The Spruce Pets

• DOGS
• CATS
• BIRDS
• SMALL PETS
• AQUARIUMS
• REPTILES
• HORSES
• BEST PET PRODUCTS
• ABOUT US
Search
CATS CAT BREEDS

Manx Cat: Cat Breed Profile

Characteristics, History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information for
Pet Owners
By
JENNIFER LESSER

Updated on 10/07/19

• Pin

• Share

• Em ail
 Sandy Potere / Getty Images
IN THIS ARTICLE

• Characteristics
• Breed History
• Care
• Common Health Problems
• Diet and Nutrition
• Where to Adopt or Buy
• Further Research

BACK TO TOP

Known for their lack of a tail, Manx cats have long been desired for their hunting skills and are
considered to be social, tame, and active cats. They are a working cat originating from the Isle of
Man, an island in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. The breed is highly intelligent with
a playful personality—they are very interactive cats that are devoted to their families. In fact, the
Manx is often said to be “dog-like” both in their loyalty to their families and their love of play.

Breed Overview

WEIGHT: 8 to 12 pounds

LENGTH: About 14 to 16 inches

COAT: Short-and long-haired varieties
COAT COLOR: White, blue, black, red, cream, silver, tortoiseshell,
bluecream, and brown
EYE COLOR: Gold, copper, green, hazel, blue, or odd-eyed
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14 to 16 years

Characteristics of the Manx Cat

Affection Level High
Friendliness High
Kid-Friendly High
Pet Friendly High
Exercise Needs Medium
Playfulness High
Energy Level High
Intelligence High
Tendency to VocalizeHigh
Amount of Shedding Medium
FEATURED VIDEO
History of the Manx Cat
Today, some Manx cats have a short, stubby tail, but the majority of these cats are completely
tailless—in fact, the cats were often referred to as “stubbin” in the colloquial Manx language on
their home island. In the Manx language, the modern name of the breed is “kayt Manninagh,”
which translates to "cat of Mann." Manx itself was often spelled “Manks” in English well into
the late 1800s. Today, they are a substantial but declining percentage of the local cat population
on the Isle of Man.

The Manx was one of the original show cats in the first cat shows held in Great Britain. Manx
cats have been exhibited as a named breed (and with the modern spelling "Manx") since the late
1800s, with the first known breed standard published in 1903. The Manx was one of the
founding members of the Cat Fancier's Association, which was founded in 1908. The
predominant United States pedigreed cat registry has records on the breed in North America
going back to the 1920s.

The “rumpy” has no tail at all, and the “rumpy riser” has only a slight rise of bone where a tail
would start. These are the only Manx types eligible for competition in the championship classes
at the Cat Fancier's Association cat show in the Manx category. All other tail lengths may
compete in the All Other Varieties category.

Though Manx cats are considered to be descendants from a mainland stock that’s not completely
known, like all house cats, they are still relatives of the African wildcat, as the island was long
devoid of European wildcats. Although the original island cats were shorthairs, the longhair gene
was likely introduced during the rule of the Vikings, when longhaired cats that are ancestors of
today’s Norwegian Forest Cats left the Viking ships and mated with the native cats.

Many folktales exist about the Manx cat, and all revolve around its lack of a tail. For example,
one story claimed that a tailless cat swam ashore from a shipwreck and brought the trait to the
island, and some biblical references exist to suggest that when Noah closed the door of the Ark,
he accidentally cut off the tail of the Manx cat. Because the tailless gene is so dominant, there
was even a belief that simply being in the proximity of a Manx cat could cause other breeds to
somehow produce kittens without tails. In truth, Manx cats actually have at least one gene for a
full tail, so even two cats carrying the tailless gene can produce a full-tailed kitten, and kittens
that do inherit the gene can have tail lengths ranging from a full tail to no tail at all.

Populations of tailless cats also exist in a few other places in Europe, such as Cornwall, which is
approximately 250 miles from the Isle of Man. Similar cats are also found in Crimea, a peninsula
in the Black Sea. The Manx gene may also be related to the similarly dominant tail suppression
gene of the recent American bobtail breed.

Manx Cat Care

 With rounded eyes, rump, and head, the Manx’s large, stocky build makes this breed a solid cat,
while its extremely powerful elongated hind legs mean the Manx is also able to jump to great
heights and even open doors.

Manx possess many dog-like characteristics, from retrieving objects to burying their toys. Manx
cats can often be found perched upon tables or shelves. This breed will be happiest as a member
of a family that has the time to interact and play with them.

