Manx are medium-sized and come in shorthair and longhair varieties, both featuring dense, plush double coats. Shorthairs have harder hair, while longhairs-also called Cymrics-have silkier hair. These cats are known for taillessness, but only some are completely devoid of a tail. Due to some genetic quirkiness, Manx may have no tail, a stub tail, or a full tail of any length. These are round cats; their faces, heads, bodies, and eyes are round and their ears are rounded. Manx come in most colors and patterns.
They are fierce hunters by nature, keeping their homes free of unwelcome visitors and eagerly playing games that simulate catching prey.
Don't mistake their roundness as a lack of fitness or physicality. Manx are healthy, sturdy, strong, dexterous, athletic cats with a good amount of energy. They're people-oriented and playful, without being hyper. These highly affectionate animals get along quite well with other pets and children.
The Manx's taillessness is a natural mutation to an incomplete-dominant gene. As far as we know, all Manx also carry at least one gene for a tail. This means even two tailless Manx can produce offspring with no tails, tailbone stubs, or normal tails of varying length, and offspring in one litter can be mixed in this respect. A tailless Manx is referred to as a "rumpy" and a stub-tail Manx is called a "rumpy riser."
Manx are playful but gentle creatures known for their sense of humor. They are extremely affectionate and love both calm and active interactions. They don't beg or harass people for attention, though. They are talkative cats with a soft, trilling, sweet voice.
These cats bond strongly and exhibit profound loyalty. Some individuals do so with everyone in the home, while others single out one or more people for such honors. The breed is noted for how well it gets along with children and dogs, and it does very well with other cats, too. Manx are best for people who stay put in their homes, as these cats have a hard time adjusting to a new environment.
The Manx is an entertaining breed, given to clowning around and displaying its athletic prowess. These cats have a rabbit-like gait, referred to as the Manx hop. And, like rabbits, they have particularly powerful hind legs that make them very fast with amazing acceleration and the ability to make sharp turns at high speeds. They are also impressive jumpers.
Manx are generally healthy cats with an expected lifespan of around 15 years. They should be protected from obesity by being fed a nutritious diet of an appropriate number of calories and receiving treats as a rare indulgence. Active play and prey simulating toys provide necessary exercise. Regular veterinary checkups should be provided to detect and address health concerns as early as possible.
Sometimes the Manx's lack of a tail is associated with spinal deformities. These can interfere with mobility and cause neurological problems, including an inability to control urination and bowel movements. Most affected kittens are identified by 6 months of age and euthanized.
Because of the potential for spinal defects, it's recommended that Manx kittens be acquired after they've reached 6 months of age. Observe the kitten's movements and avoid any with a stiff or particularly hop-like gait. Do not deal with a breeder that doesn't supply references and a written good-health guarantee.
Manx are smart and inquisitive cats that can learn fetch and other games. They are fierce hunters by nature, keeping their homes free of unwelcome visitors and eagerly playing games that simulate catching prey.
These cats love to jump and do so very well, even by feline standards. They'll head up any shelves they can, so keep dangerous or breakable items locked away. They also have a gift for getting into cabinets, drawers, and other places they may not belong. Combined with the Manx's love for carrying and collecting objects, owners must take appropriate precautions.
Many Manx are fascinated by water, but only on their own terms. Puzzle toys are a great source of stimulation for them, as are motorized mice and other toys they can hunt. Teaching them tricks is another good way to keep them engaged. This breed also appreciates a tall scratching post and a tall cat tree to climb and jump on.
Longhair and shorthair Manx cats have thick double coats that are easy to maintain with consistent efforts to prevent matting. Brush a shorthair's coat once per week and comb a longhair's coat two to three times per week. Longhairs' coats also benefit from occasional bathing with a gentle feline shampoo.
Manx are somewhat heavy shedders. More frequent brushing or combing is the key to controlling hair around the home during shedding seasons. Regular vacuuming and using a lint roller over furniture and clothing are also beneficial.
Other standard cat care applies to the Manx. The teeth should be brushed regularly with a feline toothpaste to keep breath smelling pleasant and to reduce the risk of periodontal disease. The tips of the claws need clipping once every two weeks, and the ears should be cleaned out when necessary.
The Manx has a centuries-old lineage hailing from the Isle of Man, from which the breed takes its name. The cats were originally shorthairs, but long ago Vikings introduced longhairs to the Isle that procreated with native cats. Some silly myths surround the Manx's lack of a tail. For example, it's been said that these cats were running late to board Noah's ark and the door was slammed shut on their tails.
The breed has been popular throughout Britain since long before cat fanciers' associations came into existence. King Edward VIII was reportedly a fan of the breed, eager to view them at cat shows. The first Manx club formed in Britain in 1901.
It's not clear when the Manx breed first made its way to American shores, but it's generally believed to have been around the turn of the 20th century. Today, tailless and stub-tail Manx are rare and coveted, especially because only the rumpy and rumpy riser varieties are eligible for show in the Manx category by Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) rules. Other Manx may be shown in the All Other Varieties (AOV) class.
Manx were one of the original breeds listed upon the CFA's founding in 1906.
