another interesting story suggests that the Manx was brought to Noah’s Ark but since time was short and as they were the last passengers to climb aboard, Noah slammed the door on their tails. According to early American registry records, the first Manx cats were imported from the Isle of Man over a century ago, but as demand for the breed grew, breeders began to rely on Britain and France for new imports. Though it is still considered a rare cat, the Manx has Championship status in all associations. 37 Manx Cats That Prove You Don't Need A Tail To Be Happy tumblr.com ID: 1445308 22. Such as the theory that Noah shut the door of the ark when it started raining, accidentally cutting off the cat’s tail. Bloody Noah. tumblr.com ID: 1445341 23. Or that a tailless cat swam to the island from a boat that had gotten lost and shipwrecked after the Spanish Armada. tumblr.com ID: 1445305 24. In reality the reason they don’t have tails is due to the island’s limited genetic diversity.

Description The Manx is a stocky, solid cat with a dense double coat (long or short), a compact body, very short back, hind legs that are visibly longer than the front legs, big bones, a wide chest, and greater depth of flank (sides of the cat nearest the rear) than other cats. The standard weight for males is 10-12 lbs. and for females is 8-10 lbs. The Manx head is broad-jowled with round eyes, and the ear-set is distinct to the breed--when viewed from the back, the ears and the top of the head form a "cradle" or "rocker" shape. The ears themselves are broad at the base and taper to a narrower, rounded tip. This is the general appearance of all Manx cats, regardless of whether they are show-quality or not. Although the completely tailless, or "rumpy," Manx is the desired show type, Manx may also have tails.

A litter of kittens may include a rumpy, a "riser" (has a bit of cartilage at the base of the spine, under the skin, that may be felt when the cat is happy), a "stumpy" (any tail length not long, but visibly a tail), and a "longy," and all are Manxes. Only rumpy and riser Manx may be shown in American competition, and the riser's cartilage must not stop the judge's hand when the back is stroked. Sansq Q - stumpy brown mackerel tabby kitten Whatever the tail length, all the other physical characteristics will be present - roundness of head and body, cradle-set ears, broad chest, deep flank. In fact, the tailed Manx are necessary for the healthy continuation of the breed. The tailless gene, a dominant gene, is lethal when breeding rumpies to each other into or beyond the third generation. The breeder continues to use tailed cats in the breeding program to insure strong kittens and to reduce the possibility of genetic deformity. See the section on Special Medical Problems. The most striking feature of the show-quality Manx is the complete lack of a tail.

Indeed, the best Manx has a slight indentation at the base of the spine where the tail would begin--a "dimple." The breed standard against which a show-quality Manx is judged continuously uses the word "round" to describe the Manx--round body, round eyes, round rump, round head, even round paws. The impression that you get when looking at the Manx is of a hairy basketball with legs. Balance is important, as well, with all that roundness. The Manx needs proportion, or it will be a fat, furry lump. All parts of the body should "go together"--so that what you see isn't a "head" or a "body" but a complete cat. The short back should rise in a continuous curve to the rump, and the long back legs complete that rounded picture. The head shouldn't be too large for the body, nor the chest too broad for the hindquarters. Manx cats come in every color and pattern, although the pointed, or Himalayan, pattern is not accepted in all associations.

You will see classic and mackerel tabby Manx, tortoiseshell Manx, calico and solid-color and bi-color Manx; and the color possibilities cover the range of red, blue, cream, brown, black, and white. Tortoiseshell kitten Manx coats can be either longhair or shorthair. CFA has recently made the longhair and the shorthair Manx two divisions of the breed, eliminating the former name "Cymric" for the longhair, while other associations, such as TICA, have retained the Cymric name for their long-haired Manx. Longhairs still have a double coat, but the outer coat is of a semi-long length. It doesn't require the daily brushing of a Persian, but needs more care than the shorthair coat does. All colors and patterns exist in both coat lengths. Romanxx's GRC Maxx the Wizzard Red tabby male There are a number of mythical tales surrounding the origins of the Manx, such as that Noah cut off its tail with the door of the Ark as the rain began to fall.

