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Manx Kittens

Many people confuse the Manx with the British Shorthair due to similarities in their body shape, face and coat. The Manx is a shorthair breed but there is one obvious difference; the Manx has either no tail or a stumpy one. This is the key feature that differentiates the Manx from other similar breeds and a characteristic that many cat fancier's adore. According to the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), the Manx is a more popular breed than the British Shorthair (rankings based on records from 1996).

Manx History

The Manx was first discovered in Britain on the Isle of Man hundreds of years ago. Nobody is really sure how they got there or when exactly but many theories have been invented over the years. One theory suggests the cats were brought over by the Vikings while others like to think they were brought over during the Spanish Armada in the late 1500's. The actual truth is unknown and will probably forever remain a mystery.

Manx cats and kittens have been popular pets for many years but few people knew they existed until the 1900's. In 1901 a group of British Manx enthusiasts formed a club to promote recognition of the breed and since then their popularity has soared. Unfortunately, the breed is extremely rare, especially show quality cats therefore the demand is very high but they are still very hard to get hold of. Many Brits and Americans are big Manx fanciers but few manage to acquire their preferred fury feline friend.

Manx Genetics

It is assumed that when the original Manx cats arrived on the Isle of Man they did in fact have tails. It is thought that the loss of tail was the consequence of a spontaneous mutation caused by a dominant gene. The Manx population on the island was small therefore it would have been easy for the gene to be passed onto many of the offspring.

Manx Appearance

Some Manx cats are born with small tails and they can be of different lengths, they are categorised as Rumpy, Rumpy-Riser, Longy or Stumpy. You might not guess the order but Rumpies are completely tailless Manxes, Rumpy-Risers have a small stump, Stumpies have slightly longer stumps than Rumpy-Risers and Longies have tails almost as long as other breeds. Only Rumpies and Rumpy-Risers are allowed to compete in the Championship Ring. Stumpies can compete in the 'Any other Variety' section.

Manx cats are built solidly, appear powerful and are quite a heavy breed of cat. Their heads are round with medium sized ears and large round eyes. The colour of their eyes conform to the colour of their fur. They have short thick coats that can come in a range of colours. The overall appearance should be rounded and strong.

Manx Character and Personality

Like many cat breeds, the Manx is a playful, loving and loyal cat. Although quite docile they enjoy being active, they are great jumpers and love a garden to play in. They are extremely affectionate to their owners and get on very well with children and other domestic animals. The Manx is a perfect companion and has a fun-loving personality. They can be independent and do not crave too much attention so you can feel assured that your Manx will be ok for the time you are at work or out of the house.

  • Playfulness
  • High
  • Intelligence
  • High
  • Independence
  • Medium
  • Attention Seeking
  • Medium
  • Affectionate
  • High
  • Activeness
  • Medium
  • Friendliness to Children
  • Very High
  • Friendliness to other Pets
  • Very High

    Manx Lifespan

    If there are no genetic defects they can live up to 15 years or even more.

    Average Litter Size

    Normally a quarter of the litter inherits the dominant gene from both parents. For this reason Manx litters tend to be smaller ranging from about 2-4 kittens.

    Manx Recognition

  • Championship Status given by all assosiations.
  • Ranked 16th out of the 36 breeds by the CFA in 1996.
  • User Comments

