Manx Cat: Size, Temperament, Tail Types & Health

The Manx is a round, compact cat with high hind legs and, most famously, no tail. The CFA jokingly calls them a "furry bowling ball" that sometimes rolls away unexpectedly—after lying quietly all evening, they can reach the top of the refrigerator in a single bound. This historic breed originates from the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, and their taillessness is both their charm and a major responsibility for breeders. In this cat breed guide profile, you will discover the Manx cat's history, tail types, health risks, appearance, and temperament.

Origin	Isle of Man (Irish Sea)
Recognition	FIFe since 1949; CFA registered since its founding
Weight	males 10–12 lbs, females 8–10 lbs
Body	short, round, deep flanks, heavier than it appears
Legs	hind legs longer, rump higher than shoulders
Head	round, round cheeks, large round eyes
Coat	short, dense, double coat; longhaired variety is the Cymric
Tail	ranging from none (rumpy) to normal length (longy)
Colors	almost all colors

The Manx originates from the Isle of Man

Tailless cats, known locally as stubbin, were already recognized as Isle of Man cats by the early 19th century; the CFA notes that sailors visiting the island described them as far back as the 16th century. Like all domestic cats, they descend from the African wildcat brought over from the mainland. Their taillessness was caused by a spontaneous dominant mutation that spread across the island due to limited genetic diversity—a classic example of the founder effect. A significant number of tailless cats still live on the island today, though their proportion is declining.

Many later legends were invented to explain the missing tail: that the cat was late to Noah's Ark and the door slammed on its tail, that it swam ashore from a wrecked Spanish Armada ship, or that it is a hybrid of a cat and a rabbit. All of these are genetically impossible. Manx cats have been exhibited in cat shows since the late 19th century, and the first unofficial standard was published in 1903 by Charles Henry Lane. The Manx was among the first breeds recognized by the CFA, and FIFe has recognized it since its inception in 1949. The CFA suggests that the longhair gene may have been introduced to the island by the ancestors of the Norwegian Forest Cat, brought over by Vikings.

Tail types: from rumpy to longy

The most defining feature of the Manx is its tail length, which can vary significantly even among kittens in the same litter. Kittens are classified by their tail type, and the relative length does not change after birth:

Type	Tail	In Shows
Rumpy	completely missing, sometimes just a dimple or tuft of hair	yes
Rumpy riser	a bump of cartilage under the coat	usually yes
Stumpy	fused vertebrae, up to about 1 inch	depends on the registry
Stubby	short, up to half a normal tail	no
Longy	half to normal length	no

Fully tailed purebred Manx cats do not carry the dominant tailless gene and therefore cannot pass it on, but they are incredibly valuable for breeding programs. Tail docking in kittens, a practice once used to make cats look more "authentic," is now banned in many countries and heavily frowned upon by reputable breeders.

Health: Manx syndrome and responsible breeding

The gene that suppresses the tail is not harmless. Kittens that inherit two copies of the gene die before birth, which means breeding two tailless cats together reduces litter sizes and increases the risk of severe birth defects. Tailless cats can also suffer from Manx syndrome—a condition involving hind leg dysfunction, as well as bladder and bowel issues, caused by deformities in the lower spine. These symptoms typically appear by 4 months of age, which is why responsible breeders keep kittens longer before placing them in new homes and regularly use fully tailed Manx cats in their programs to maintain a healthy, diverse gene pool.

In the United States, ethical breeding practices are strongly emphasized by registries like the CFA and TICA to prevent the propagation of extreme physical traits that compromise animal welfare. While there are no nationwide federal bans on breeding tailless cats, reputable breeders voluntarily adhere to strict health testing protocols. They carefully track pedigrees and avoid pairing two completely tailless cats to minimize the risk of spinal defects. Responsible Manx breeding today relies heavily on genetic diversity and prioritizing the overall health of the cat over extreme show features.

Appearance: round, compact, and rabbit-like

The Manx is a medium-sized cat with a broad chest, deep flanks, and a solidly muscular but not fat or blocky build. The body is short, and when picked up, the cat feels surprisingly heavy. The hind legs are longer than the front legs, causing the rump to sit higher than the shoulders. A continuous arch runs from the shoulders to the rump, giving the cat a distinctively round appearance that is sometimes compared to a rabbit. The head is round with full cheeks, and the ears are fairly large, wide at the base, and rounded at the tips. The eyes are large and round, with the outer corners set slightly higher than the inner corners.

The shorthaired variety has a dense, double coat featuring a soft undercoat and longer, coarser guard hairs. The longhaired version—known as the Cymric—has a semi-long, silky coat with full "britches," a neck ruff, and tufts of hair between the toes. The original island cats were mostly orange, cream, and bicolor, but today, due to outcrossing, almost all colors and patterns can be found.

Temperament: calm, loyal, and dog-like

Manx cats are affectionate and highly intelligent. They typically bond strongly with one or two family members, meaning they may take a little time to warm up to strangers. They love playing fetch and engaging in interactive games, earning them a reputation for being "dog-like." They generally get along well with dogs and other cats. The CFA notes that Manx cats are patient with children—if squeezed too tightly, they are more likely to use their powerful hind legs to push away and escape rather than attack. They are vocal but not loud, communicating with sweet trills, chirps, and head bumps. Historically valued as excellent hunters, they were popular choices for farmers and sailors on ships.

Care

• Coat: Brush shorthairs 2 to 3 times a month, and Cymrics weekly, paying special attention to the armpits and the sides of the face to prevent matting.
• Veterinary care: Monitor their gait, urination, and bowel movements closely, as issues in these areas are often the first signs of spinal problems.
• Activity: Provide tall cat trees and jumping games to satisfy their natural athleticism.

How to choose a Manx kitten

Manx cats are relatively uncommon, so finding a reputable breeder in the US may require some patience. Always ask the breeder about any history of Manx syndrome in their lines and whether they incorporate fully tailed cats into their breeding program. It is best to bring a kitten home after they are 4 months old, as any severe spinal issues will usually have surfaced by then. If you are not looking for a show cat, consider a stumpy or fully tailed Manx—they have the exact same wonderful personality. When buying a kitten, ensure the breeder provides a contract, health guarantees, CFA or TICA registration papers, and proof of veterinary care. Microchipping is also highly recommended by US veterinarians to keep your pet safe, as detailed in our guide introduction.

You can find other short-tailed breeds in the profiles for the Kurilian Bobtail, Japanese Bobtail, American Bobtail, and Pixie-Bob.