In actuality, Manx cats originated on the Isle of Man, off the coast of Great Britain, among a population of cats whose common ancestry sprang from the same roots as the British Shorthair. A spontaneous mutation occurred at some point several hundred years ago, which created kittens born without the vertebrae that form the tail of normal cats. With the passage of centuries and due to the isolation of the cats from outside breeding, the taillessness eventually became a common characteristic among the Isle of Man cats, because the mutated gene is a dominant trait. The original Isle of Man Manx was a rangier cat than the standard used today, but the basics were there--deep flanks, long back legs, sturdy body. Through careful, deliberate breeding programs, the size of the cat has increased, and the short-backed, broad-chested and stocky cat that we see now became the desired type. Mythology and Folklore of the Manx Many stories of the origin of the Manx are found in cat and mythology books. In many of these tales the Manx are descended from ship's cats who were shipwrecked on the Isle of Man when their ships were sunk off the coast.

A commonly told story is the legend from the early 1600s of two ships from the Spanish Armada that were sunk off Spanish Point near Port Erin. The Isle of Man was the refuge for the tailless cats from these two ships. Another legend has it that the cat came from a ship wrecked in 1806 off Jurby Point, while another says it was a Baltic ship wrecked off Castle Rushen and Calf Island. Early speculation considered the Annamite cats to be the beginning of the Manx, these cats having short tails. They were introduced into Burma. Others felt the Manx may be descended from Siam and Malaya. The Malaya Archipelago cats have kinked, knotted and short tails. The Welsh also lay claim to the Manx in their legends and the people considered them sacred animals in early times. British folklore has it that mom cats bit off their kittens' tails to keep humans from snatching them away. Stumpy tailed cats in New Guinea sometimes get their tails docked by their owners. If a cat is stolen the tail is buried with certain spells to bring misfortune on the thief.

The truth is that short-tailed and tailless cat are seen the world over, the result of a genetic mutation. Japanese Bobtails have short kinked tails and a less stocky body than the Manx. Other breeds of cats occasionally produce a kitten with a missing tail. The Manx, however, is the only cat that is bred to be tailless. Characteristics and Temperament The Manx is a mellow, even-tempered cat, friendly and affectionate. Its origins as a "working" cat are still strongly seen in the breed, and any Manx which lives an outdoor or outdoor/indoor life is a fierce, dedicated hunter. Many people call the Manx the "dog cat" because of its strong desire to be with its people. Manx cats will follow you about the house, "helping" with whatever you happen to be doing at the moment. Manx cats are not prone to restive movement, and even kittens like to curl up in a lap for a nap. Manx do like to get on things, and if you're looking for your cat, look about the room at eye-level (yours, not the cat's) on tables and the backs of chairs and on bookcases.

Chances are, you'll spot your cat pretty quickly. The Manx voice is usually very quiet for its size. Even a female in full-blown heat doesn't make very much noise at all. The Manx has a distinct "trill" which you most often hear from females talking to the kits, but with which they will reply to their people's verbalizations as well. Your Manx *will* talk to you. The "watch Manx" is a sight to behold: Many Manx are very protective of their home and any unusual noise or disturbance will cause a low growl and even an attack by a Manx that is very protective. Strange dogs are especially a target of attack. Manx make good pets for younger children if they grow up with them, because of their even-temperedness. An older Manx may have some difficulty adjusting to the noise and quickness of children, however, since Manx generally prefer a quiet, settled environment. If your home is a quiet one, you'll find that your young Manx quickly becomes accustomed to that peace and quiet, and simply slamming a door may startle the cat.

For the most part, though, Manx aren't timid cats, and will place a lot of confidence in their people's reaction to events. A Manx that has been raised in a family environment will transfer easily to another home and remain a happy, playful cat. If you decide on a show cat, you'll find that most Manx adjust well to the activity of the show hall, if you begin showing them at the kitten stage. Some Manx actually love the attention they receive at a show, and enjoy meeting new people. It is rare for a Manx to "play" on the judging table however much they might chase toys and race about in your home. They much prefer "kissing up" to the judge, and will deliver "head-butts" to any judge who places his/her face within range. Manx, unlike many breeds, may be shown for years - as long as they are willing to go and enjoy it, as a matter of fact. This is because the Manx matures slowly, and may take as long as five years to reach full growth and potential.

This means that you may get many years of showing enjoyment out of your Manx, and it is conceivable that your cat could win more than one regional/national title as it gets better and better with the passing of time. Male and female Manx show equally well in the premiership classes, as both may attain the roundness and "type" for top show ability. In the championship classes, males may have the edge over the females, as the whole queen will come into heat often when shown, and this can cause her temperament to be uneven. Whole males generally maintain a more even disposition, although a male used often as a stud may develop a testiness as time goes by, especially in early spring shows when females come into season. In choosing a show kitten, rely on the breeder to point out likely kittens. About 80 percent of the time, the promising kitten becomes the excellent adult. There are exceptions, of course, especially after the cat has been spayed/neutered, when the so-so kitten develops into a surprisingly winning cat. This is one thing that makes cat showing thrilling, though, when that occasional "surprise" comes along and brightens your life.

