Manx Cat

Photograph by Jonik. Some rights reserved.

The Manx is best known for being a tailless cat, although this is not always the case. Manx cats can be completely tailless ("rumpy"), but can also have a small bit of cartilage at the base of the spine ("riser") which can be felt when the cat is happy. Additionally, they can have a "stumpy" (visible, but not long) or a "longy" tail. However, it is most common for Manxes to be entirely tailless or only have the stub of cartilage. For show, only "rumpy" and "riser" Manxes are acceptable. The Manx cat is a short, stocky, compact cat. It has a very thick double coat of fur which can be of the short of long variety. Its hind legs are visibly longer than its front legs, and with its short back, this creates a very arched shape. Manxes are available in classic tabby, mackerel tabby, tortoiseshell, bi-colour and solid patterns.

Size

Small

Colours

Cream, black, white, brown, red, blue.

Temperament

Manx cats are friendly cats and are loving and affectionate towards their owners. They are active and playful, and enjoy being outdoors. They are great hunters, and are also loyal to their owners and protective of their homes. They have been nicknamed “dog cats” because of these traits. They do not like to be idle and will follow their owners around and “talk” to them. They often meow softly to their people. Manx cats are quite confident, but will be easily started by loud or sudden noises as kittens.

Suitable for

Manxes are suitable for most people, with the exception of those living in units and apartments. Manx cats love to be outdoors and do not like to be kept indoors all the time.

History

It is believed that Manx cats originated hundreds of years ago on the Isle of Man, off the coast of England, but as the Isle was a port for trade ships and each ship had multiple cats, it is impossible to determine what the original parent cats were. The “Manx Gene” is supposed to be a mutation.