Manx
The round, tailless cat from the Isle of Man
The Manx comes from the Isle of Man, where a natural gene change produced cats with short tails or none at all. It is one of the oldest known breeds, and islanders have long kept the tailless cats as mousers. A long-haired version is known as the Cymric.
The same gene that shortens the tail can also cause health problems, which is the first thing to know about the breed.
Manx at a glance
- Origin
- Isle of Man
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- Usually 3.5 to 5.5 kg
- Lifespan
- Often 9 to 14 years
- Coat
- Short and double, or semi-long (the Cymric)
- 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
- 2 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 Manx is a round cat: round head, round eyes, a broad chest and a short, rounded back that rises to a high, plump rump, with back legs longer than the front. Tail length varies from a full tail, to a short stump, to none at all. A truly tailless Manx is called a “rumpy”, and there is often a little dimple where the tail would be.
Personality
Friendly, playful and strongly attached to their people. Manx cats are known for being good hunters, for following their owners around, and for loving a game of fetch. They are usually good with children and other pets, and have soft voices.
Care and grooming
Easy care: brush weekly, more for the longer-coated Cymric. They are strong jumpers and enjoy climbing and play. Keep an eye on weight, and see your vet promptly if your Manx has trouble using the litter tray, as it can be a sign of spinal problems.
Health to know about
The tailless gene can cause “Manx syndrome”, a set of spinal and nerve problems that can lead to bowel, bladder and walking difficulties, usually showing in the first months of life. Kittens that inherit the gene from both parents do not survive. For this reason, many vets and welfare groups discourage breeding the very short-tailed type, so speak to a vet first.
Could suit
- People who can cope with possible veterinary costs
- Homes with space for an active, playful cat
- Anyone who wants to adopt an adult Manx 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, sleepy cat
“No tail, no problem. I am still extremely good at being offended when someone steps on it.”
Name ideas for a Manx
- Stumpy
- Bun
- Pebble
- Thistle
- Mona
- Kipper
- Nugget
- Dumpling
- Taffy
- Rumpy
Want more? Try the cat name generator, or find out their age in human years with the cat age calculator.
Questions people ask
Why do Manx cats have no tail?
A natural gene change, which became common on the Isle of Man because the island is small and isolated, shortens or removes the tail.
Are Manx cats healthy?
The tailless gene can cause spinal and nerve problems, called Manx syndrome, and can be fatal in kittens that inherit it from both parents. Talk to a vet before you buy.
What is a rumpy?
A Manx with no tail at all. Others are called “stumpies” (short tail) or “longies” (a full tail).
What is a Cymric?
A long-haired Manx.
Other breeds to meet
This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your own cat.