Special Medical Problems Manx Syndrome is a normally fatal defect caused by the so-called Manx gene, which causes the taillessness. The gene's action in shortening the spine may go too far, resulting in severe spinal defects --a gap in the last few vertebrae, fused vertebrae, or spina bifida in newborns. If there is no obvious problem with a Manx Syndrome kitten at birth, the difficulties will show up in the first few weeks or months of the cat's life, usually in the first four weeks, but sometimes as late as four months. It is often characterized by severe bowel and/or bladder dysfunction, or by extreme difficulty in walking. Breeders of Manx will generally not let kittens leave the cattery until they have reached four months of age because of the possibility of Manx Syndrome appearing. In most cases, however, experience will point to a problem in a kitten long before the kit is four months old. Rarely will a breeder have no suspicion of anything wrong and have the Manx Syndrome appear. Manx Syndrome may occur even in a carefully bred litter, but is more likely in the instance when a rumpy is bred to a rumpy in or beyond the third generation.

For this reason, the breeder carefully tracks rumpy to rumpy breedings, and uses tailed Manx regularly in the breeding program. Generally speaking, a sound breeding between a tailed Manx and a rumpy Manx should produce a litter that is 50% tailed and 50% rumpy, but as we know, what should happen and what does happen are many times two different things. Usually, however, one may rely on this percentage. As long as litters are produced in which all tail lengths appear, the breeder may feel that the breeding program is on track. Manx litters tend toward the small side in numbers, both because of Manx Syndrome and because of the short back of the queen, which leaves less room for large numbers of kittens. A typical Manx litter will be 3 or 4 kittens--more than that could crowd the kits and a female who has a history of large litters needs careful observation during pregnancy to see that all goes well. A sensible precaution with expectant Manx queens is to have the vet x-ray or ultra-sound her a couple of weeks before the due date, to determine the number of kits to expect.

Most breeders will have the tails of Manx kits docked at 4-6 days of age. This is not so much for cosmetic reasons as it is to stave off another manifestation of the Manx gene. In adult cats of around 5 years, the tail vertebrae may become ossified and arthritic, resulting in pain for the cat. The pain may grow so severe that amputation is necessary--a difficult operation for an adult cat. It is much less painful and recovery is much swifter for a very young kitten to have its tail docked. If your cat has Manx Syndrome, his or her medical bills could get really expensive. Consider getting pet insurance to cut down on the cost. Manx Cat Breed Information How easily a cat deals with change. 5 stars Amount of warmth or friendliness displayed. 5 stars Child Friendly Cats that tend to be more playful and easygoing around children and are more tolerant of children's behavior. 4 stars Tendency to enjoy or tolerate dogs. 5 stars Level of activity often exhibited. 5 stars Amount of bathing, brushing, even professional grooming needed. 1 star Level of health issues a breed tends to have. 3 stars A cat's thinking and problem-solving ability (not trainability).

5 stars Level and frequency of cat hair shedding. 5 stars Preferred amount of interaction with other pets and humans. 5 stars Tendency to be welcoming to new people. 3 stars History The History of the Manx There are lots of myths about how these cats lost their tails. One is that they were late boarding the ark and had the door slammed on the tail. Another is that Irish or Viking raiders would steal kittens because their tails were considered to be good luck charms, so the mama cats simply bit the tails off. More likely, taillessness is the result of a genetic mutation, enhanced by centuries of inbreeding on the Isle of Man, where the cats are from. Along with the taillessness may have come a recessive gene for long hair. Voila! The Cymric . Personality Manx Temperament and Personality The Manx is gentle and playful. It’s not unusual to find that he enjoys playing fetch or carrying his toys around. He’s also smart and dexterous, capable of using his paws to get into cabinets or to open doors. Fond of human company, he will carry on a conversation in a sweet trilling voice.

