At a glance the quick version
CFA gives Manx males an average of 10-12 lb with females a little smaller; Hill's lists males as over 12 lb and females 8-12 lb; Wikipedia gives up to about 5 kg.
Coat and looks how to spot one
semi-long, dense, padded double coat
A compact, solid, rounded cat that feels heavier than it looks, with a round head, round eyes and a rounded rump that sits higher than the shoulders. Tails range from none at all (rumpy) to short stubs (stumpy) and occasionally full length. The medium-long coat is thick and well padded, growing longer from shoulders to rump, with a collar-like ruff and full britches.241
Personality what they are like
A quiet, sweet and easy-going cat that bonds closely with one or two people. It is smart and loving, not easily ruffled, and many enjoy fetch and interactive games in a way that reminds owners of a dog.24
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. Often content to lounge, then suddenly races around or jumps impressively high; daily play helps.24
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Comb at least weekly with a wide-toothed comb, focusing on the underarms and cheeks where tangles form; brush more often in moulting season. Portion food carefully as they tend to have a hearty appetite.24
Home where they are happiest
Indoor home with space to run and high places to jump to.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Measured portions of a complete cat food; they enjoy eating and put on weight easily.4
Company who they like around
The story where it all began
Tailless cats have been recorded on the Isle of Man since the 1500s, and longhaired kittens occasionally appeared among them, possibly from Norse-era longhaired ancestors. In the 1960s breeders in Canada started breeding the longhaired type on purpose, and it became popular from the mid 1970s. Registries differ on whether to call it a breed of its own or a longhaired Manx.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Longhaired kittens born on the Isle of Man were once set aside as oddities, until breeders in Canada in the 1960s chose to develop them.1
- 2
Tail types have names: rumpy, rumpy riser, stumpy and longy.1
- 3
With their round shape they are said to look like bowling balls when they run.4
- 4
Manx cats have been registered by the CFA since 1906.2
Recognised by the official bits
- CFA
- Shown as the longhair division of the Manx, same standard2
- TICA
- Treated as a Manx variety, not a separate breed1
- FIFe
- Fully recognised as Cymric, Category 3, code CYM5
- CCA-AFC
- Recognised as a separate breed1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Cymric, Manx Longhair. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery 2 days
- Deshedding springBrush more while sheddingevery day
- Nail trimevery 3 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Litter scoopevery day
- Litter changeevery week
- PlayDaily playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Cymric, Manx Longhair, and at what times?
Feeding frequency depends on your cat's age and activity level; ask your vet for a personalized schedule. They enjoy eating and can put on weight easily, so measure portions carefully.
What should a Cymric, Manx Longhair eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete, balanced cat food in measured portions to prevent weight gain. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA.46
Does a Cymric, Manx Longhair need baths?
Baths are rarely needed; only bathe when your cat is very dirty or sticky, as per general cat care guidelines. Regular brushing keeps their coat clean.7
How often does a Cymric, Manx Longhair need brushing?
Comb at least weekly with a wide-toothed comb, focusing on underarms and cheeks. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every two days and daily deshedding during shedding season.24 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Cymric, Manx Longhair's claws, and how often?
Trim claws every 10 to 14 days as a general guideline; Furry Diary's plan suggests every 21 days. Start slowly, trimming just a couple claws per session to keep your cat comfortable.7 Furry Diary plan
How much play does a Cymric, Manx Longhair need?
Daily play is recommended to match their moderate activity level. They enjoy interactive games and fetch, and may suddenly race around or jump high.24 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Cymric, Manx Longhair's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth daily if possible, or at least every two days as per Furry Diary's plan. For ears, check weekly and clean gently if needed; ask your vet for specific advice. Furry Diary plan
How long does a Cymric, Manx Longhair live?
They typically live 9 to 13 years, enjoying a happy indoor life with proper care.4
Is a Cymric, Manx Longhair good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are quiet, sweet, and easy-going, bonding closely with their family. Supervise introductions with children and other pets, and they usually adapt well.24
Can a Cymric, Manx Longhair be left alone?
They form strong attachments and enjoy company, but can be left for reasonable periods with toys and high perches. If you're away often, consider a companion or ask your vet for advice.24
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia - Cymric cat en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, recognition, weight, tail types, name
- CFA - Manx cfa.orgused for recognition, weight, coat, colours, temperament, grooming, activity, history
- Wikipedia - List of cat breeds en.wikipedia.orgused for origin
- Hill's - Cymric hillspet.comused for weight, lifespan, colours, temperament, grooming, diet
- FIFe - Breeds fifeweb.orgused for recognition
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.