    Comment by Ross, Friday 22nd August 2008
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    i just lost my smokey a solid black rumpy manx i have has him and his brother for 13 years, his brother a grey and white tabby stumpy named socks is still alive and doing well. i really miss him, but have recently adopted a grey stumpy kitten from the SPCA shelter.
    Comment by Swellup-Stacy, Friday 8th August 2008
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    I have a manx called mansky max, and he is a gorgeous black and white cat.
    Comment by Lana, Monday 28th July 2008
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    I recently just found a manx. He is the cutest thing ever. He has a very small tail, it goes up when hes happy. I think its called a raised rump? Im not quit sure. Still, it is amazing to find one, i mean FIND. Hes perfectly fine, black and white. He has a zero mask, black around the eyes, all the way up to the ears, and around the whole head. Yet, his mouth, and right before his eyes meet, is all white. He also has a black birthmark on the bottom of the left side of his lip. He is so playful, and gets those nasty spiders im terrified of. Hes only about 2 months old, but already were thinking of putting him into a show. Hopefuly you`ll see Zero in a couple years. :]
    Comment by Jess, Friday 18th July 2008
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    I am getting my first manx kitten next week and i only paid £10 for him. He is so small that he can sit in my palm he has little blue eyes and is all black upsept for his little white paws. Manx kittens are cute!!
    Comment by christopher meadows, Monday 7th July 2008
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    Ive got a black manx cat RAMSEY with white paws and chest i got him wen i was 2 so that makes him nearly 21years old which ive been told is quite old for a manx....however i love him so much im startin to wonder weather his quality of life iz been effected because of his age he isnt very quick or alert and he came home about 6months ago wiv a injured bleedin leg we took im to the vets he was treated put on anti biotics and made a recovery and it turned out he had been run over because he has a nasty nack of sittin under cars and goin to sleep but as he has got older he just wont move even wen the engine is turned on so we have been tryin 2 keep im in for his safty.The only time he will come in is if he see's my dog MIA who is a cross between a collie-sheep dog and a springer spaniel-gundog she came from a farm she's only 4years old.I have never seen him show eney other dog i've had so much affection thay genuinly love each other...the cat and dog share beds and kiss and clean each other every day.But in the last 2weeks he has deteriated...he's lost wieght and the leg he's injured 6months ago is causing problems he has only got 3 teeth and there all yellow bless im so its hard for him 2 eat i have to mash his food up or he will walk away from it....i can tell that he's lost more wieght and that he is a bit slower and arthritas has set in and i hate to say it to my self but i think its getin closer to the day...hes booked in on wednesday for the vets and im ready to call it a day if i have to but if something that can be done i will but at the grand age of nearly 21 he has had a long good life and seen most of are other cats and dogs come and go but i think this is the last chapter this story iz for him and the effection he has shown and i dont know if my dog MIA will be ok that shows wat effect these cats have..
    Comment by Phil Free, Sunday 6th July 2008
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    i have a manx cat named midnight. as you can guess by his name he is completely black. several months ago i took him to the vet as he was having problems. the vet informed me that midnight was in the beginning stages of diabetes and his arthritis was getting worse. unfortunately now he has become immobile and sits by his food and water dish, and urinates in the same spot. i have an appointment at the vet for him tomorrow. i am not ready to let him go. he's lived a hardy 20 years, but it hasn't been long enough for me. this was my best friend for many years and was always there for me. i wish i could say i was there for him just as much.
    Comment by Ann-Marie, Thursday 26th June 2008
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    I had a manx kitten for just 4 days, i had to have her put to sleep this afternoon, it broke my heart. she was so loving and affectionate. She was only 7 wks old but she suffered bladder problems, she couldn't let go of it and it was pushing her abdomen, she also had no muscle tone and poor nerves is her backside which made her leak faeces constantly. poor little thing, it was for the best, but i bawled my eyes out :( R.I.P Marlee.
    Comment by Amanda, Sunday 15th June 2008
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    I'm not really sure if I even have a manx cat. But she is black and white and has a stumpy tail, that the cartliged seems to be curled at the end. Her name is Cuddles and she is 9 years old, she can be very loving at time but other times if you even touch her she'll meow and bit you ! My neighbor gave her to me when she was a kitten and told me she was a special breed, how rare are black and white cats with a stumpy tail like hers? Thanks to all who answer me.
    Comment by ODB, Friday 2nd May 2008