Some Manx give all their love to a single person while others are affectionate toward the entire family, including children. The Manx is highly intelligent. Challenge his brain and keep him interested in life by teaching him tricks and providing him with puzzle toys that will reward him with kibble or treats when he learns how to manipulate them. Always choose a kitten from a breeder who raises litters in the home and handles them from an early age. Meet at least one and ideally both of the parents to ensure that they have nice temperaments. Health What You Need to Know About Manx Health All cats have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit diseases. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on kittens or who tells you that her kittens are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons. The Manx’s lack of a tail isn’t always benign. Some have spinal defects that result in neurological signs such as problems defecating or urinating. Most Manx kittens with these problems are identified by 6 months of age and must be euthanized.

It doesn’t hurt to wait to take your kitten home until you’re sure he doesn’t suffer from any of these problems. Avoid kittens who have trouble walking or walk with a stiff or hopping gait, and do not buy from a breeder who does not provide a written health guarantee. Remember that after you’ve taken a new kitten into your home, you have the power to protect him from one of the most common health problems: obesity. Keeping a Manx at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to protect his overall health. Make the most of your preventive abilities to help ensure a healthier cat for life. Finding Choosing a Manx Breeder You want your Manx to be happy and healthy so you can enjoy your time with him, so do your homework before you bring him home. For more information on the history, personality and looks of the Manx, or to find breeders, visit the websites of the Cat Fanciers Association , Cats Center Stage , the Fanciers Breeder Referral List , and The International Cat Association . A reputable breeder will abide by a code of ethics that prohibits sales to pet stores and wholesalers and outlines the breeder’s responsibilities to their cats and to buyers.

Choose a breeder who has performed the health certifications necessary to screen out genetic health problems to the extent that is possible, as well as one who raises kittens in the home. Kittens who are isolated can become fearful and skittish and may be difficult to socialize later in life. Lots of reputable breeders have websites, so how can you tell who’s good and who’s not? Red flags include kittens always being available, multiple litters on the premises, having your choice of any kitten, and the ability to pay online with a credit card. Those things are convenient, but they are almost never associated with reputable breeders. Whether you’re planning to get your feline friend from a breeder, a pet store, or another source, don’t forget that old adage “let the buyer beware”. Disreputable breeders and unhealthy catteries can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations. There’s no 100% guaranteed way to make sure you’ll never purchase a sick kitten, but researching the breed (so you know what to expect), checking out the facility (to identify unhealthy conditions or sick animals), and asking the right questions can reduce the chances of heading into a disastrous situation.

And don’t forget to ask your veterinarian, who can often refer you to a reputable breeder, breed rescue organization, or other reliable source for healthy kittens. Put at least as much effort into researching your kitten as you would into choosing a new car or expensive appliance. It will save you money in the long run. Be patient. Depending on what you are looking for, you may have to wait six months or more for the right kitten to be available. Many breeders won't release kittens to new homes until they are between 12 and 16 weeks of age. Before you buy a kitten, consider whether an adult Manx might be a better choice for your lifestyle. Kittens are loads of fun, but they’re also a lot of work and can be destructive until they reach a somewhat more sedate adulthood. With an adult, you know more about what you’re getting in terms of personality and health. If you are interested in acquiring an adult cat instead of a kitten, ask breeders about purchasing a retired show or breeding cat or if they know of an adult cat who needs a new home. Adopting a Cat from Manx Rescue or a Shelter The Manx is an unusual and uncommon breed.

It is unlikely that you will find one in a shelter or through a rescue group, but it doesn’t hurt to look. Sometimes pedigreed cats end up at the shelter after losing their home to an owner’s death, divorce or change in economic situation. Check the listings on Petfinder , Adopt-a-Pet.com or the Fanciers Breeder Referral List , and ask breeders if they know of a Manx who is in need of a new home. Wherever you acquire your Manx, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. In states with “pet lemon laws,” be sure you and the person you get the cat from both understand your rights and recourses. Kitten or adult, take your Manx to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your veterinarian will be able to spot problems, and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues. Manx Manx Manx Cats The Cat for Dog People Manx cats have the independent qualities of cats but are loyal, warm and playful like dogs. These often tailless, robust hunting cats are totally mellow and, oddly enough, known for their partiality to water.

