MANX CATS

The tailless Manx cat is an old natural breed originating from the Isle of Man, an independent island situated in the Irish Sea in between Ireland and Britain. Manx cats are soft natured and sensitive, intelligent, affectionate and dog like. They are very social with humans, although not demanding.

Description

Besides taillessness, the Manx is known for its robust and rounded appearance. It has a very round head and rounded cheeks which give it a jowly appearance; even more so in the male cat than in the female. Another striking feature of Manx cats is their extremely long back legs, giving them a raised rump. Manx cats have short stocky bodies, wide chests and strong bones. Their eyes are round, and the ears are broad at the base tapering to a rounded tip. The Manx breed is seen with just about every coat colour, and every coat pattern.   Manx cats have double coats, either shorthaired or longhaired (often known as Cymrics.) The average weight for a male Manx is 10 to 12 pounds, and for females 8 to 10 pounds.

Characteristics and Temperament

You will find Manx cats to be generally sweet tempered, friendly and active. They will usually be very affectionate to their humans, and in turn can take any amount of stroking and do not usually object to being picked up. Manx cats are intelligent and inquisitive, they will take a keen interest in whatever you are doing and will often try to get involved.

If allowed to live the life of an outdoor cat, Manx cats will engage in hunting with irrepressible enthusiasm. The breed retains its kitten qualities for a long time, indeed many Manx will remain playful and kittenish until five, or even six years old. If introduced into homes as kittens, Manx cats behave very well with children and show them the same affection and devotion as older humans. Mature Manx that are unfamiliar with children may not, take very well if transferred to a home with youngsters. They are far from being shy cats but they do seem to prefer a quiet, calm home.

Special Requirements

Manx Syndrome - a defect caused by the Manx gene, is responsible for the taillessness in Manx cats. However, sometimes the gene also results in a shortening of the

 spine, causing a gap in the last few vertebrae or vertebrae fused together. Bowel and bladder problems are often present in kittens with the syndrome. Usually any problems show up in the first month of a Manx Syndrome kitten but can sometimes not show until later, by the age of four months the breeder will be sure that the kitten does not have the syndrome.

Breeding between two tailless Manx cats greatly increases the chances of Manx Syndrome being present in a litter. Breeders of Manx usually make sure that a longy (tailed) is bred in at frequent intervals, to decrease the risk.

If a kitten does not have Manx Syndrome it should go on to live a long and healthy life, in fact Manx cats are generally robust felines and if properly cared for, will live to 16 years or beyond.