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    My wife & I recently rescued what appears to be a 5 wk. old female Manx kitten who is completely black. She fully matches ALL of the breed standards and is the most adorable and affectionate kitten EVER. We were wondering just how rare a completely black Manx kitten is (some of the prices we've seen online are CRAZY). We haven't yet decided whether or not to keep her or possibly sell or adopt her out (my wife works for the local humane shelter). Admittedly, I (the big tough guy with the heart of stone) have quickly become attached to this little cutie, and her to me. Melts my heart because she's got to be near me constantly and loves to sleep on my chest and neck. But, like I said...we were just wondering how rare she might be. Thanks to any and all who answer.
    Comment by Nikki, Monday 17th March 2008
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    I have a 3yr old black and white manx called Charlie. He was only 5 weeks old when i found him abandoned and my vet gave him a 30 per cent chance of surviving the the night. He was on medication for months but he kept improving day by day. My other cats took him under their wings and looked after him, he is truly a fantastic cat. The only thing that worries me is that he will sit in the corner of the living room and meow at the ceiling. Is this normal? Nikki
    Comment by Michele, Saturday 15th March 2008
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    How can I know if two of my cats 5 kittens are Manx, or just have a birth defect? 2 were born without tails. E-Mail-apachetrust@aol.com
    Comment by Kath, Monday 28th January 2008
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    I have a black Manx cat called Muffin. He came from Cat's Protection about three years ago and I absolutely adore him. It is true that they are very affectionate - he is always following my husband and I round! Just be careful not to shut them out of a room - the only bad thing Muffin has ever done is digging at the hall carpet when we shut him out our bedroom! Jesse - I am so sorry to hear about your Manx. That is a very hard decision to have to make.
    Comment by Jesse, Monday 21st January 2008
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    I put my manx Rembrandt to sleep this morning. I have never owned a pet as amazing as him. The breed is incredible. He was SO loving and really made me very happy for almost 9 years. Unfortunately, he suffered from a very sever Urinary blockage. I was able to get that under control but then he developed diabetes about 6 mos. ago, most recently, he was suffering from severe constipation. In the past year, I saw my once lively kitty become rather listless. He slept all the time but still mustered up the energy to cuddle and give kitty kisses. I just couldn't get the diabetes under control and he was in visible pain and discomfort. It was the hardest decision I have ever had to make, but the best for my Rembrandt. He purred until his final breath and fell asleep in my hands. All of the tears I have shed are well worth the years of love and companionship he gave me.
    Comment by cat-fanatic, Sunday 20th January 2008
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    I love manx cats! Expecally the rumpy!
    Comment by Oliver Chong, Tuesday 8th January 2008
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    Saw this site at random and had to comment on the lovely manx cats! A neighbour of my girlfriend had a manx, who had been coming around everyday for the past 4 years, basically since he was a kitten! We called him Jones, after the cat in Alien, and boy, do we miss him! Her neighbours moved a few months ago, and not having Jones around still saddens me! From my experience with Jones, manx cats are in a different class from your average tabby. They don't seem to run around like hooligans when they're kittens and their general demeanour is much more reserved and disciplined compared to your average tabby. They certainly have a charming and slightly aloof personality, and in Jones' case a tremendous affection with my girlfriend and I. Almost dog like in their characteristics, (many can actually play fetch with you), rounded features, and big rabbit like feet, they're becoming rarer to find in the UK, which saddens me somewhat. If I ever want a cat companion, it would have to be the cool manx cats!
    Comment by sandra, Tuesday 18th December 2007
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    I think they are really cute and very nice i would want to have one this christmas.
    Comment by houda, Saturday 24th November 2007
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    your kitten is so cute.i was thinking about what kind of kitten i want.but when i saw your kitten i thought that i should get the same thing.love,houd
    Comment by Caroline, Monday 12th November 2007
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    We've just had our old manx cat put to sleep as he lost control of his back leg and had bad bladder and bowel problems. He also had a gorgeous character but they can have loads of health problems as well. x
    Comment by julie forrest, Wednesday 29th August 2007
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    i fell in love with manx cats 22yrs ago when i first went to the isle of man i have recently lost my little dog ellie i felt so empty and alone she was my best friend my husband has just bought me a manx kitten what a joy he is he's not ellie but he's slowly mending my heart worth waiting 22yrs for
    Comment by Leah, Wednesday 1st August 2007
