Manx cat breed

Manx cat breed information and advice

The Manx cat breed was developed from tailless cats that originated on the Isle of Man. The lack of tail is due to a genetic mutation, and they’ve been around for several centuries. How exactly they arrived on the Isle of Man has become the subject of myths.

One myth is that they were late to board Noah’s Ark and when Noah closed the Ark’s door, the tail of the last cat was cut off. Another was a Manx cat swam from a ship that ran aground off the coast of the island, or, because of its characteristic hopping gait, a Manx cat bred with a rabbit to produce a ‘cabbit’!

Whatever their origins, it’s likely the Manx breed resulted from inbreeding among the small population of domestic cats on the island.

Our Manx cat guide will tell you things you need to know about the breed.

Manx cat breed facts

Manx insurance

The Manx cat can have several breed-related problems due to their genetic mutation. So, making sure your Manx has cat insurance will offer some reassurance that your furry friend is taken care of. Cat insurance for your manx can help with the cost of any treatment they may need, including surgery costs, medication as well as any vet prescribed complementary treatment.

Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance for Manx cats

With Sainsbury’s Bank, you can take out pet insurance for your Manx cat from when they turn 8 weeks old. And you’ll be able to take out new policies up to their 10th birthday. Cover them before they turn 10, and we’ll cover them into their old age as long as you keep renewing your policy each year.

How to care for a Manx cat

Manx cats need regular grooming and should have a balanced diet and lots of exercise. Check out our go-to information on looking after your Manx cat..

Temperament and behaviour

Temperament and behaviour Manx cats are known to have sweet and placid personalities. They make great companions and will get along with everyone in the family. They love to play, jump and run about as well as curling up on their favourite person’s lap. They might even have a conversation with you albeit in a quiet trill.

These cats were originally bred to be mousers so have a high prey instinct. Put their hunting skills to use with interactive toys such as laser lights and fishing rods. It’s best to keep them indoors to protect them from dogs, cars, and diseases.

Common health problems

Manx cats are susceptible to a few breed-related problems. The genetic mutation that causes them to be tailless can have other serious consequences. Make sure to take out cat insurance for your Manx to cover any health conditions.

Manx syndrome is the name given to the collection of problems associated with the gene that causes the lack of a tail. However, good breeding practices mean that the problems are being seen less often. Here are a few common health issues for Manx cats.

Is a Manx cat right for you?

Smart and playful, yet placid and even-tempered, Manx cats will fit in well in most households. They’ll get along with other cats and cat-friendly dogs, and they make great pets for families with children.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Manx cat?

The Manx cat is a tailless breed of domestic cat. The name comes from the island off the English coast in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man, where the breed originated.

What does a Manx cat look like?

A Manx cat is distinctive in that it doesn’t have a tail. There are four variants of Manx cat – rumpies, stumpies, stubbies, and longies. A ‘rumpy’ has only 1-3 vertebrae in its tail, while the normal cat has 20.

True or 'rumpy’ Manx cats just have a hollow where its tail should be. Some are born with residual tails and these Manx cats are called ‘stumpies’, ‘stubbies’ or ‘longies’, depending on how long their tails are.

Are Bengal cats aggressive?

Despite their wild looks, Bengal cats aren’t aggressive. They’re not even very good hunters. They’re affectionate and just to want to spend their time playing and spending time with their humans.

Why don’t Manx cats have tails?

Manx cats don’t have tails because of a genetic mutation. This is likely to be due to inbreeding among the small population of British Shorthairs on the Isle of Man. This mutation also causes spinal and/or neurological problems. If two tailless Manx cats are mated, the kittens may be born with severe defects and may not survive. Breeders will not breed two rumpies together.