Health Manx cats come from the Isle of Man, an island located on the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland. The Manx cat has been so beloved by the island’s residents that in 1971 the government put a picture of the Manx on one of its coins. The cat has also been featured on a stamp. There’s no lack of island folklore when it comes to this darling feline. Two legends associated with the lack of a tail on the cat come from the Isle of Man Guide. One says that while Noah was filling the ark, he hastily shut the door and caught the tail of a Manx. The other says that mothers bit the tails off their Manx kittens to keep the invading Scandinavians from snatching them off to don as trophies on their helmets. The breed is believed to have originated hundreds of years ago perhaps from a mutation of the island’s domestic cats, according to the Cat Fanciers Association . Though no one is sure exactly how these stumpy-tailed cats came to be, some speculate they are descendants of the short-tailed Annamite. Others believe they could be related to the Siam or the knotted-tail Malaya, according to Cat Fanciers .

Clinical signs of Manx Syndrome are typically obvious within the first three weeks if not immediately at birth. Breeders will usually keep Manx kittens until they can clear them of a serious defect. Manx don’t “meow” per say but speak with a sort of “trill.” These laid-back, unruffled cats make good pets for children. They are surprisingly the “come when you call them” set. But you might not even have to call a Manx at all — this cat takes an interest in what you’re doing. So you will likely hear their padded paws following you around the house. Some Manx have also been known to play fetch and enjoy the water. But their similarities to dogs don’t end there. Manx are so protective they might growl or attack a dog or a person they suspect is a threat to their family. (Tell your postal carrier to watch out!) These big-boned cats are stocky with short hind legs and longer front legs and short or long double coats. What really distinguishes these cats are their tail lengths, say experts as Manx.com .

Kittens are classified when they are born according to these categories: Dimple rumpy or rumpy: No tail Riser or rumpy riser: Stub of cartilage or vertebrae under fur Stumpy: Partial tail Tailed or longy: Complete or nearly complete tail The lack of a traditional tail in Manx cats is caused by Manx Syndrome, also known as Sacrocaudal dysgenesis. The gene affects the cat's spine in varying degrees, some of which can be fatal. In severely affected cats, there are serious spinal defects including a gap in the last few vertebrae, fused vertebrae, or spina bifida in newborns. Neurological deficiencies such as fecal or urinary incontinence and in-coordination of the rear legs are often the result of these spinal defects. ShareArticle Breed Profile: The Manx Exhibitors About the Manx The Manx cat is an ancient breed that originated on the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. The Manx taillessness is caused by a mutation that probably originated among the island’s native shorthair cat population and, because it is a dominat gene, spread to the other cats on the island.

Although the original island cats were shorthairs, the longhair gene was undoubtedly introduced during the long rule of the Vikings, when the the longhaired beauties that are the ancestors of today’s Norwegian Forest Cats left the Viking ships and comingled with the native cats. The Manx cat is the working cat on the Isle of Man and, as such, has a strong constitution, great intelligence, and a personality that is active yet not hyperactive. The Manx were one of the original show cats. They were represented in the first cat shows held in Great Britain. Their ancient legacy continues, as when CFA was founded in 1906, they were one of the founding breeds. To the best of our knowledge, all Manx have at least one gene for a full tail. Therefore, even two cats carrying the Manx (tailless) gene can produce a full-tailed kitten. In addition, the Manx gene is an incomplete dominant, so even kittens that inherit it can show varying tail lengths, from a full tail to no tail at all. It is possible to have all tail lengths in a single litter.

Only the rumpy, with no tail at all, or a rumpy riser, with only a slight rise of bone where a tail would start, is eligible for competition in the championship classes at CFA cat shows. All other tail lengths may compete in the AOV (all other varieties) class. Tailed cats are valuable in Manx breeding programs and help to keep the Manx strong and healthy. Numerous Grand Champions and Regional and National Winners have come from a tailed parent, and the first Manx DM (Distinguished Merit award for a female producing at least 5 grands or a male producing 15) was a long-tailed female. Besides taillessness, the Manx is known for its robust and rounded appearance with great depth of flank. This breed can actually be drawn with a series of circles. It has a very round head with rounded cheeks which give it a jowly appearance, especially in the male. It has high hindquarters with the back legs much longer than the forelegs, causing the rump to be higher than the shoulders. The shortness of the back forms a continuous arch from shoulders to rump. The Manx eyes are large and rounded, set at a slight tilt towards the ear.