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    I think it is adorable. It reminds my friends kitten who is the cutest thing in the world.
    Comment by Mego, Wednesday 1st August 2007
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    I recently had to have my 16 year old red tabby manx put to sleep due to renal failure. I am totally hooked on this breed of cat. I am traveling a fair distance and paying a good sum of money to acquire another manx kitty.
    Comment by Oliver, Thursday 19th July 2007
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    Manx cats really are just that little bit smarter than your average domestic cat. A manx friend of ours has visited us everyday for the past three years, since he was a kitten! Their back legs are huge, and look basically like a rabbit's from side on view. The manx's paws are also round, big and furry and their faces are also round and cute to look at! Since they lack a tail as a form of expression ( as used by other cats), they have more facial expressions than your average tabby! Hilarious! Jones cat is friendly, amusing and highly intelligent, he's actually chased my friend in her jeep from a mile away! He actually recognised the car! They are, in my opinion, one of the best domestic cats you can have, since their temperament is so relaxed and playful!!
    Comment by Jean, Tuesday 10th July 2007
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    I recently got manx kitten, when I got him (Manny) he was only 8 weeks old. He was kind of puny, but, now that he has a family and a forever home he has really blossomed and he is beautiful. Very playful at this age 3 months now. I just love him.
    Comment by Sarah, Tuesday 10th July 2007
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    AWW. Minx cats are very cutee!=] I have a minx //I love minx//<3 xoxoxoxox Minx .:M:I:N:X:.
    Comment by Elly, Thursday 28th June 2007
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    I have a wee manx cat, we got her in the pund and at first i thought her tail had been cut of but i found out in the internet that she was a manx, she has these adorable wee back feet that are like a rabbits and a rumpy tail, she is so loyal and affactionate that she follows me about like a dog. Her name is mittens
    Comment by lori braxil, Wednesday 20th June 2007
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    these cats are so cute. how much do they cost. they are beautiful and small they need love.
    Comment by Carol, Saturday 16th June 2007
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    I am now owned by Manx, MacAulay. My first Manx, age 16, died 5 years ago. He too lost control of his hind quarters, it broke my heart, I cried for a month. I could not stand it, went to a breeder I knew & got a year old dock tail that had a contract fall through. He is a darling & he has converted my husband, a Springer man through & through. Manx are beautiful & sweet loving home entertainment centers.
    Comment by Carrie, Wednesday 13th June 2007
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    My dads had a Manx cat since i was little, his names Boo Boo and hes now 13. Just recently hes been acting a little strange and then went missing for 3 days straight. Dad found him on a garden near by and had no use in his legs bar one. Took him to the vets and was told to prepare for the worst. Hes too ill to treat but the vets seem to think hes had a major stroke. Heartbreaking to see, truely is. Can feel tears in my eyes writing this. Has anyone ever experienced this with their Manx?
    Comment by kathryn, Wednesday 13th June 2007
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    awwwwwwww its soo cute mwah
    Comment by Joe, Thursday 31st May 2007
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    Dee, i know exactly what you mean and exactly what you're going thru, we just lost our manx to kidney failure and she was only seven. She meant so much to me and I will miss her greatly. I know she wont be the last manx we have, but she can never be replaced. She was a true friend.
    Comment by alexandra, Friday 20th April 2007
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    they r sooo cute!!!!!!<3
    Comment by lucy cowgill, Tuesday 17th April 2007
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    these cats are so cute and fluffy!!!!how much do they cost?
    Comment by Dee Thayer, Friday 16th March 2007
    I recently got news from our vet that my dearly beloved black Manx cat named "Animal" is in the beginning stages of kidney failure caused by Hyperthyroidism, which has also begun a level 3-5 systolic heart murmur. He is 17 yrs. old and has lived a very full life full of a lot of love and playfullness, yet I feel so much sorrow and heartbreak knowing that my time is limited with him. He's not just a cat, he's part of the family... He was in the house with my husband way before I ever came into the picture too. I know that I can never replace what I have with Animal.. He's the bestest friend that I've ever had and has helped me through so much hardship and sorrow. He's truly a Kitty Angel!! My kids are also very attached to him and his cat sister, Booger smells him and his sickness, she too is showing signs of watching him go slowly... If ever I get another cat, I know I would want another Manx. I've had many, but Manx cats are very loyal and loving creatures with a very easy going and laid back temperament. Manx Cats are the best friends a person can ever ask for... They know you better than you know yourself.. Dee

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