In this blog, we’ll tell you all about Manx cats. A cat breed without a tail or with only a small stump. It looks adorable, but it’s not good for the cat. Why? You’ll discover that and more here!
Here, we’ll tell you:
- What is the character of a Manx?
- What does a Manx look like?
- How do you take care of a Manx?
- How old can a Manx get?
- What health problems can Manx cats have?
- Everything about the origin of the Manx?
- How much does a Manx cost?
And we’ll also tell you:
- What does Manx mean?
What is the character of a Manx?
Manx cats are known for their friendly and affectionate character. They love companionship and are fond of their household members – their owners and the other animals living with them. But they often form the strongest bond with one person, usually the owner who spends the most time with and cares for them. If you have a dog and enjoy walking with them, don’t be surprised if a Manx happily joins your walk.
Manx cats are intelligent and especially curious. They are also playful, agile, and lively. And that last part – the liveliness – persists until old age. A Manx cat remains playful and active for a long time. Furthermore, Manx cats are adaptable and vocal. They communicate with their owners using soft and melodious sounds.
Interesting fact: you can easily teach Manx cats new things: fetching or walking on a leash? They quickly pick it up!
What does a Manx look like?
The first thing you notice about a Manx is, of course, the fact that the cat has no tail. But it can also happen that this cat breed has a short or a long tail. There are four tail variants, and they are called:
- Rumpy: The Manx has no tail.
- Stumpy: The cat has a very small knob as a tail (like a rabbit).
- Rumpy Riser: The cat also has a small knob as a tail but can move and lift it.
- Longy or tailed: The cat is healthy and has a normal tail.
The taillessness in Manx cats is called the Manx syndrome and did not arise from intentional breeding. The anomaly occurred naturally. However, this does not make this deviation any less troublesome for the cat – the Manx syndrome can cause various unpleasant welfare problems. Want to know what those are? You’ll read about it later in this blog. Because there’s also a lot of fun stuff to tell about this cat breed.
The body of Manx cats is compact, muscular, and round-shaped, sharing many similarities with the British Shorthair. The head is also round with full cheeks, and the eyes of a Manx are large and expressive. Manx cats are of average size: females usually weigh around 3.5 kilograms, and males weigh around 5.5 kilograms. The coat is short to medium-length and can come in various colors and patterns, such as solid, tortoiseshell, spotted, and striped.
All about the care of a Manx
Taking care of a Manx cat is generally quite easy. Their short or medium-length coat doesn’t require much grooming, but occasional brushing can help remove loose hairs and keep the coat healthy, especially during shedding periods. Manx cats can tend to gain weight easily, so make sure your Manx cat gets enough exercise, perhaps with a good and stable scratching post where they can climb and play. A well-balanced diet is essential, as is providing fresh water every day. Additionally, regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and affection for the cat are important. Here’s what else a Manx needs:
- A cat shelve to expend its energy.
- Love and attention.
- A good tall cat tree.
- Care when the Manx cat is sick.
- A caring and reliable pet sitter when you go on vacation.
- Clean litter boxes with clumping cat litter.
- Cat toys.
How old does a Manx get?
If a Manx cat is healthy, its life expectancy is normal – this cat breed typically lives from 12 to 15 years without any specific diseases or unpleasant conditions.
Conditions and diseases in Manx cats
The Manx is cherished for its unique physical characteristics. However, these traits also come with health challenges. Let’s list the most common ones for you:
The Manx syndrome
The Manx gene responsible for taillessness can lead to problems; cats then have the Manx syndrome, which can cause a open spine, urinary incontinence, inability to control bowel movements, pain, constipation, death in the mother cat’s womb, and paralysis of the hind legs. This is quite serious and also the reason why the breed is not recognized by cat associations.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
FIP is a contagious peritonitis that is a severe disease caused by a coronavirus resulting in diarrhea. Healthy cats can handle this virus well, but cats with a weakened immune system can become very ill. The virus then transforms into a malignant variant causing inflammation throughout the cat’s body. Formerly, this disease was incurable, but since 2023, fortunately, doctors have found a way to treat cats with a human medication. Good news!
Urolithiasis (urinary stones/bladder stones)
This condition causes bladder stones or crystals in a cat’s urinary tract. These stones damage the bladder wall, and cats initially get a urinary tract infection – they may use the litter box more frequently, and sometimes blood is present. In severe cases, these stones can block the exit of the urinary tract, preventing the cat from urinating entirely. This is dangerous because it can lead to kidney failure and death. If you suspect your cat has this, go to the vet immediately! They can remove the blockage and prescribe special food to prevent it in the future.
While more hereditary conditions are mentioned in the literature, there is often little evidence, or the disease does not occur very frequently.
(source: Dier en Recht)
Want to make sure you’re buying a healthy and happy Manx kitten? Ask questions to a breed association and always request a health guarantee or statement!
Now, you already know a lot about Manx cats. But you don’t yet know how and where this cat breed originated. And how much does a Manx cost, anyway? You’ll discover it below.
The origin of the Manx
The Manx cat naturally originated on the Isle of Man, located between Ireland and England. The name of this cat breed is also based on the island. What does Manx actually mean? Manx refers to an inhabitant of the Isle of Man. And because the cat breed also lived on that island, it is named after the residents. Manx cats are special because they have no tail or a very short one. This deviation arose from a spontaneous mutation of the gene that these cats carry. And because the island is quite small and the cats could reproduce well, the gene became dominant, and all Manx cats carry it. Want to know more? We’ve already covered everything above.
How much does a Manx cost?
A Manx costs between 550 and 1050 euros. We always advise you to buy a purebred cat through a breed association or an accredited breeder, but in the case of a Manx, it’s not possible – the breed is not recognized due to severe hereditary abnormalities. Want to know more? Then contact a breed association or your vet, as they can provide good advice on acquiring this cat breed. And never buy a cat from Marktplaats, eBay, or from a puppy mill, as you’re inviting trouble – for you and your cat.
If you’re not too concerned about how your cat looks, consider visiting a shelter near you, as there are many cute and healthy cats waiting for a loving owner. Maybe your new best friend is among them!
And remember: you have a cat for a whole cat’s life. So, be willing to take good care of the cat and have enough financial resources for care, special food, and medications. Because that’s often not cheap.
The Manx in a nutshell:
- The Manx has no tail or a very short one.
- A Manx cat lives from 12 to 15 years.
- The coat of a Manx can have all colors and patterns.
- Manx cats have deviations and are therefore not a recognized breed.
- It’s better not to buy a Manx kitten from Marktplaats, eBay, and never from a puppy mill.
- Manx cats are smart, remain playful for a long time, and love their owners.
- A Manx comes from the Isle of Man, near England.
Disclaimer: Petrebels is not a veterinarian or behavior expert: all content, information, and tips on this blog are intended to inspire you and have an informative character. If your cat has complaints or problems, and you doubt the health of your cat, always consult a veterinarian or a behavior expert.