What Is a Manx Cat?

The Manx cat is best known for its lack of tail, or for having a mere stub of a tail. The breed can be traced back to the 1700s, where it was first documented on the Isle of Man, a small island in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. According to ManxCats.org, it is unknown why the cat has no tail, although several myths attempt to explain it. One debunked claim is that the Manx is the offspring of a rabbit and a cat; in addition to lacking a tail, this breed hops.

  1. Appearance

    • The Manx has a short, stocky build and looks round because its back is shaped in an arc above its tailless bottom (although a few Manx have near-complete tails.) It has a short spine -- which sometimes causes health problems -- and a wide head with prominent cheekbones, short front legs with longer hind legs, and a thick, double-layer coat. The coat can be short or long and comes in a variety of colors. A Manx's ears are fairly small and set widely apart.

    Temperament

    • Manx cats like to interact with dogs and children, especially if they are introduced to them at an early age, according to CatChannel.com. They tend to be lively, playful and inquisitive, and like dogs, they enjoy fetching, collecting items and burying their toys. The Cat Fanciers' Association, a pedigreed cat registry, says that Manx generally bond strongly with one person or family, making it very difficult for them to switch homes.

    Health

    • Generally considered hearty animals, Manx cats live 15 or more years, according to the Cat Fanciers' Association. But it's not uncommon for kittens to display symptoms of Manx syndrome, which involves severe and sometimes fatal fatal spinal defects, by age 4 to 6 months. "A super-short spine can fail to provide proper nerve and muscle endings, which can result in an open spine, a lack of bowel and/or bladder control, weak hindquarters or one weak hind leg," reads the association's website.

    Considerations

    • It's important to buy a Manx from a reputable breeder or rescue center. The cats aren't easy to find, and some sellers cut off the tails of kittens to give them the appearance of a Manx, according to ManxCats.org. The repercussions of this include nerve damage and infections. Reputable breeders also recognize any signs of Manx syndrome before the animal goes to a new home.