Manx

Isle of Man · centuries old · Spine risk

Tailless, round and dog-like — choose the breeder carefully

SizeMedium7–13 lb
Life span12–14 years
CoatShort or long
Typical price$800–$2,000

Manx cats come from the Isle of Man and are born with no tail or a short stump. They have a round body and long back legs that give them a rabbit-like hop. The long-haired version is called the Cymric.

At a glance

EnergyModerate
Cuddlylikes touch and being heldFriendly
TalkativeQuiet
GroomingEasy
SheddingHeavy
With kidsGreat
With petsLoves company
Alone timehow long they’re happy aloneHalf a day

Life with a Manx

They are playful, loyal and often dog-like: they follow you, play fetch and get along with family members and pets. They are strong jumpers despite their short body.

Great for
  • Families with kids
  • Multi-pet homes
  • People who want a playful, loyal cat
Think twice if
  • The breeder lets kittens go before about 4 months
  • You couldn’t afford care for a possible spine problem
Before you buy

Choose a breeder who never breeds two tailless (rumpy) cats together and keeps kittens until about 4 months, when Manx syndrome usually shows.

Care tips
  • Brush weekly (twice a week for the Cymric).
  • Watch litter habits — accidents can signal a spine problem.
  • Keep them lean.

Health

The tailless gene can cause Manx syndrome: spina bifida with bowel and bladder problems. Two tailless parents can’t be bred safely. Arthritis in the tail stump also occurs.

Ask the breeder for
  • Ask how many kittens in past litters had Manx syndrome
  • Kittens should stay with the breeder until about 4 months
  • Vet check of the spine and litter habits
Typical US price$800–$2,000
RegistriesCFA · TICAAsk for both parents’ papers

Prices are rough ranges from registered breeders and vary by line, color and region. A much cheaper “purebred” kitten is a common scam sign.

See Manx kittens

Similar breeds

American BobtailCuddly · Great with kidsJapanese BobtailVery active · Needs companyBritish ShorthairCalm · Independent
Compare with similar breeds

Sources: breed standards and profiles from CFA and TICA, DNA tests listed by the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, and veterinary breed profiles.