If you’re thinking of adopting a manx, you’ll find plenty of manx cat information here helping you decide. Going back hundreds of years, this quirky breed of moggy is one of the oldest around. Keep reading as we look at the manx cat’s fascinating history, and personality traits. In addition, you’ll discover if there are any health issues you need to be concerned about. Whether you’re adopting a manx for showing or just as a companion you’ll find all you need to know:)
The fascinating history of this tailless breed
There’s a lot of manx cat information about the breed’s history, with much of it being uncertain. A biblical explanation of why the manx is a tailess cat surrounds a theory that when Noah was herding animals into the ark and it started raining, he shut the door. Unfortunately, the poor manx cat caught his tail!
Other theories include one in which a Spanish Armada boat foundered on the Isle of Man carrying cats picked up from the far East. They survived the crash and continued to breed on the island.
A more likely explanation is that it was caused by a gene mutation among short hair cats on the isle of Man. Though not a common breed they’re still well loved and in demand as pets. As tailless cats are a rareity outside the Isle of Man, it suggests the Manx is purely a local breed.
About the manx cat breed
Though manx cats are associated with being completely talless, that’s not always the case. Some are known as stumpies, and have a very short stumpy tail. Those cats that have no tail whatsoever are known as rumpies. Rumpy risers are kitties that have small stubs of vertebrae underneath the fur. When the cat is content and you stroke it’s back, you can feel this stump rising up. Lastly, the longy, has a tail that’s very similar to that of a regular kitty.
All manx cats carry a tail gene which means if two mate, there’s a good chance one or more of the litter will have a tail. However, if an unborn kitten has inherited the tailless gene from both parents it will either die in the womb, or shortly after being born. This seems like mother nature’s way of killing off the tailless breed, though the manx has survived.
It also seems cruel to deliberately breed tailess cats as the tail is used in balancing. However, the manx cat has evolved to have longer back legs than those at the front.
This gives them the ability to jump further distances and at greater heights without losing balance. In addition, the manx cat’s vestibular system is believed to be far greater than that of other breeds of cat. Falling or jumping from a great height still means a manx will safely land on it’s feet! If you’ve ever suffered from vertigo you’ll know all about vestibular balance!
What does the manx cat look like?
The manx breed of cat is distinguishable by its stocky build and barrel shaped body. The hind legs are longer, and the face is round with beautiful large round eyes, and ears that have rounded tips. If you look at a manx cat standing, you’ll notice the rear end looks slightly higher than the shoulders, giving an arched appearance.
Manx cats are either long or short haired, with a variety of coat markings and colours. Reputable breeders would never breed two rumpies together. Doing so would inevitably lead to the death of most of the kittens. If you want a longy manx you’ll need to do some research and find a breeder.
Manx cat information about groomimg
Before you decide to get a manx cat, you need to be able to allow some time each week for grooming. Manx cats have a double coat which sheds during Spring and Autumn. This makes it essential that you brush your cat at least twice a week due to its dense, thick coat. If you fail to do so, you’ll find lots of shed hairs on your floor and furniture.
What is the manx cat personality?
It’s often been noted that the manx is very dog like in personality. This is due to their love of playing fetch, and loyal nature. You’ll find the manx kitty is highly intelligent, and known for its sharp inquisitiveness and fast learning ability. Cupboard doors are no match for a manx cat! Think carefully before adopting one of these delightful cats as they become very attached to their family. Re-homing should never be an option as they don’t adapt easily to new families.
Do manx cats have any health problems?
Generally speaking, the manx is a healthy breed of cat with a lifespan of between 14-16 years. This is the average of most cats, and you can expect every one of these precious years to be filled with love and companionship.
One fairly common health problem with “stumpies” though is arthritis. This can occur between deformed tail bones causing a lot of discomfort. Making sure your kitty maintains a healthy weight will help. Also, consider feeding your manx a fish oil supplement. Omega 3 found in salmon is great for heart health, arthritis, skin, and coat.
As with all aging kitties and humans there’s always a greater risk of health problems. Making sure your cat has an annual check up at the vets is important. This helps identify any potential health problems before they develop.
What is manx syndrome, and is it fatal?
