How to Identify a Manx Cat

Manx cats come from the Isle of Man, which is how they inherit their name. Anybody coming from the Isle of Man may be referred to as a Manx. 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 Manx predisposed to birth defects, bowel, bladder, and spinal problems. Manx cats 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 Manx cats are missing their tails, this is not an effective indicator of the breed. This guide will show you how to recognize a Manx cat.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat
  • Your Eyes
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Instructions

  1. How To Recognize a Manx

    • 1

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

    • 2

      Look at the cat's coat. The Manx cat exhibits two coat lengths. The short-haired Manx cat has a double coat with a thick, short under-layer and a longer, coarse outer-layer with guard hairs.

    • 3

      Watch the way the cat walks. Manx cats don't walk so much as hop like a rabbit. This is the result of a mutation in their genetics which results in a shortened spine. Even the spine of Manx cats possessing normal tails are shorter than it 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 this criteria than you're most likely looking at a Manx.