dense double coat, shorthair or longhair; tailless to full-tailed
A compact, rounded cat that feels heavier than it looks, with a round head, large eyes and hind legs longer than the front, giving a raised rump. The double coat has a soft, cottony undercoat under a glossier outer coat, making it feel well padded. Tails range from none at all (rumpy) through a small bump (riser) and short stumps to a near-normal tail (longy); only fully tailless cats are usually shown.231
Coloursmany solid colours including white, black, blue, red and creamsmokes and silversclassic, mackerel, spotted and ticked tabbiestortoiseshell, calico and bi-colourcolourpoint, chocolate, cinnamon, lavender and their dilutes not accepted by CFA/GCCF23
Personality what they are like
Quiet, gentle and smart. Manx often attach strongly to one or two people and are known for dog-like habits such as fetching and joining in games. They are patient with children, usually get along with other pets, and pair relaxed lounging with sudden bursts of playful energy.231
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. Spends plenty of time relaxing but has spurts of play; strong hind legs make it a powerful, fast jumper, so it enjoys high places and chase games.23
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Shorthairs need a comb or brush only two or three times a month; longhairs (Cymric) need weekly combing with a wide-toothed comb, especially under the legs and along the sides of the face. Extra grooming helps during seasonal shedding. Bathing is rarely needed.23
Home where they are happiest
Enjoys vertical space to leap onto; adapts to family homes with other pets.23
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Like every cat, an obligate carnivore that does best on a complete, balanced cat food suited to its age and activity level, with fresh water always available. GCCF advises kitten food for the first year.3
Company who they like around
Bonds closely with its family, gets on with other pets including dogs, and tends to avoid conflict.23
The story where it all began
The Manx comes from the Isle of Man, where visiting sailors noted tailless cats as early as the 1500s. A natural mutation spread among the island's cats, and folk tales blame everything from Noah's Ark to Viking raiders for the missing tails. Manx were shown in Britain from the 1880s, had a written standard by 1903 and were among the first breeds CFA registered in 1906.231
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
A Manx named Stubbs was honorary mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska, from 1997 until 2017.3
2
The Isle of Man has featured the Manx cat on its coins since 1970, as well as on stamps.1
3
Manx were valued as farm cats and ship's cats thanks to their rodent-catching skill.1
4
Fans jokingly call the breed a 'bowling ball with fur' because of its round shape.2
5
Tail types have their own names: rumpy, rumpy riser, stumpy and longy.1
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed name comes from the Isle of Man, a small island in the Irish Sea where these tailless cats originated and were first recorded by visiting sailors in the sixteenth century.4
Famous ones stars of the breed
Bonnag A female Manx cat from Douglas, Isle of Man, whose genome was sequenced as part of the Manx Cat Genome Project to study taillessness and associated health issues.5
This morning I woke up on the sunny windowsill, stretched my strong hind legs, and gave my human a head-bump. After breakfast, I fetched my toy mouse three times, my human laughed every time. Then I climbed to the top of the cat tree to survey my kingdom. In the afternoon, I joined the kids for a gentle game of hide-and-seek behind the curtains. Later, I curled up on my favorite lap for a long nap. As the sun set, I chased a dust bunny across the floor, then settled in for bedtime purrs. A perfect, ordinary day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
CFA
Registered since CFA began in 1906; shorthair and longhair divisions2
A typical home-care rhythm for a Manx. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayDaily playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Manx tip
Manx cats do well on a grain-free, meat-based wet diet, and many owners find that meal feeding twice a day helps keep their round shape healthy rather than overweight. Always ask your vet before adding any supplements or changing your cat's diet.
These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.
You need
1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
1 egg, beaten
250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
Extra water as needed
How
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
Allow to cool completely before storing.
How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Manx, and at what times?
Feeding times vary by age and lifestyle; ask your vet or a good breeder for a schedule. Your Manx needs a complete balanced cat food and fresh water always.3
What should a Manx eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A Manx should eat a complete balanced cat food suited to its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods such as chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, xylitol, and raw meat or bones. Always provide fresh water.37
Does a Manx need baths?
Baths are rarely needed for a Manx. Only bathe if the coat is very dirty or sticky, as per general cat care guidance.238
How often does a Manx need brushing?
For a shorthair Manx, brushing two or three times a month is usually enough; longhairs need weekly combing. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days to keep the coat healthy. Extra grooming during shedding helps.23Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Manx's claws, and how often?
Trim your Manx's claws carefully with a cat nail trimmer, avoiding the quick. Furry Diary's plan suggests every 21 days, while general guidance recommends every ten days to two weeks. Start slowly with one or two claws per session.8Pet Wiki plan
How much play does a Manx need?
A Manx has moderate activity needs with bursts of playful energy. Furry Diary's starting plan recommends daily play sessions, including chase games and access to high places for jumping.23Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Manx's teeth and ears?
For teeth, Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every two days, with daily brushing being ideal. Ear care varies; ask your vet for a routine check during regular visits. Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Manx live?
A Manx typically lives 12 to 14 years with good care.3
Is a Manx good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Manx is known for being patient with children and usually gets along well with other pets, including dogs. They form strong bonds with their family.231
Can a Manx be left alone?
Manx cats bond closely with their family and may prefer company. How long they can be left alone depends on the individual cat; ask your vet or a good breeder for advice.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Cymric, Manx Longhair
Japanese Bobtail
Kurilian Bobtail
American Bobtail
British Shorthair