Though many manx cats are born healthy, “stumpies” or “rumpies” have deformed vertebrae that are fused together. This can affect the way it urinates, and cause mobility problems. If you have a manx cat with no tail, there is a chance she may have problems with her back legs. In addition, she may also develop neurological issues.
Manx syndrome is a genetic mutation that’s only found within the manx breed and is a type of spina bifida. If you adopt a cat with this condition you can expect a lot of work in caring for it. As a rule, a cat with this condition is hard to rehome.
In some cases the deformity is so bad, the cat can’t survive. Those that do may only live up to three or four years of age. Reducing the risk of manx syndrome is only possible by the avoidance of breeding tailess cats.
Is the manx cat the right breed for you?
I hope the Manx cat information I’ve provided in this post has helped you decide if this is the right breed for you. As you’ve discovered, they’re very friendly cats with an intelligent and loving personality. However, they don’t like being on their own, so if you’re out all day, this may not be the breed for you.
If you’ve enjoyed this post and found it useful. please share. In addition, if you’ve any questions or would like to share your experiences, please leave your comment below.
Wishing you a purrfect day:)
Kathy
Wow, I love cats, and it’s the first I’m hearing about the Manx breed of cats. It’s also the first time I’m seeing a tailless cat. If someone had told me that before I wouldn’t have believed them, but as they say, seeing is believing. Thanks for the amazing information. Keep up the great work.
Thank you Mikhail:) Yes, tailless cats aren’t that common, and as far as I know, Manx are the only breed. Glad you enjoyed my post:)
We have 3 manx, 2 are sisters from the same litter, mokey is a rumpie and long hair and her sister opal is a calico longy with long hair. They are inseperable, very attached, opal is my baby girl, mokey is in love with my husband but also still attached to me. Our son also has a manx riser rumpie completely unrelated to our 2 girls, she is short hair, quite vocal and is very attached to our son who is 26 yrs old. Our 2 girls are 9.5 yrs old, mokey does sometimes get tender around her hips now that she is older. Opal does too though, they r both around 5kg each and shed like no tomorrow, we actually shave them in summer so their coat isnt so long and thick. We love our fur babies so much.
Aww! Thanks for sharing your story. You’re obviously a big fan of Manx cats:) It’s wonderful to hear your rumpie family get on so well. Yes, watch those hips in your older Rumpie. I’m sure they feel much better having their coats shaved during the summer heat!
Hi Kathy (what a coincidence that the beginning of your name sounds like Cat too), I had never heard of a Manx cat breed. I don’t “own” a cat, but all our neighbours do, so the cats have parties in our garden. And when I’m sitting outside they come and check me out. And if no-one is sitting on our garden loungeset in the cats think it’s theirs and make themselves comfortable. We don’t mind, really. It’s actually quite nice that they keep us company every now and then. Our garden has many trees and so we have quite some birds and squirrels coming too. Which makes our garden the perfect playground for the cats. Nice to watch. Keep up your good work blogging about cats! Great read!
Thank you Angelique:) That cat’s parties sound great fun lol! Your garden sound a wonderful play area for your neighbour’s cats! Glad you enjoyed my post
We have a manx stumpy and we love him but lately he has been meowing alot and loud and nothing we do seems to stop the meowing what can we do.
Hi Grace, thanks for reaching out:) I would check him over for any potential health problems. It could be anything from sore gums to arthritis. Feel his body for any unusual lumps or bumps and try and look inside his mouth if he’ll let you. If it’s just boredom, try adding to his toy collection with interactive games. Manx cats need plenty of mental stimulation to keep them happy and contented:)
Could it possibly be his hips giving him some pain? Rumpies and stumpies both have hip issues, our girls have had tenderness in that area at times all thru their lives depending on how active they have been i think it must get inflamed, esp in the colder months as arthritis sets in a bit.
Hi Fiona, yes, it’s possible it could be his hips, though you’d need to see a vet. Yes, just like older people suffering from arthritis, cold, damp weather can make it worse.
Thank you for all this information about Manx.i am looking forward to getting kittens!!!
You’re welcome Polly:) Good luck with your new Manx kittens!!