Is The Manx Cat Good For You?
- 1Manx cats are unique for having little or no tail due to a natural mutation.
- 2The Manx was always a highly desirable cat because of their strong hunting skills which made them top mousers.
- 3The Manx cat is susceptible to spinal issues relating to the shortness of the tail.
HISTORY
The Manx is a breed that can trace their origin back hundreds of years, back to a small island in the Irish Sea known as the Isle of Man. If the myths surrounding these cats are to be believed, they first arrived on the island after a Viking ship, carrying cats to help keep the ship free of vermin, was marooned on the island, where their Norwegian longhaired forest cats bred with the shorthaired cats native to the island. Regardless of where they came from, this cat has been an invaluable working cat for the people of Man for years.
Quick Facts
Size
Medium, Large
Lifespan
10 - 12 years
Hair Length
Short
Litter Size
An average of 5 kittens
Male Weight
9 - 13 pounds
Female Weight
7 - 11 pounds
Personality
The Manx is a smart, dog-like breed that is known for their loyalty and love of play. Getting along great with everyone in the family, from kids to other pets, these cats are always up for a game. Also a wonderful hunting cat, they dont need any help taking out anything they consider prey, whether it is a mouse, a bug, or a bag of catnip. A great jumper, this cat can get everywhere!.
Color
The Manx can come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Health Concerns
Manx syndrome is the most common disease affecting this breed. This can result in:
- spinal defects
- bowel dysfunction
- bladder dysfunction
Appearance
The Manx is a fairly compact breed, especially if they are one of the Manxes born without a tail, as is quite common with this breed. Their hind legs are incredibly powerful, giving them the ability to propel them at great speeds and launch them through the air. Their face is similar to that of a domestic shorthair, with a medium length muzzle and wide eyes. They can either be long or short haired, and in general they weigh somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 pounds.