Manx Cats. Information on this tailess breed of cat includes the history of Manx Cats, breed description, characteristics and temperament.

The tailless Manx cat is an old natural breed originating from the Isle of Man, an independent island situated in the Irish Sea in between Ireland and Britain.

Manx cats are soft natured and sensitive, intelligent, affectionate and dog like. They are very social with humans, although not demanding.

History

The Manx cat is believed to have originated hundreds of years ago on the Isle of Man, off the coast of England. Records have been found on the Isle of Man that describe the cat as a mutation of the island's domestic cats.

Their lack of tail is believed to have occurred as a spontaneous, genetic mutation.

With the passing of time, and the isolation of Manx cats from outside breeding, the missing tail became a common characteristic on the Isle of Man.

Description

Besides taillessness, the Manx is known for its robust and rounded appearance. It has a very round head and rounded cheeks which give it a jowly appearance; even more so in the male cat than in the female.

Another striking feature of Manx cats is their extremely long back legs, giving them a raised rump.

Manx cats have short stocky bodies, wide chests and strong bones. Their eyes are round, and the ears are broad at the base tapering to a rounded tip.

The Manx breed is seen with just about every coat colour, and every coat pattern.

Solid colour Manx cats, blue, cream, black, white, and red Manx cats. Beautiful bicolour Manx cats, wonderful tabby Manx and charming calico Manx cats. You can even find Manx cats with pointed (Siamese type) patterns, but these are not generally accepted for show purposes.

You will find Manx cats to be generally sweet tempered, friendly and active. They will usually be very affectionate to their humans, and in turn can take any amount of stroking and do not usually object to being picked up.


Manx cats are intelligent and inquisitive, they will take a keen interest in whatever you are doing and will often try to get involved.

If allowed to live the life of an outdoor cat, Manx cats will engage in hunting with irrepressible enthusiasm.

The breed retains its kitten qualities for a long time, indeed many Manx will remain playful and kittenish until five, or even six years old.


If introduced into homes as kittens, Manx cats behave very well with children and show them the same affection and devotion as older humans.

Mature Manx that are unfamiliar with children may not, take very well if transferred to a home with youngsters. They are far from being shy cats but they do seem to prefer a quiet, calm home.

Special Requirements

Manx Syndrome - a defect caused by the Manx gene, is responsible for the taillessness in Manx cats.

However, sometimes the gene also results in a shortening of the spine, causing a gap in the last few vertebrae or vertebrae fused together. Bowel and bladder problems are often present in kittens with the syndrome.

Usually any problems show up in the first month of a Manx Syndrome kitten but can sometimes not show until later, by the age of four months the breeder will be sure that the kitten does not have the syndrome.

Breeding between two tailless Manx cats greatly increases the chances of Manx Syndrome being present in a litter. Breeders of Manx usually make sure that a longy (tailed) is bred in at frequent intervals, to decrease the risk.