Physical Characteristics
The hind legs of a Manx are longer than the front legs, creating a continuous arch from shoulders to rump giving the cat a rounded appearance. Manx kittens are classified according to tail length:
- Dimple rumpy or rumpy: no tail whatsoever
- Riser or rumpy riser: stub of cartilage or several vertebrae under the fur, most noticeable when kitten is happy and raising its 'tail'
- Stumpy: partial tail, more than a 'riser' but less than 'tailed'
- Tailed or longy: complete or near complete tail
Manx cats exhibit two coat lengths. The short-haired Manx has a double coat with a thick, short under-layer and a longer, coarse outer-layer with guard hairs. The long-haired Manx, known to some cat registries as the Cymric, has a silky-textured double coat of medium length, with britches, belly and neck ruff, tufts of fur between the toes and full ear furnishings.
The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) considers the Cymric to be a variety of Manx and judges it in the short-hair division, while The International Cat Association (TICA) judges it in the long-hair division. Short or long haired, all Manx have a thick double-layered coat.
Health
Pedigreed Manx cats today are much healthier and have fewer health issues related to their genetics than the Manx of years ago. This is due in part to the careful selection of breeding stock, and knowledgeable, dedicated breeders.
Manx have been known to live into their mid to high teens and are no less healthy than other cat breeds. Like any other cat, keeping Manx cats indoors, neutering or spaying, and providing acceptable surfaces for the cat's normal scratching behavior are vital to lengthen the life of the cat.
History
The Manx breed originated on the Isle of Man. They are an old breed, and tailless cats were common on the island as long as three hundred years ago. The taillessness arises from a genetic mutation that became common on the island.