|
The short haired Manx and the longhaired Cymric
are the only tailless cats in the cat fancy world. These shy cats have a
unique flared ear set. The Manx have a rabbit-like gait due to their cobby
body and height of their hindquarters. They are polite, reserved ladies and
gentleman.
Description: The key word in describing a Manx is round; round head,
round chest, round rump. The overall appearance should be that of a medium
sized, compact muscular cat having the look of bear with no tail. The head
is slightly longer than broad, with a gentle curve below the bridge. The
broad muzzle is slightly longer than wide, with a definite muzzle break and
large, round whisker pads. The cheek bones should be prominent; there should
be jowls, especially in an adult male. The placement of the medium-sized
ears is very important; they must be set wide apart, so that when viewed
from behind they flare out to resemble the rockers of a cradle. The eyes are
round, large and full. The medium-sized body is cobby, with sturdy boning
and is well-muscled, including the legs, giving a robust, stout appearance.
The hind legs are higher than the front legs. The short back forms a smooth,
uninterrupted arch from the shoulders to the rump, curving at the rump to
form the desired round look. There should be great depth of flank, adding to
the cobby appearance. Taillessness must be absolute in the perfect specimen.
The Manx has a short, soft, plush coat.
History: There are some outlandish stories about how tailless cats
came to the Isle of Man, where they may indeed have originated. Some say the
Irish brought the cats to the island, using the cats’ tails as plumes for
their helmets. Other say Phoenician traders brought the cats with them from
Japan and thus the Manx must be related to the Japanese Bobtail. This cannot
be true, in part because the gene causing the curled tail of the Japanese
Bobtail is different. In another story, a tailless cat swam ashore from a
ship of Spanish Armada. According to one or more story, the cat was aboard
Noah’s ark and Noah shut the door on the cat’s tail, cutting it off.
Taillessness is a result of a dominant gene that occurred a long time ago.
Due to a high death rate among kittens, there is scarcity of Manx today.
Kittens from a homozygous dominant will die during the foetal stage, when
the development of the spine is hindered.
Temperament: Once the kittens are past the endangered stage of
development, they grow to be strong, healthy adults. The Manx makes
excellent pets. They do tend to be loyal to only one person and aloof but
not unkind to others. They are excellent hunters and enjoy tree climbing.
They are quiet, rather reserved cats and are excellent, faithful companions
especially for the person living alone.
Information Supplied By Southern Alberta Cat
Fanciers - Rene Copeland
Manx :
Kittens | Breeders
| Stud Cats |
Adult Cats |
Photos |
Clubs |
Books
|
online
>>