Instructions
Obtain pedigrees for any Manx cats you are interested in breeding. Breed Manx cats only if you can verify that the parent cats have no family history of severe congenital defects or inherited disease. There should be no recent family history of intertrigo or corneal dystrophy, which are common diseases in Manx cats. In general, responsible breeders will only breed or show Manx cats of show-quality, pedigreed lineage.
Select parent cats who are not closely related, but share similar color patterns and coat types. Consistency is essential if you want a litter of kittens with predictable, well-patterned fur coats. For example, if you want to breed red spotted tabby kittens, choose only red spotted tabby parents. Neither cat should be the parent or sibling of its mate.
Observe the pedigrees of both parent cats. If both of them are third-generation "rumpies," with no tails whatsoever, seek a tailed mate to prevent defects. Third-generation rumpies have the highest possibility of producing kittens with Manx syndrome, so stillbirth and kitten mortality rates are extremely high.
Consider breeding a tailed or half-tailed parent to a rumpy mate. This will minimize the likelihood of Manx syndrome, most often resulting in a litter that is 50% rumpy and 50% tailed, with the tailed kittens occurring in stumpy, half-tailed, full-tailed and riser forms. A variety of tail lengths in a litter indicates that the breeding was successful and that the breeding program is successful.
After both parent cats have exceeded two years of age, allow them to mate during the female's estrus cycle. During estrus, or the heat cycle, a female will yowl, purr, and make sexual postures, particularly in the presence of a potential mate. Supervise the male and female, preferably allowing them to mate twice to ensure conception. If either cat becomes overly aggressive or rough, separate the two and try again.
Take the female cat to the veterinarian two weeks after she mates. The veterinarian will perform an X-ray or ultrasound to confirm conception and to determine how many kittens are present in the pregnancy. If both parents are rumpies, expect half of the kittens to die in utero due to Manx syndrome. Note that Manx litter sizes are small; the cat's shortened spine precludes the possibility of large litters.
Monitor the health of your female cat carefully during the duration of pregnancy. Average gestation length for a Manx cat ranges from six to seven weeks. Your cat will need extra food and attention during this time, and should be given an appropriate, secure nesting area in your home.
Watch, but do not interfere, if you are present when your cat gives birth. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any problems during or after labor. After the birth of the kittens, carefully examine the newborns for signs of severe spinal defects. Stillbirth, weakness, paralysis, unusual gait and gaps in the spine are all symptoms of Manx syndrome, which occurs when kittens inherit two of the genes for taillessness.
Take the kittens to the veterinarian at three, six and twelve weeks of age. The veterinarian can check for signs of inherited illness, and will also monitor the kittens' growth and development. The kittens should receive vaccines for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV), as well as treatment for ear mites, fleas and intestinal parasites. If the veterinarian detects an inherited defect such as Manx syndrome, euthanasia may be the best option.
Sell, show or transfer the kittens when they have matured to four months of age. By four months, the kittens should be well-established in their physical and emotional health, and any symptoms of congenital defects will be apparent.
How to Breed Third Generation Manx Cats
The Manx is a beautiful, charming breed of cat originating on Isle of Man. Manx cats are most noted for their naturally occurring spinal defect, which shortens the length of the animal's tail. A well-bred Manx cat may have a tail of normal length or half the normal length. Other Manx cats, known as "risers," have a very short tails, apparent only when the cat raises its tail in communication. "Stumpy" Manx cats have stubbed tails comprised of one or two vertebrae, while "rumpies" have no tail whatsoever. Breeders must carefully select parent cats to prevent Manx syndrome, a severe and lethal spinal defect.