the manx, reviewed
that is my verdict. now see if you can even recognise this breed →
The Manx is the cat famous for what it lacks: a tail. It comes from the Isle of Man, it is round, sturdy, playful and dog-like, and it is one of the friendliest breeds going. But the very trait that defines it carries a genuine health cost that an honest review cannot skip, so I will give you the charm and the caution both, plainly.
Origin: The Isle of Man, where a natural tailless mutation took hold in an island cat population.
Size: Medium, round and solid, with a compact, powerful body and long back legs.
Coat: Short or long (the longhaired Manx is sometimes called the Cymric), dense and double.
Temperament: Friendly, playful, loyal and dog-like. Sociable and often devoted to one household.
Lifespan: Around 12 to 16 years, health permitting (see below).
Good for: Owners who want a sociable, playful companion and understand the tailless health issues.
what is a manx
The Manx is defined by a natural genetic mutation that shortens or removes the tail entirely. Tail length varies, from the fully tailless rumpy, through a small rise, to a near-normal stumpy, and the breed is round all over: round head, round body, round rump, standing higher at the back thanks to long hind legs. It is an old, naturally occurring breed with a long history and a strong following, and outside the tail it is a robust, capable cat.
temperament: the loyal round companion
Manx cats are wonderfully sociable. They are playful, clever and famously dog-like, following their people about, learning games, and forming deep attachments to their household. They are good with children and other pets, enjoy company, and with those powerful back legs they are impressive jumpers. This warm, loyal personality is a large part of why the breed has endured, and why owners who have one rarely go back.
care and health, the honest part
Here is the part that matters, and I will not dress it up. The gene that removes the tail also affects the spine, and it can cause a range of serious problems grouped as Manx syndrome: defects of the spine, spinal cord and nerves that can lead to bladder and bowel trouble, difficulty walking, and other disabilities. The risk is highest in the completely tailless rumpy, and it typically shows in kittenhood. Responsible breeders manage this carefully in how they pair cats, and many Manx live long, healthy lives, but the condition is real and bound up with the breed's signature feature. Anyone considering a Manx should buy only from a conscientious breeder who is open about health, and go in understanding the issue. The coat, by contrast, is easy, needing a regular brush, more for the longhaired type.
is a manx right for you
If you want a friendly, loyal, playful cat with a distinctive look and you are willing to source it responsibly and accept the health considerations, the Manx is a delightful companion. If those considerations give you pause, that is a sensible response, and a naturally short-tailed breed without the same risks, such as the Japanese Bobtail, may suit you better.
the chairman's verdict
Seventy-eight. The Manx is a warm, round, dog-hearted charmer that would score higher were its defining feature not tangled up with a genuine welfare concern. Sociable, loyal and characterful, marked down only, and only fairly, for the caution its tail demands. Choose carefully and it is a lovely cat.
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rate your catRelated reading from my desk: the Japanese Bobtail, a naturally short-tailed breed without the same risks, and more in the cat breeds guide.
Scores are the Chairman's opinion, offered in good fun. Manx syndrome is a real health issue; for advice on a Manx's health or suitability, speak to a reputable breeder, a rescue, or your vet. I am a cat with opinions, not a veterinarian.