The ears are wide at the base, tapering to a rounded tip. Medium in size, they are widely spaced and set slightly outward. The ear should resemble the rocker on a cradle. Manx come in both longhair and shorthair varieties. Both varieties have double coats which should be very dense and plush. Shorthairs should have an outer coat which is somewhat hard and glossy, although softer coats can be seen in whites and dilutes due to a color/texture link. The longhair has a silky coat which is medium in length, with breeches, abdomen, and neck ruff being longer than the coat on the main body. The Manx are very playful and intelligent cats who are devoted to their families. They have extremely powerful hindquarters which allow them to jump to great heights and run with rapid acceleration and quick turns. The Manx is often said to be “dog-like” both in their loyalty to their families and their love of interactive play. They have a great sense of humor and are not above playing practical jokes on their families. They get along wonderfully with children and other family pets and have been known to protect their families from real or supposed danger.

If given the chance, they are still great hunters, and a house with a Manx will certainly never have to worry about rodents. Manx mothers teach their kittens to hunt early in life using whatever “prey” they have available, such as bugs, feather toys, catnip mice, and other objects. A house with a Manx will never be boring! For more information, please contact the Breed Council Secretary for this breed. Manx Links Manx Information, Pictures of Manxs | Catster Things You Should Know The Manx usually won’t turn down an invitation to play fetch with you. This breed tends to shadow favorite people in every room of the house. It is considered a hardy breed, not subject to many genetic health conditions. Shorthaired types require very little grooming care, but the longhaired ones do benefit by being brushed two or three times a week. Manx History This cat’s mysterious beginnings are anything but boring. One popular myth is that the Manx was late getting onto Noah’s ark and Noah accidentally slammed the door on its tail. Another popular folklore speaks of Manx cats swimming ashore from the wrecked galleon of the Spanish Armada in 1588.

But the more commonly accepted theory is that this breed originated on the Isle of Man, located off the coast of England, several hundred years ago. Ranked as one of the world’s oldest breeds, the Manx has been competing for show honors in the Cat Fanciers Association since the 1920s. However, despite achieving popularity in Great Britain since the 1870s, the Manx is not recognized by British cat show officials. The Look of a Manx Sturdy in stature, the Manx sports one of the shortest torsos of any feline breed. Its looks are highlighted by a broad chest, round head, and big, round eyes. The ears are wide set and the neck is short and thick. The tailless gene is dominant in both the shorthaired and longhaired versions, but some Manx kittens can be born with a short – or a full – tail. It depends on the parents. If the egg and sperm both carry the marker for no tail, then the kittens will never develop tails. The shorthaired coat is thick with outer guard hairs that give off a glossy look. The longhaired coat feels silky to the touch.

The coat is available in nearly every color and pattern, with the more popular looks being color pointed, bicolor, solid and tabby. Females weigh between 8 and 10 pounds and males average between 10-12 pounds. Talk About Manxs The best cats don't need tails! Manx cats are the best ever. Our joke is that God decided the best cats didn't need tails...and thus the Manx came about. They are people cats, they'll run to meet you when you get home from work, and follow you about the house as you do chores or clean. While every cat has a different personality, Manx cats are more likely to be outgoing than many other cat breeds, greeting visitors and clambering onto laps without hesitation. Some Manx play fetch, others just spend their time being fetching so you have to fall in love with them. And their very round faces with very big, round eyes, give them a kittenish look their entire lives. ~Kitty E., owner of Manx cats A sweet and very social breed I love Manx cats! They have the sweetest personality and are quite dog-like in their ability to fetch toys and to walk with a harness and leash.

They are very easygoing with each other, which makes for a tension-free "furmily." They are always nearby and love social interaction. They travel well and are extremely healthy. Adopt a Manx and smile as they Bunny Hop across your heart! Their long hind legs allow them to run at amazing speeds and jump to amazing heights. Watching them play is a delight! They really are adorable inside and out. Every tale is a Happy Ending with a Manx. If you're looking for variety, Manx range from no tail to full tail and every length in between. They are very intelligent but they won't hold that against you! :) They are precious and priceless. They love to be held like a baby in your arms and can also curl up in their favorite spot if you are busy. They are very photogenic so if you love photography, keep your camera nearby for all the Manx Moments! ~Manx Mamma, owner of a Manx A very mellow fellow My cat is a Manx. He runs like a rabbit because of his big strong back legs. He is trainable just like a dog, and knows many commands. He is a very mellow fellow, and only meows when he wants something or something is troubling him.

