Manx cats are a distinctive and intriguing breed, best known for their unique feature: little to no tail. However, there’s much more to the Manx cat than this physical trait. Let us go over the Manx cat in greater detail and learn some interesting facts about this unusual breed of cat.
Where did Manx cats come from?
The Manx cat hails from the Isle of Man, a small island in the Irish Sea. In the native Manx language, tailless cats are called stubbin. These cats are descended from the African wildcat (Felis lybica), the same ancestor as most domesticated cats.
The Isle of Man’s isolated geography played a key role in the Manx cat’s development. The genetic mutation responsible for their taillessness became widespread because of the island’s small population of cats and limited genetic diversity. Over time, this feature became synonymous with the region.
The Viking influence on the Isle of Man introduced the gene for long-haired cats. The Norse settlers valued the Manx cat for its intelligence and ability to keep rodent populations under control.
Manx cats became cultural icons on the Isle of Man, appearing on local postage stamps and even serving as mascots in various local traditions. Known for their intelligence and friendly demeanor, Manx cats have long been valued as working cats, particularly for their hunting abilities.
What do Manx Cats Look Like?
At first glance, Manx cats resemble typical house cats, but they have unique characteristics that set them apart. The most notable feature is, of course, the absence of a tail.
Some Manx cats have a small indentation where a tail would typically be, while others, called rumpy risers, exhibit a slight tail hump. Their compact bodies are stockier than most cats, and their faces are rounder and broader.
Manx cats come in various coat colors and patterns, including tabby, solid, tortoiseshell, and calico. Their dense double coat gives them a plush appearance, with short-haired Manx cats having a sleek, water-resistant coat, and Cymric cats boasting a long, luxurious coat.
Their gait is another distinguishing feature. Because of their shorter spine, Manx cats often hop like rabbits when they run, adding to the myth of their rabbit ancestry.
In Eleonor Bulley’s, she described Manx Cats:
We had a Manx (that is Isle of Man cat) once and very odd she looked without any tail at all We called her Bunny for she looked rather like a rabbit It is a good sort of cat for a nursery for you see there is no tail for the baby to pull and babies are very fond of pulling tails I find and then the cats scratch them.
“Great Britain for Little Britons. A book for children, etc” by Eleanor Bulley, 1881.
The Legends of Why Manx Cats Have No Tail
There are several legends about why Manx cats lack tails. One tale humorously suggests that the breed is the result of a cross between a cat and a rabbit, explaining their hopping gait. One popular story claims that a Manx cat’s tail was caught in the door of Noah’s Ark as it closed.
In Sophia Morrison’s Manx Fairy Tales (1911), the tale of how Manx cats lost their tails ties to the story of Noah’s Ark. A skilled mouser, the cat ignored Noah’s calls to board, determined to catch a mouse first. By the time she arrived, drenched from the pouring rain—hence cats’ dislike of water—Noah was closing the door. She managed to squeeze in at the last moment, but the door slammed on her tail, severing it. According to the story, the cat vowed to travel to the Isle of Man to mend her tail with copper nails, explaining why Manx cats are tailless today.
Manx cats feature prominently in Isle of Man folklore. Some stories regard the Manx cat as a symbol of resilience and adaptability, reflecting the islanders’ own spirit. In local art and literature, Manx cats are often depicted as guardians of homes and farms, adding a layer of mysticism to their already unique appearance.
Four tail variations of the Manx cat
Rumpy is usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a Manx cat. However, there are Manx cats with nearly full-length tails.
The Manx cat has four different styles of tails.
- Rumpy: The rumpy lacks a tail and instead has a dimple where the tail should be.
- Rumpy Riser: The rumpy riser has a little bulge that resembles a small tail.
- Stumpy: The stumpy will have a stub of a tail.
- Longy: The longy has an almost full-length tail.
Cymric: The Long-haired Manx Cat
There is also a long-haired Manx (Cymric). They do not, however, have a long tail, only a half one, therefore are not classified a separate breed from the Manx, despite their appearance.
Cymric is classified as a Manx breed due to the fact that they have a half tail. Aside from that, they have long-haired fur, which no other Manx cat has.
Intelligence & Personality Traits of the Manx Cat
The Manx cat is known to be an extremely bright cat, with some of the highest hunting IQs of any domesticated cat. Furthermore, the cat is quite cuddly and non-aggressive.
The fact that these cats are intelligent means that they are exceptionally good at understanding humans. They understand your expressions and commands and, for the most part, listen to you.
They will hunt whatever small game they encounter outside because they are natural hunters. This allows them to follow their instincts, but it can be an issue if you live in an area where there are a lot of squirrels and other small animals.
Because the Manx cat is an exceptional hunter, don’t expect many failed hunts; if they put their mind to it, they will return with a kill.
Aside from having a good hunting IQ, they also like playing a lot. So, if you’re considering about getting a Manx cat, make sure you keep it busy and provide plenty of games for it to play. Manx cats do enjoy being active.
Manx cats are also know for their ability to learn how to open doors.
Because of their affectionate demeanor, they will enjoy cuddling and spending time with their owners. If you are looking for a companion, they are a highly loving cat breed that would make an excellent pet.
The Manx cats are both friendly and intelligent and can make an excellent pet if you have the time for their energy levels. The Manx cat can be trained to be a well-behaved cat, but you must put in the time and effort.
Some Interesting Facts About Manx Cats
While Manx cats aren’t rare, finding an all white Manx cat is.
Manx cats were some of the first cats to be shown. The Cat Fanciers’ Association made the Manx cat one of its founding breeds when it established its first cat show in 1096.
All Manx cats carry the gene for a tail. That means that a tailless mother cat can give birth to kittens with tails.
References
Hankins, J. (2002, November 22). Here endeth the tail. the Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2002/nov/23/weekend.justinehankins
Manx Cat. (n.d.). The Cat Fanciers’ Association. https://cfa.org/manx/
This article was originally written on October 22, 2024 and has since been updated.