The loving, even-tempered Manx cat is likely to get along with all of the people in your family
and will provide many years of affection and companionship. Due to their hunting skills, they
have historically been a popular choice by farmers to help with rodent problems, as well as a
preferred breed as a ship cat. When given the opportunity, Manx cats are still great hunters—a
house with a Manx will never have to worry about mice. Manx cats come in a wide variety
of coat colors and patterns; long-haired variants are sometimes considered a separate breed,
known as the Cymric, meaning "Welsh."

Manx come in both longhair and shorthair varieties, which both have double coats that should be
dense and plush. Shorthairs have an outer coat which is somewhat hard and glossy, and the
longhair has a silky coat which is medium in length. Though their double coats make these cats
feel soft and luxurious to the touch, owners will need to brush them once or twice a week to
remove dead hair.

Common Health Problems

The average Manx cat is extremely hearty and not especially prone to major health issues that
impact other breeds.

As a shorter, rounder cat, the Manx breed can be prone to a particularly short spine that can fail
to provide proper nerve and muscle endings. This genetic trait can sometimes result in:

• Spina bifida, or the open spine birth defect, where the spinal cord is left exposed at birth
• Lack of bowel or bladder control
• Weak hindquarters or one weak hind leg

Diet and Nutrition

Like most cats, the Manx requires a balanced diet of protein, vitamins and minerals, fats, and
water. Their cat food should include fish oils and omega 3 fatty acids to keep their thick coat
healthy, taurine for their vision and heart health, and fiber for digestion and weight control.

A Manx cat should thrive on either a wet or dry commercially-prepared cat food—look for foods
with meat as the first ingredient. When serving wet food, it may need to be warmed up, as Manx
cats are not particularly fond of chilled meals. You can also mix wet food in with dry food to
enhance flavor.
 Manx cats should not be given cow’s milk, as the lactose could build up in the intestines and
cause digestive issues. Offering a pet formula milk substitute is fine as an occasional treat, as are
human food treats like tuna.

10 Cat Breeds With the Longest Lifespans

Pros

• Active, playful, sturdy breed

• Great mouser
• Intelligent, highly trainable

Cons

• Might be more predisposed to spinal problems

• Likes high perches, might jump up to shelves, tables, or counters
• Needs constant grooming

Where to Adopt or Buy a Manx Cat

You may be able to find a purebred Manx cat through a breeder in your area, but if you would
rather adopt from a rescue organization, check out:

• Tailless Cat Rescue

• Petfinder
• Adopt a Pet

More Cat Breeds and Further Research

When determining if the Manx cat is the right cat for you, be sure to research all aspects of the
breed and consult other Manx cat owners, breeders, and rescue groups to learn more. Some cats
that may also interest you include:

• Siamese cats
• Savannah cats
• Toyger cats

Be sure to check out these other cat breeds before you decide on a Manx cat.

•
 The Bombay Cat Looks Just Like a Mini Panther

•
 10 Unique Bobtail Cat Breeds

Meet Thailand's Rare Treasure the Khao Manee Cat

•
 Norwegian Forest Cat — Full Profile, History, and Care

•
 The Affable, Owl-Like Scottish Fold Cat

Become Friends With the Affectionate Burmese Cat

•
 The Sweet and Outgoing Kurilian Bobtail Will Steal Your Heart

•
 The Chausie Cat Looks Wild But Acts Sweet

The Beautiful Wild Cat Hybrid

•
 7 Mysteriously Beautiful Siamese Cats and Kittens

•
 Meet the Sweet Havana Brown Cat

10 Black and White Cat Breeds

•
 10 Affectionate Cat Breeds You'll Fall in Love With

•
 Meet the Smart and Playful Somali Cat

Meet the Cymric Cat, Also Known as the Longhaired Manx

•
 The 12 Most Popular Cat Breeds

The Spruce Pets

There's a lot you need to know to make things go smoothly with your new friend.
Email AddressSIGN UP
Follow us:

• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Facebook

• DOGS
• CATS
• BIRDS
• SMALL PETS
• AQUARIUMS
• REPTILES
• HORSES
• WHAT TO BUY

• About Us
• Advertise
• Terms Of Use
• Careers
• Editorial Guidelines
 • Privacy Policy
• Cookies
• Contact
• California Privacy Notice

The Spruce Pets is part of the Dotdash publishing family.