Manx Cat

History
The Manx breed is thought to be originated before 1700s, on the Isle of Man. The cats of this breed are known as "stubbin" in the Manx language. Tailless cats were common on the island around three hundred years ago. The tailless trait arises from a genetic mutation that became common on the island. It is believed that the Manx cats were aboard a ship of the Spanish Armada, which was wrecked on the Isle of Man. These cats swam and reached the Isle. Another theory is that these cats came with the Viking settlers, who colonized the Isle of Man. It is believed that these cats were found with normal tails, when they first reached the Isle. However, a spontaneous genetic mutation resulted in tailless breed.

There are various legends related to the tailless Manx. According to one of them, Noah closed the door of the ark when it began to rain and unintentionally cut off the Manx's tail. Another legend claims that the Manx is the litter of a cat and a rabbit; that's why it has no tail and long hind legs. They even move or jump like a rabbit. In 1901, the first Manx club was formed by British fanciers. The Manx reached America in early 20th century and were even noted in early American cat registry records.

Appearance
Manx are medium-sized, plump, well muscled cats. They have a sturdy bone structure. They are round headed with prominent cheeks and well-developed muzzle. Manx cats come in variety of colors and patterns, although the pointed or Himalayan pattern is not accepted in cat associations. The hind legs of a Manx are generally longer than the front legs, which create an arch from shoulders to rump, giving the cat a rounded appearance. Manx kittens are usually classified according to their tail length. The ideal show Manx is the rumpy; the short or tailed Manx do not meet the criteria to be shown.

Some cat dealers even have been known to cut off the tails of normal kittens and sell them as Manx. Manx cats are found in two coat lengths: short-haired Manx and long-haired Manx. The long-haired Manx are also known as the Cymric, which has a double coat of medium length with silky-texture. The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) considers the Cymric as a variety of Manx and judges it in the category of short-hair, while The International Cat Association (TICA) judges it in the long-hair category. Either short or long-haired, all Manx have a thick double-layered coat.

Personality
Manx cats make great household companions and are very famous as pets. They are intelligent, active and fun-loving cats, and are strongly bonded with their owners. They are fascinated by water. Manx are exceptional jumpers because of their powerful back legs. The Manx are said to be skilled hunters, even from their young age.

Genetic Defects
Manx Syndrome is a formal name given to the condition which results when the mutant tailless gene shortens the spine of the cat too much. It can seriously damage the spinal cord and the nerves, causing spina bifida as well as problems with the bowels, bladder, and digestion. This breed is also predisposed to rump fold intertrigo and corneal dystrophy.