Things You'll Need
- A litter box
- The right food for your Manx
- A groomer or the ability to groom a cat yourself
- cat toys
Instructions
First of all, learn about the ins and outs of the Manx breed. They can get very hyperactive, are very outgoing like Siamese cats, like to jump up high onto furniture, and come with certain special needs. Often they have sensitive stomachs, and if they weren't bred properly, they can have nerve damage around their tail and posterior area which can make them feel itchy and extra sensitive to brushing.
On the flip side, they make great companions. People are always telling us that our Manx reminds them of a dog. He loves to be around people, kids, and guests. Often, he'll go looking for us if we're in another room, meowing until he locates us and then sitting at our feet. If you like quiet cats, you may not want to pick a Manx.
There are several different types of Manx, all depending on what type of tail they have. Yes, most of them still have tails even though they're small or hard to notice. They can look like bob tails, or just like a small hump. Again, this could be a sensitive area for them if they weren't bred properly, which is the case with many Manx cats found in rescues and shelters. Some people read this as them being finicky when they are pet or brushed, but it's a physical problem.
Like all cats, a Manx should be groomed regularly. Pets need to be brushed, bathed, and treated for any fleas, ticks, or mites that they may have. They also need their claws clipped. But don't ever go past the pink portion on the interior of the claw, this will cause bleeding and major pain for your cat. Just clip off the very tip end of the claw where the point is located.
A Manx cat will need to be exercised more often than many other breeds of cats. They have endless stores of energy.
Manx cats are recommended as pets for older retirees, people who work at home, or anyone who spends a lot of time where they live.
Know about the Manx you choose before you bring it home if it's an adult cat and you have children. Sometimes cats from rescue organizations come from homes where they were once abused, which could mean they might initially bite or scratch when scared. So check with the people you are getting the cat from, ask if it works well with other animals and children.
If you are getting a Manx kitten, it will be used to children because it will grow up with them. Most Manx cats make an IDEAL pet for little children, because they like attention so much, unlike many other breeds of cats.
Manx cats can work like alarm systems and comforters. Ours makes loud noises when someone is coming up to the front door, reacts strongly to the sound of a baby crying, and can't stand it when an adult is crying. He will immediately come and start rubbing your legs or sitting on your lap. Again, these are typical qualities in a dog, so if you've ever loved the size and practicality of a cat, but longed for the personal involvement of a dog, a Manx would be great for you.
Also like dogs, Manx cats just love to sleep at the foot of the bed. Beware, they love it and won't want to move.
One downside to the Manx cats vocal ability is that if they want to be fed in the middle of the night, they will do everything they can to wake you up, so fill the bowl before bedtime.