Manx Cat: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics, and Care

The Manx cat is most famous for not having a tail, but they also have highly social and playful personalities. They're almost dog-like in their loyalty and trainability, providing families years of affection and companionship. Pet parents will of course enjoy the antics of their Manx cat, but the breed does come with a predisposition for health problems because of their absent tails.

These golden-eyed, round cats originated on the Isle of Man, which sits in the Irish Sea between Ireland and the United Kingdom. (The word "Manx" also refers to the people born on the island.)

Learn about the distinctive Manx cat, from their history to their temperament and more.

Manx Cat Characteristics

Manx cats are friendly, smart, and they love to hunt. They are known to capture rodents and insects with precision, but their hunting instincts don't translate to an aggressive temperament toward humans.

These cats are excellent jumpers, and they are almost like rabbits in that their front legs are shorter than their hind legs. This behavior may make for some frustration, but remember the Manx cat's playful nature is a gift. The Manx cat has a wonderful personality and makes a great, affectionate addition to any family. 

Not all Manx cats are born without a tail. Some have a very short tail, while others have a normal length tail. And the same litter can have kittens with different tail lengths.

History of the Manx Cat

Manx cats entered history in the 18th century. Back then, English speakers used the word "stubbin" to refer to odd-looking cats. A popular choice for farmers looking to limit rodent populations, Manx cats still occupy the island today.

Folktales and myths surround the Manx's history, too. Some claim a tailless cat swam ashore from a shipwreck and brought the trait to the island. Another is Biblical: when Noah closed the door of the Ark, he accidentally cut off the tail of the Manx cat. Some believed that any cat in close contact with a Manx could pass along the taillessness to their kittens. In actuality, the absence of a tail arises from a genetic mutation.

The Manx participated at the first cat show held in Great Britain, and it was one of the founding breeds of the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1906.

Manx Cat Care

Manx cats need care that's typical of any domestic breed: a moderate amount of exercise and a regular grooming routine. Knowing your cat's needs makes caregiving straightforward and effective.

Exercise

The Manx cat's exercise needs aren't major, but they benefit from 30 to 60 minutes of designated playtime daily to satisfy their playful nature. Like many cats, the Manx loves to run and climb, so providing ample play opportunities will keep them happy.

These cats are quite dog-like, and enjoy dog-like activities, such as:

• Fetching toys
• Walking on a leash
• Puzzle toys
• Interactive play  

Manx are natural hunters, so they'll be engaged by small plush toys that mimic trapping and retrieving.

Remember how well they can jump? You'll want to give them something high to aim for, such as cat trees and cat shelves. These products also give them the opportunity to perch up high.

Grooming

Brushing is essential to limiting a Manx cat's shedding. Because of their double coats—they have an extra layer of fur for additional warmth and protection—Manx cats are prone to shedding, particularly in the spring and fall. All cats with double coats shed more than those with a single coat and should be groomed daily.  

A longhaired Manx will require more intensive grooming than a shorthaired Manx, but a regular brushing schedule is important, no matter the coat length.

During each grooming session, take a look at your cat’s eyes and ears to see if they need to be cleaned gently. Check that they’re clear and aren’t developing symptoms of inflammation, infection, or irritation that would require a vet’s attention.

Also, trim your cat’s claws regularly, in addition to giving them scratching posts, so they don’t accidentally scratch you or damage your belongings.  

Common Health Problems

Manx cats' common health problems often stem from spina bifida, so much so that it's often called Manx syndrome. The same genetic mutation that makes Manx cats tailless is also responsible for spina bifida, which occurs when the spinal cord fails to form completely at the cat's rear.

Some Manx cats are unaffected, but in others—especially ones without any tail at all—spina bifida can cause several additional problems, including:

• Incontinence: This occurs when Manx cats can't control when and where they go to the bathroom.
• Arthritis: Manx cats who have short tails are prone to arthritis (the deterioration of the cartilage between bones) in the joints between their ill-formed tail bones.
• Partial paralysis: Manx cats may walk with an odd gait off their toes because their rear legs are partially paralyzed.

Some spinal surgeries can ease some cats' suffering, but there's no cure for spina bifida. Because it's tied to the genetic mutation that leaves the cats without full tails, this condition isn't going anywhere.

Additional health issues that can develop in Manx cats include:

• Megacolon: This occurs when nerves don’t function like they should and the colon becomes enlarged. It causes obstipation, a severe form of constipation.
• Corneal dystrophy: This is a progressive condition that can occur in Manx cats, and kittens as young as 4 months can develop it. It affects the cornea of the eye, causing it to look cloudy, and it could lead to blindness.

Appearance

The appearance of the Manx cat is their trademark: a very short or non-existent tail.

• A Manx with no tail is called a "rumpy"
• Manx cats with extremely short tails are called "rumpy risers"
• A Manx with a short tail is called a “stumpy”
• A Manx with a tail that’s almost the normal length is called a “longy”

A mutant gene M is responsible for the lack of tails, and all Manx cats possess it. Some Manx cats, however, will give birth to kittens who don't have that M gene. They'll have full tails, so, therefore, they won't be Manx cats.

Manx are medium-sized and stocky, with sloping shoulders and full chests. Typically, a Manx cat's hind legs are longer than the front legs, creating their round appearance. Manx have round heads, small noses, and large eyes and ears. Their eyes are usually a variation of a gold color.

Manx cats can have either long or short hair, but all have a dense, plush double coat. Short-haired is the more common variation of Manx. Their outer coat is hard and glossy. The long-haired Manx has a silky coat that is medium in length. Manx cats commonly have a tortoiseshell, tabby, or solid coat.

The Manx cats may shed less than other breeds, but they're not hypoallergenic. (And no cat is truly hypoallergenic.)

Diet and Nutrition

Like all 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 the thick Manx coat healthy. Amino acids are essential for vision and heart health, and fiber is necessary for digestion and weight control.

A Manx cat does well on wet or dry commercial cat food, especially when meat is the first ingredient. Wet food may need to be warmed up, as Manx cats are not fond of chilled meals. Manx cats should not be given cow’s milk, as the lactose can build up in the intestines and cause digestive issues.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Manx Cat

You may be able to find a purebred Manx cat through a breeder in your area or through a shelter or adoption agency. A Manx from a breeder costs $400 to $800 on average. Choose a reputable breeder who has worked to prevent Manx syndrome.

Types of Manx Cats

The types of Manx cats are usually categorized by their tail and coat lengths, including the Cymric Manx, which are the result of breeding a Manx with a long-haired breed like a Persian. The Cymric is not a breed of its own but a standard Manx with long hair.

Other Manx varieties include the Isle of Man Longhair, the Isle of Man Shorthair, and the Tasman Manx.

Manx Cat Overview

The tailless Manx cat makes for an excellent pet. Their playful nature, sociability, and intelligence are compatible with all families. Before adopting or buying a Manx cat, be aware of potential health issues related to the shortened or absent tail.

Pros of Manx

• Active, playful
• Great mouser
• Intelligent, highly trainable
  

Cons of Manx

• Predisposed to spinal problems
• Likes high perches, might jump up to shelves, tables, or counters
• Needs consistent grooming
  

More Cat Breeds and Further Research

When determining if the Manx cat is right for you, be sure to research all aspects of the breed and consult other Manx cat owners, breeders, and rescue groups for more information. Similar cats include:

• Siamese
• Savannah
• Toyger

Otherwise, be sure to check out all of our other cat breed profiles.