Introducing the Manx Cat Breed

Manx Cat and Kitten Central is pleased to offer this insightful Manx Cat Facts and Information article to assist you in learning about the Manx cat breed and deciding if a Manx cat or kitten is the right choice for your family. Enjoy!

Manx Cat History

One of the oldest natural breeds of cats, the Manx is native to the Isle of Man, an island in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. According to a biblically inspired Celtic folktale, the Manx cat was the last of God's creatures to climb aboard the ark, barely making it before Noah slammed the door shut. A variation portrays Noah's dog as the culprit responsible for the loss of the cat's tail. In exasperation, the tail-less cat fled the ark and swam from Ararat to the Isle of Man, where it found a home.

Another tale claims that the Irish, or alternatively the Vikings, stole kittens to use their tails as good luck charms. In order to save their kittens, wise mother cats bit off the tails of their young, thus producing the tailless cat. But how did the Manx really lose its tail? Geneticists have determined that the lack of a tail occurred as the result of a spontaneous mutation. The breed was easily established due to the genetic nature of the tailless trait and centuries of inbreeding in an isolated island environment.  

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GC RW Caitrias Sugar Bear
Courtesy: Caitria Manx

Manx Cat Grooming

The extent of grooming duties required for a Manx cat or kitten depend largely upon the cat's coat type. Manx cats come in many coat types, from long haired to short haired. Cats with longer hair require more frequent brushing than do short haired cats, but all cats should be brushed regularly to keep shedding and dander to a minimum. This can help lessen your vacuuming duties, as well as helps keep your cat from developing hairballs, a common malady in cats that is a result of loose hair that the cat swallows while grooming itself.

Your Manx cat will require the occasional bath, as well as claw trimming every 3 weeks or so. Cat grooming sessions are an excellent way to bond and show affection for your cat, and almost all cats welcome this activity with enthusiasm. 

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Manx Cat Health

Manx cats are generally a healthy and robust breed. There is one issue that is prevalent in the Manx, called "Manx Syndrome".

Manx Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the gene that dictates the Manx tail. Just as this gene causes the tail to be very short, it can sometimes affect the development of the Manx cat's spine, in turn causing potential problems in the bowel and bladder of these cats.

A responsible breeder will be very knowledgeable about Manx Syndrome. The best practice is keeping Manx kittens at the cattery until they have reached 4 months of age. This disorder usually presents itself within the kitten's first month of life, but can sometimes appear somewhat later. By four months of age, the breeder can be certain that Manx Syndrome is not present.

Additionally, responsible Manx breeders follow a highly selective breeding program, ensuring that a long tailed (Longy) Manx cat is bred with the short tailed version at regular intervals to reduce the likelihood of Manx Syndrome appearing in kittens.

Once Manx Syndrome has been ruled out, most Manx cats, when properly cared for, go on to live a long, healthy and happy life. Choose your breeder wisely, ensuring that your breeder is knowledgeable about this condition - and stands behind the health of her Manx cats and kittens with a reasonable health guarantee.

More information about Manx Syndrome:

• Manx Syndrome: The Truths and Myths
• Manx Health Wikipedia
• Malformations and the Manx Syndrome in Cats

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Quick Manx Cat Facts

Country of Origin: Isle of Man (Ireland)
Manx Cat Size:  Medium to Large
Manx Cat Weight: 15-30 pounds
Manx Cat Colors:  Big Variety - See Below
Manx Cat Litter Size: 5 to 10
Manx Cat Life Expectancy: 16+ years
Manx Cat Grooming Needs: Moderate
Manx Cat Energy Level: Moderate
Good With Kids: Yes
Good With Other Animals: Yes  
Most Common Misspellings: Manex, Mancks, Manks
Alternate Names: Cymric, Tailless Cat

Manx Cat FAQ

Do Manx Cats Shed ?

Yes, Manx cats do shed, and they need regular brushing to keep their thick, soft coat shiny and free of dander and dead hairs. While the Manx cat does shed fairly frequently, this weekly brushing will help keep it under control and prevent the majority of light buff hairs from transferring to all of your dark clothing.

Are Manx Cats Hypoallergenic (Allergy Free)?

No, but there really is no true "hypoallergenic" cat breed, despite what some might say. There are cat breeds that have less of a tendency to cause allergic reactions in those allergic to feline dander, but there are no guarantees. Depending on the severity of your cat allergy, you may be able to live with a Manx cat, provided that you bathe your cat frequently to reduce dander, and use a really good vacuum cleaner with a hepa filter every few days to ensure that cat hair and dander is kept to a minimum. It's also a good idea to keep kitty out of the bedroom.

