Health Issues of Manx Kittens

The Manx cat is known for its sweet temperament, lack of a tail and soft voice. This breed of cat also suffers from significant, potentially lethal health issues related to the genetic mutation that causes it to be born either tailless or with a short stump. Reputable cat breeders work to breed out variations of the mutation that can lead to the severe health issues. The Manx kitten makes a loving pet if it does not develop these health issues.

  1. Corneal Dystrophy

    • Manx kittens suffer from cloudiness of the cornea, which is the clear outer lens on each eye, according to the PetMedsOnline website. The Manx gene may not show up in the kitten until it is about four months of age, which is when the dystrophy can also become evident. This condition shows up in both eyes and is progressive. Corneal dystrophy leads to the formation of buliae or blisters inside the corneal stroma (the thickest layer of the cornea), according to the FabCats website.

    Genetic Mutation

    • A genetic mutation within the Manx breed causes some--but not all--Manx kittens to be born without tails, although some Manx kittens are born with stumps, short tails or full-length tails, according to the Karello Manx website. Tailless Manx cats are called "rumpies," those with short tails "stumpies" and those with full tails are "taillies." Manx kittens born tailless are vulnerable to several health issues related to the Max gene mutation. These issues include hind leg weakness and shortened spines. Kittens born with the Manx gene can die soon after birth; if the syndrome does not show up until four months of age, the kittens can develop fatal problems. Manx kittens born with the Manx gene have sweet, charming personalities and solid, strong bone structures.

    Abnormal Anal Opening

    • Manx kittens born with the Manx gene can have an abnormal anal opening. These kittens can suffer from rectal prolapse, megacolon (dilation of the colon) and related problems. A Manx kitten can also be born with sacrocaudal dysgenesis, a condition that develops when the vertabrae of the tail and the sacrum do not develop correctly, states the HealthyPetU website.

    Spina Bifida

    • Because Manx kittens are born with a genetic mutation, they are sometimes born with spina bifida, an incomplete development of the spinal cord or the covering of the spinal cord. These kittens can also be born with fused spinal vertabrae or a gap in the last few vertabrae of the spine, according to the Fanciers website. If the spinal deformation is severe enough, the kitten will have marked difficulty in walking--some Manx kittens "bunny hop" rather than walk, states the PetMedsOnline website.

    Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction

    • Kittens born with the Manx genetic mutation may develop severe bowel and bladder dysfunction, including lack of bowel or bladder control, according to the PetMedsOnline website. Manx kittens with the genetic mutation can also suffer from congenital urinary tract defects and constipation.