He loves to sleep under my blanket on my lap when I am watching TV or between his dad's legs on the couch. He very seldom jumps on things but when he does, he never knocks anything down. He is not a kid cat, they are too rambunctious for him, but he loves most adults and is not shy about rubbing his face on them to mark them as his. For adults, I would definitely recommend this breed, as they are so undemanding for the most part, can easily be trained to leash, and can be content to be an indoor animal if you choose. ~Carol S., owner of a Manx Merry and mischievous Ah, the Manx. A merry, mischievous breed. Never have I had a pet so thrilled to see me when I come home or when I get up in the morning. Please see the "Tin Whistle Wedding" by Odgen Nash for what's like to live a Manx. Not only that, mine loves to play fetch, be carried around and go for walks. He has even gone to church on pet Sunday and charmed everyone, including the dogs. Sleek and elegant, he is not.

It is said the Manx can be drawn with circles, round happy head, round torso and round tush. Ah the Manx tush, cuter than a Corgi's as it goes rabbity racing around in play, with its longer hind legs and no tail (mostly) to trip him up. My Manx has a distinct vocabulary of about 15 words. He truly believes he is my "real boy." So, if you're looking for a friend to cheer you on and up, someone to hang on your every word and keep your days full of joy, I would definitely recommend a Manx. ~Mimi G., owner of a Manx A playful hunter who also guards your house I ended up with my Manx because she was abandoned and needed a home. All my previous cats were just DSH of no special breed and I never really thought of getting one on purpose, but I have found that these cats are just wonderful. They are keen hunters, very playful and affectionate, and they even guard your house against intruders. I kid you not! My cat made a loud fuss once when she found a girl coming through our back door without knocking or being brought in by one of us.

I'd been shut in a room watching DVDs and never would have been aware of her. Good cat! If you get a Manx, that cat will love you so please don't abandon her. She would never do it to you, and the cat I have was miserable when she was homeless and had nobody to care about her. They are worth keeping! ~Jane W., owner of a Manx A mischievous, drooling little booger I adore my little manx, Mab. Not only is she compact and has retained her kitten like cuteness, she's a mischievous little booger (my mother calls her a terrorist)! She loves to shut doors and chase anything that moves, especially if it crinkles or rings and adores mimicking the dog, my mother's pug Baron. She has fun with our other two cats as well: a domestic shorthair and a Himalayan-Persian named Gizmo and Jellybean. She's highly intelligent, answering to her name and coming when she's called. She learns very fast what certain words mean: i.e.

gooshy/wet food means eat time, and when I open the fridge she likes to get up on her hind legs and put her paws on the kitten milk carton as if to say "I want this!" She does love to watch from up high, and sit in the attic and look down at everyone from the doorway. She's a liiiittle hesitant about little children, and I've seen that in a few of the cats, but she tends to be curious about them. I would be wary about introducing small, loud children to any Manx, but as always it varies by the child and the animal. The last few Manxes I've interacted with are notorious droolers. When she's happy, it's very easy to wind up with a soaked pantleg or shirt sleeve! ~Feraljunebug, owner of a Manx My best friends I have two Manx rescues and they both are next to me when I wake up and when I go to sleep (pushing the boyfriend off the bed!). One is super outgoing, bounces off the walls, tears down the hall back and forth hunting toy mice, while the other one is reserved BUT is a total attention hog herself.

They are typical Manx though, and act like dogs instead of cats, like to greet people, are at the door waiting for me to get home and wake me up with kisses. They both like the dog as well and often try to engage him in play, but he's a senior dog who wants to relax, for the most part. Don't let the "not tail" freak you out, they are what I call Dog-Cats. They act more like dogs than cats so they seem to be good to get if you have a manly man around the house! Our original Manx was actually my boyfriend's cat, who sadly passed from cancer last year and now we have two rescue ones. ~Jenn M., owner of Manxes Two sisters who are very different My two Manxes are as different as night and day. They are two months apart, due to daddy being a carouser! The Gemini is curious to a fault. She loves to meet me on my stairs as I get home and is very affectionate. She has medium-length black hair with a narrow face and a very long torso. She has a 2-inch stub tail.

As I live in a basement with the steel poles wrapped in hemp cord, her and her sister love to climb them and jump off of them on a race around the room. The Leo is the hunter and fetcher. She has short glossy hair with a 1-inch stub tail Her toy of choice is the tweeting bird, and her sister's is the squeaking mouse. They are a hoot to be around and I love them so. They are both black with golden eyes. ~John R W., owner of two Manxes Search Breeds (based on 1,574 Manx profiles) Manx | Cats Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Edit The Manx breed originated before the 1700s on the Isle of Man (hence the name), where they are common. They are called stubbin in the Manx language. Tail-less cats were common on the island as long as three hundred years ago. The tail-lessness arises from a genetic mutation that became common on the island (an example of the founder effect). Folk beliefs claim the Manx cats came from the Spanish Armada; a ship foundered on Spanish Rock on the coast of the Isle of Man.

