Manx Cat

A Manx cat is most well known for its short tail or stub or complete lack of a tail. This is due to a natural mutation of the spine, which has varying results. Some Manx cats have an almost normal length tail while others have none at all. They can be short haired or long haired and have hind legs that are longer than their front legs. As a result, a Manx cat has somewhat rounded hind quarters.

Manx cats are an intelligent and playful breed. The love to play and are quite capable of learning tricks. They like to chase things, whether it is their human companions, other animals, or a leaf flying by. They also grow very attached to their owners so leaving a Manx cat on its own is not a good idea. They like to be with humans and tend to create bonds with their owners.

Manx kittens are classified into one of four categories. A Manx kitten can be labeled as a Dimple Rumpy or Rumpy, meaning that they have no tail at all. If they are called a Riser or Rumpy Riser it means that they have a little bit of cartilage or a couple vertebrae that twitches occasionally when they are happy or excited. A Stumpy Manx kitten has a partial tail and a Tailed or Longy kitten has a complete or near complete tail.

Many potential owners worry about what to do if the have a Manx cat and a health problem arises. This is less common that it once was and most pedigreed Manx cat health is the same or similar to other cats. They often live to their mid to late teens. The one problem that does still occasionally occur is Manx Syndrome. This is what results when the tailless gene that is common in all cats causes the tail to be shortened by too much. It sometimes results in spina bifida and causes nerve problems. As well, as a result, possible Manx cat health issues may include bowel, bladder, and digestive issues.

If you are looking for somewhere to purchase a Manx cat, it is best to look to reputable Manx cat breeders. A Manx kitten for sale through a pet store is often sold too young. Manx cats for sale should be around four months old. This allows them to be properly socialized and it allows for any health problems to be recognized before they are placed in homes. Where ever you look for Manx kittens for sale, make sure you are provided with adequate information about their physical condition and the lineage of their parental line. Having this information is valuable to the veterinarian that is treating them and may cause less problems in the future.