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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Manx cat

The Manx cat is a breed of domestic cat known for its naturally short tail or complete lack of one.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Manx cat is a breed of domestic cat known for its naturally short tail or complete lack of one. It originated on the Isle of Man and is associated with a mutation affecting tail length. The breed is also recognized for its rounded body shape and longer hind legs.

Origin and history

The Manx cat is associated with the Isle of Man, where tailless cats have been known for centuries. Sources describe it as an ancient natural breed that developed from a mutation in the island population.

Physical characteristics

Manx cats are medium-sized, compact cats with a rounded appearance, short back, and longer hind legs. Their most notable trait is a very short tail or no visible tail at all.

Coat and varieties

The breed is usually short-haired, but the long-haired variety is known as the Cymric. Manx cats may appear in many coat colours and patterns.

Genetics and health

The breed’s tail length is linked to a naturally occurring mutation that became established in the island population. Breed sources note that tail length can vary, and that extreme forms of the gene can be associated with serious health issues in some cats.

Key facts

  • The Manx is a domestic cat breed that originated on the Isle of Man.
  • Its best-known feature is taillessness or a very short tail caused by a natural mutation.
  • Manx cats typically have a rounded head, compact body, and longer hind legs than front legs.
  • The breed includes both short-haired Manx and long-haired Cymric cats.
  • Not all Manx kittens are born completely tailless; tail length can vary.
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Canadian context

Manx cats are kept in Canada as a recognized cat breed and are of interest to Canadian cat fanciers and breed registries, but the breed itself has no uniquely Canadian origin or history.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Manx cat?
A Manx cat is a domestic cat breed from the Isle of Man, best known for its short tail or lack of a tail.
Why do Manx cats have no tails?
Their taillessness is caused by a naturally occurring genetic mutation that affected the island cat population.
Are all Manx cats completely tailless?
No. Sources note that Manx kittens may be born tailless, short-tailed, or with longer tails.
What does a Manx cat look like?
A Manx is usually compact and rounded, with a short back, broad chest, and hind legs that are slightly longer than the front legs.
What is a Cymric cat?
The Cymric is the long-haired variety of the Manx cat.
Where did the Manx cat originate?
The breed originated on the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, between Britain and Ireland.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manx_cat
    Supports: General description of the breed, origin, and physical traits
  2. GCCF — https://www.gccfcats.org/getting-a-cat/choosing/cat-breeds/manx/
    Supports: Origin on the Isle of Man and natural mutation causing taillessness
  3. Vetstreet — https://www.vetstreet.com/cats/manx
    Supports: Body type, coat, and long-haired Cymric variety
  4. TICA — https://tica.org/breed/manx/
    Supports: Breed standard traits, tail variation, and general appearance
  5. FIFe — https://fifeweb.org/cats/breeds/manx/
    Supports: Breed origin, taillessness, coat, and general temperament
  6. Omlet — https://www.omlet.us/breeds/cats/manx/
    Supports: Natural gene mutation and loss of tail vertebrae