Manx

Coat and looks how to spot one

dense double coat, shorthair or longhair; tailless to full-tailed

A compact, rounded cat that feels heavier than it looks, with a round head, large eyes and hind legs longer than the front, giving a raised rump. The double coat has a soft, cottony undercoat under a glossier outer coat, making it feel well padded. Tails range from none at all (rumpy) through a small bump (riser) and short stumps to a near-normal tail (longy); only fully tailless cats are usually shown.231

Personality what they are like

Quiet, gentle and smart. Manx often attach strongly to one or two people and are known for dog-like habits such as fetching and joining in games. They are patient with children, usually get along with other pets, and pair relaxed lounging with sudden bursts of playful energy.231

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. Spends plenty of time relaxing but has spurts of play; strong hind legs make it a powerful, fast jumper, so it enjoys high places and chase games.23

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Shorthairs need a comb or brush only two or three times a month; longhairs (Cymric) need weekly combing with a wide-toothed comb, especially under the legs and along the sides of the face. Extra grooming helps during seasonal shedding. Bathing is rarely needed.23

Home where they are happiest

Enjoys vertical space to leap onto; adapts to family homes with other pets.23

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Like every cat, an obligate carnivore that does best on a complete, balanced cat food suited to its age and activity level, with fresh water always available. GCCF advises kitten food for the first year.3

Company who they like around

Bonds closely with its family, gets on with other pets including dogs, and tends to avoid conflict.23

The story where it all began

The Manx comes from the Isle of Man, where visiting sailors noted tailless cats as early as the 1500s. A natural mutation spread among the island's cats, and folk tales blame everything from Noah's Ark to Viking raiders for the missing tails. Manx were shown in Britain from the 1880s, had a written standard by 1903 and were among the first breeds CFA registered in 1906.231

Recognised by the official bits

CFA

Registered since CFA began in 1906; shorthair and longhair divisions2

GCCF

Section 3 (British), Group 13

FIFe

Fully recognised in Category 3; the longhair is shown as the Cymric4

TICA

Recognised1

WCF

Recognised1