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Manx Cat Breed Pictures

A picture is worth a thousand words, and our growing gallery of Manx cat pictures and kitten photos is well worth a peek! We showcase photos of Manx cats and kittens from reputable Manx breeders who are members of Cats and Kittens Central, as well as images sent to us by our visitors. Feel free to purr-uze our Manx pictures gallery by clicking here!

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Manx Cat Appearance

The Manx is a solidly built, medium-size, cobby cat with a round head, widely spaced ears, and large, round eyes. The powerful hind legs are longer than the front legs, so the short back arches upward to the rounded rump. A completely tail-less Manx is called a "rumpy"; the "rumpy riser" appears to be tail-less but has one to three vertebrae fused to the end of the spine; the "stumpy" has one to five normal vertebrae, which give the cat a short, moveable tail stump; the "longy" is a cat with a shorter-than-normal tail, but a tail nonetheless. The Manx coat is very thick and glossy, with a dense undercoat. Many colors and patterns are accepted, including tabby, solid, bicolor, shaded, tortoiseshell, and calico. The Manx's dense coat needs to be combed two or three times a week to remove loose fur.

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Manx Cat Personality Temperament

The tail-less Manx is a friendly, affectionate, relaxed companion; an easy feline to share a home with. According to some sources the Manx is somewhat dog-like in its habits; it will play "fetch," growl at an unidentified disturbance, and may follow its owner around. These cats are also known for their love of shiny objects, so keep an eye on your jewelry! Manx cats like to snooze in laps and high places. Children, dogs, and other cats are taken in stride.

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Is the Manx Cat or Kitten the Right Choice for You?

Manx cats are a suitable choice for families and singles alike. The Manx amiable personality and charm make it a good choice for well-behaved children, as well as families with other pets, providing the pet isn't a dog that doesn't like cats. Because of their affectionate nature and attachment to their humans, potential Manx owners do need to be able to spend a reasonable amount of time with their feline friend.

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Manx Cat Breeders & Manx Cats Kittens For Sale

Responsible Manx cat breeders offer healthy, home-raised Manx kittens for sale to approved buyers. If you have your heart set on a purebred Manx kitten, a responsible breeder is usually the best source. Reputable Manx catteries focus on producing kittens that are healthy and free from common cat diseases and hereditary (congenital) health problems that can affect the Manx cat breed. In addition, responsible Manx breeders try their best to produce kittens that are as beautiful to behold as they are affectionate and sound in personality and temperament.

Manx Cat Kitten Prices

Manx cat prices vary according the the breeder, and the kitten you are considering. Usually pet quality Manx kittens cost between $500 and $1000 to purchase, while show quality Manx kittens can be considerably more expensive. Keep in mind that the price involved in purchasing a kitten from a reputable breeder generally includes health screening, vaccinations, de-worming, early socialization (so the kitten grows up to be of sound temperament and affectionate nature), ongoing advice and support - and - most importantly - a reasonable health guarantee.

Manx Cats and Kittens Central is proud to showcase a number of reputable Manx cat breeders on our Manx cat breeders directory. To view information, contact details and photos of available Manx kittens for sale, please click here to view our Manx cattery list.

Manx Rescue Organizations

Manx cat rescue organizations specialize in placing purebred Manx cats and kittens, as well as mixed Manx cats and kittens with loving owners. Manx cats and kittens can end up in shelters and rescues for a variety of reasons, and there are many purrfectly nice Manx or Manx mix cats and kittens waiting to be adopted into loving homes.

Manx Cats and Kittens Central is pleased to provide a directory of Manx cat rescues to help you locate one near you. To view information, contact details and photos of available Manx cats and kittens, please click here to view our Manx cat rescue guide.

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Manx Cat Clubs

Manx cat breed clubs can be an excellent resource for learning more about the Manx cat breed, finding a reputable Manx cat breeder, locating Manx rescues, viewing Manx pictures and more. You'll often find a schedule for cat shows, in case you want to attend a show near you, and meet Manx breeders and their cats in person.

Manx Cats and Kittens Central is pleased to provide a directory of Manx cat clubs to help you locate one near you. Please click here to view our Manx cat clubs guide.

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1000 Cat Names
Click to order online from Amazon.com 

Manx Cat Kitten Names

Finding a suitable name for your new Manx cat or kitten can be a daunting task and not something to be taken lightly. Your Manx will be saddled with the name you give it for many years to come, so it's a good idea to give plenty of thought and consideration to the name you choose. 

If you would like some unique Manx cat kitten names suggestions to help you get started, our Cat Names guide is an excellent resource. Click here to view our Manx cat names guide.

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