According to legend, the cats on the ship swam ashore and became an established breed. Legend has it that the cats originally went on board the Spanish ship in the Far East. The Manx tail-less gene is dominant and highly penetrant; kittens from Manx parents are generally born without any tail. Having two copies of the gene is semi-lethal and kittens are usually spontaneously aborted before birth. This means that tail-less cats can carry only one copy of the gene. Because of the danger of having two copies of the tail-less gene, breeders have to be careful about breeding two tail-less Manxes together. Problems can be avoided by breeding tail-less cats with tailed ones and this breeding practice is responsible for the decreasing occurrence of spinal problems in recent years. There are various legends that seek to explain why the Manx has no tail. In one of them, Noah closed the door of the ark when it began to rain and accidentally cut off the tail of the Manx cat who'd been playing and almost got left behind.[4] Another legend claims that the Manx is the offspring of a cat and a rabbit, explaining why it has no tail and rather long hind legs.

In addition, Manx cats move with more of a hop than a stride, like a rabbit. This legend was further reinforced by the Cabbit myth. Recent postcards on the Isle of Man depict a cartoon scene in which a cat's tail is being run over and removed by a motorbike, because motorbike racing is popular on the Island. Populations of tail-less cats also exist in a few other places in Europe. The population on the isolated Danish peninsula (former island) of Reersø in the Great Belt may be due to the arrival on the island of shipwrecked cats of Manx origin. Appearance Edit The hind legs of a Manx are longer than the front legs, creating a continuous arch from shoulders to rump giving the cat a rounded appearance. Ears are smaller than most cat breeds and Manx can come in any color, including Tortoise-shell, Tabby, Calico, and all solid coat colors. Heads are round in shape, and often very expressive, with cute eyes and small nose.

Manx kittens are classified according to tail length:[6] Dimple rumpy or rumpy - no tail whatsoever Riser or rumpy riser - stub of cartilage or several vertebrae under the fur, most noticeable when kitten is happy and raising its 'tail' Stumpy - partial tail, more than a 'riser' but less than 'tailed' (in rare cases kittens are born with kinked tails because of incomplete growth of the tail during development) Tailed or longy - complete or near complete tail Stubby - half tail, or short tail. Tail length is random throughout a litter. The ideal show Manx is the rumpy and the stumpy (No tails or Stubbed tails); tailed and "Stubbie" Manx do not qualify to be shown, unless shown in an AOV (Any Other Variety)Class. In the past, kittens with stumpy or full tails have been docked at birth as a preventative measure due to some partial tails being very prone to a form of arthritis that causes the cat severe pain. Some dishonest cat dealers have been known to chop off the tails of "normal" kittens and sell them as Manx. Manx cats exhibit two coat lengths.

The short-haired Manx has a double coat with a thick, short under-layer and a longer, coarse outer-layer with guard hairs. The long-haired Manx, known to some cat registries as the Cymric, has a silky-textured double coat of medium length, with britches, belly and neck ruff, tufts of fur between the toes and full ear furnishings. The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) considers the Cymric to be a variety of Manx and judges it in the short-hair division, while The International Cat Association (TICA) judges it in the long-hair division. Short- or long-haired, all Manx have a thick double-layered coat. Health Edit "Manx Syndrome" is a colloquial name given to the condition which results when the mutant tailless gene shortens the spine too much. It can seriously damage the spinal cord and the nerves causing spina bifida as well as problems with the bowels, bladder, and digestion. Some live for only 3 years; the oldest recorded was 5 years when affected with the disease .

In one study it was shown to affect about 20% of Manx cats, but almost all of those cases were rumpies, which exhibit the most extreme phenotype. Actual occurrences of this are rare in modern examples of the breed due to informed breeding practices. Most pedigreed cats are not placed until four months of age (to make sure that they are properly socialised) and this gives adequate time for any health problems to be identified. Renowned feline expert Roger Tabor has stated that "Only the fact that the Manx is a historic breed stops us being as critical of this dangerous gene as of other more recent selected abnormalities." The breed is also predisposed to rump fold intertrigo and corneal dystrophy. The Manx breed, in spite of the absence of tail, has no problems with balance, mostly because of its long legs and round features.

Question: A manx cat has no what?
Answer: Tail