Manx

The Manx is a tailless domestic cat breed that arose naturally on the Isle of Man before the eighteenth century.

Island residents documented short-tailed mousers in local accounts for hundreds of years, referring to tailless individuals as rumpies and short-tailed cats as stubbins. A spontaneous mutation in the brachyury gene produced the shortened tail, which spread through the isolated island population. Fanciers began exhibiting Manx cats in English competitive shows during the late 1800s, leading to the publication of the first written breed standard in 1903. The Cat Fanciers' Association listed the Manx among its founding breeds upon formation in 1906, while the Federation Internationale Feline and The International Cat Association also recognize the breed.

Typical specimens display a compact body weighing 3.6-5.4 kg (8-12 lb). Distinctive physical traits include a round head, prominent cheeks, a deep chest, and hindquarters that stand noticeably higher than the shoulders. Tail expression ranges from total taillessness with a hollow dimple at the spine to short stubs or full tails. The thick double coat feels plush and comes in shorthaired and longhaired Cymric varieties. Breed standards depict the Manx as calm, highly intelligent, affectionate, and devoted to human companions. The cats often learn retrieval games and vocalize with quiet chirping sounds.

Weekly brushing removes loose fur from the double coat, though shedding seasons benefit from more frequent attention. Care routines also require periodic nail clipping and ear inspections to remove grime. Health problems associated with the breed include Manx syndrome, sacrocaudal dysgenesis, spina bifida, urinary and fecal incontinence, arthritis of the lower spine, and corneal dystrophy.