Cymric
The long-haired Manx, and the same tailless gene
The Cymric is a long-haired Manx. Long-haired kittens appeared in Manx litters, and breeders in Canada developed them into a breed in the 1960s, calling it “Cymric” after the Welsh word for Wales. Some registries treat it as a variety of the Manx, not a separate breed.
It shares the Manx’s round shape, playful nature, and the health concerns of the tailless gene.
Cymric at a glance
- Origin
- Isle of Man lines, named in Canada
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- Usually 3.5 to 5.5 kg
- Lifespan
- Often 9 to 14 years
- Coat
- Medium-long, thick and silky, double-layered
- Colours
- Almost any colour and pattern
Personality scorecard
- Energy
- 3 out of 5
- Affection
- 4 out of 5
- Chattiness
- 2 out of 5
- Grooming needed
- 3 out of 5
- Good with children
- 4 out of 5
- Good with other pets
- 4 out of 5
Our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
What they look like
A medium, rounded cat with a round head, a short back that rises to a high rump, back legs longer than the front, and a thick, silky, medium-long coat. The tail can be absent (a “rumpy”), a stump, or nearly full length. The fluffy “trousers” and ruff give it a plush look.
Personality
Friendly, playful and loyal. Cymrics are known for being good hunters, loving fetch and following their owners around. They are usually good with children and other pets, with soft voices.
Care and grooming
Brush two or three times a week, more when moulting, especially over the haunches and “trousers” where the fur tangles. Give them play and climbing. Watch your cat’s toileting, and see your vet promptly if it changes.
Health to know about
Like the Manx, the tailless gene can cause “Manx syndrome”, a set of spinal and nerve problems affecting bowel, bladder and walking, usually showing in the first months of life, and kittens that inherit the gene from both parents do not survive. Many vets and welfare groups discourage breeding tailless cats, so talk to a vet first.
Could suit
- Owners ready for possible veterinary costs
- People who want a playful, friendly cat
- Anyone adopting an adult Cymric from a rescue
Think twice if
- If you are thinking of buying a tailless kitten, because of the health risks
- If you cannot afford long-term vet care
- If you want a very quiet cat
“No tail, all fluff. I have never missed it.”
Name ideas for a Cymric
- Cymru
- Taffy
- Dylan
- Bryn
- Seren
- Rhys
- Daffodil
- Gwen
- Stumpy
- Pebble
Want more? Try the cat name generator, or find out their age in human years with the cat age calculator.
Questions people ask
Is a Cymric a long-haired Manx?
Yes. It is the long-haired version of the Manx, and some registries list it as a Manx variety.
Do Cymrics have tails?
They can be tailless, have a stump or a full tail.
Are Cymrics healthy?
The tailless gene can cause spinal and nerve problems, so speak to a vet before you buy.
What does Cymric mean?
It comes from the Welsh word for Wales, though the breed was named in Canada.
Other breeds to meet
This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your own cat.
