Manx | Facts & Information

Temperament: affectionate, makes little noise

The Manx breed originated in the Isle of Man, an island in the British archipelago. The place of origin gives them their name and the first specimens were described in the eighteenth century. Residents of the island say the Manx cats come from the ships of the Spanish Armada, which approached the shores of Britain more than 300 years ago.

According to a local legend, cats arrived on Spanish ships in the Far East. There are several stories related to the origin of the mutation of these cats. In one of these it is said that when Noah closed the door of the Ark he caught the tail of a Manx that delayed boarding.

Another story puts the lack of tail on account of crossing cats with rabbits on the island. This would explain the difference in length between the back and front legs of the feline.

The presence of the gene that causes the tail mutation in Manx cats is seen from birth, when puppies are brought into the world without a tail. Crossing two tailless cats can be lethal. Manx breeders are very careful to avoid such problems and breed tailless cats with some that do not have the genetic mutation specific to Manx cats.

These methods of crossing have also led to the reduction of problems with the spine, specific to the breed. Manx cats have been recognised by The Cat Fanciers Association since 1920. The Manx cat has been in exhibitions since 1800. The first breed standard was published in 1903.

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Appearance Manx Cat

Manx cats are very similar to those of the British Shorthair breed. The hind legs of Manx cats are longer than the front ones, giving the body a round appearance. Manx is a medium-sized cat with a round head and large eyes.

The ears are located high on the head and are bent slightly outward. The fur is soft and dense, any color and drawing being allowed. The main feature of these cats is the short tail or its complete lack.

Tailless specimens are the most appreciated by breeders and, unfortunately, there have been cases in which the tails of some Manx have been cut to better correspond to the requirements of the organizers of competitions.

Manx Cat Behavior

Manx has a kind and affectionate nature, loving to be affectionate. They get along very well with children and other animals, seeming to get along very well even with dogs. They are ideal pets, adapting very easily to family life. They lead a very happy life as indoor animals and make very little noise.

The short fur of Manx cats does not require excessive care, being able to maintain their fur and on their own. The coat of Manx cats has a double quality, presenting two layers, one thick and short and one slightly longer than the other.

Double fur is far more important than the color or marks on it. Any combination of colors and markings is allowed, except for the Siamese pattern. Exhibition cats are much more valued for the texture of their fur than for color or markings.

The absence of the tail in Manx cats is a feature known for centuries and several stories circulate about their exact origin. Perhaps the oldest legend is the one that tells of Noah, who when he closed the door of his ark, out of haste, caught the fish's tail, leaving it with only a stump instead of a tail.

Another legend tells of the tailless cat roaming the wreckage of the Spanish army galleons on the Isle of Man beach in 1588. there is no doubt that the fact that the island was very isolated allowed the perpetuation of Manx cat carcateristics, but Manx cats with tail stumps are the result of genetic mutations suffered from mating with British Shorthair cats. This gene could also be responsible for skeletal defects in these cats.

Features Manx Cat

Manx is a playful, affectionate and intelligent cat. She loves to climb everywhere and can be taught simple commands. He gets along very well with children and other pets, including dogs.

They make very little noise and manage to adapt very well to the rules of life at the apartment. Caring for the short coat of this cat does not require very much time, especially since the feline also likes to keep herself clean.

A Manx cat can live up to 15 years and, like its British Shorthair relatives, is prone to obesity. Despite the lack of tails, Manx cats have no problems maintaining balance.

Manx Cat Diseases

The mutation of the spine can very seriously affect the health of Manx cats. The most common health problems of these felines affect their spinal cord and bladder.

Also, the anal tract can be narrow causing intestinal blockages. most Manx cats are given up for adoption at the age of four months, after most of the health problems have been identified and eventually removed.

Well-known feline expert Roger Tabor said the only thing stopping him from criticizing the preservation of such a dangerous genetic mutation for cats is the fact that this breed is very old.