How to Identify A Cymric Cat

Cymrics come from the Isle of Man, an island that is technically part of Wales. Their names are the Gaelic word for Wales. They are a very energetic and intelligent cat and are quite striking as many of them carry a genetic mutation which results in a stubby tail or a lack of one all together! This genetic mutation unfortunately makes the Cymric predisposed to birth defects, bowel, bladder, and spinal problems. Cymrics are often classified based on the lengths of their tails. The Dimple or Rumpy is the cat with no tail at all and is most often sought after in show cats of that breed. Because not all Cymrics are missing their tails, this is not an effective indicator of the breed. This guide will show you how to recognize a Cymric cat.

Things You'll Need

  • Your Eyes
  • Cat
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Instructions

  1. How To Identify A Cymric Cat

    • 1

      Look at the body type. Cymrics have short bodies, arched backs, and rounded hindquarters. All Cymrics have hind legs that are longer than their forelegs, giving them a permanent arched look. They should also weight no more than 12 pounds, being a medium sized cat.

    • 2

      Look at the cat's coat. The Cymric cat exhibits two coat lengths. They have a soft layer of insulating fur like that of a rabbit. Another layer of longer fur protrudes another inch past the insulating layer. This layer looks soft, but can be tough and bristly with a coating of naturally secreted oils to prevent snow or water from soaking the animal. The homeland of this cat can become very cold. If this animal were to be soaked it would likely freeze to death if it were outdoors.

    • 3

      Watch the way the cat walks. Cymrics don't walk so much as hop like a rabbit. This is the result of a mutation in their genetics which resulted in a shortened spine. Even the spines of Cymrics possessing normal tails are shorter than they should be.

    • 4

      Study the cat's head. Their ears are medium to medium small in size and are set far to the sides of the head. The head itself is rounded and slightly longer than it is wide. If the cat meets these criteria then you're looking at a Cymric.