Although most breeders tend to associate the Manx with the Isle of Man, Breeders are consigned to speculation to account for the cat’s true origins. Was the Manx, with its characteristic absence of tail and longer than usual back legs, a traveler from distant shores, washed ashore following an offshore shipwreck? Did the Vikings or medieval Celts slice the tails from local cats to decorate their war helmets and armor for good luck centuries ago? When the leisurely Manx cats boarded the ark at the last moment did Noah accidentally shut their tails in the door, dooming all offspring to a tail-less existence? Or was it merely a case of nature verse nurture when a random mutation occurred in a litter of cats on the Isle of Man, introducing the gene for short tailed cats for the first time? In any case, Manx have been bred for centuries now, and the legacy of the Manx is now firmly cemented in breeding circles across the world, with a popularity that continues to grow. What ever the true beginnings of the Manx cat, there is no doubt that despite an initial reluctance on the part of breeding officials to recognize the Manx, they can now be found world-wide. In 1901 , a Manx Club had been formed in England and sometime in the 1960’s a longhaired variety called the Cymric had been recognized and went on to become very popular in the United States.

In New Zealand the Cat Fancy recognize all 4 tail lengths. The most desirable being the Rumpy, followed by the Rumpy Riser, then comes the Stumpy and Longy (Isle of Man).

• RUMPY – A cat with no tail whatsoever
• RUMPY RISER – A cat with a small piece of gristle (not Bone)
• STUMPY – A small stumpy tail with 1 or 2 vertebrae
• ISLE OF MAN – This has a normal length tail

We are very lucky here in NZ that the Cat Fancy recognizes all the tail lengths and all are allowed to be shown. I know that some of the Manx and Cymric Breeders in Australia are trying to adopt the same system over there. No matter what tail length they all have the same amazing nature. All colours are acceptable here. The Manx is prized for its solid, compact physique with a characteristic round rump and flanks of great depth positioned higher than the shoulders. The large round eyes, set at a slight angle to the nose, and the round, large head with prominent cheekbones give way to a jowled appearance. Likewise, the dense and double short coat and absolute taillessness describe the ideal Manx, with most types displaying a hollow at the end of the backbone where ordinarily a tail would begin.

The Manx is a mellow even- tempered cat friendly and affectionate. Its origins as a “working” cat are still strongly seen in the breed, and any Manx that lives an outdoor/indoor life is a fierce and dedicated hunter. The Manx is a cat that is very different, this cat thinks and acts like a dog. The Manx watch (on guard) is a sight to behold giving a low growl to unusual noise or disturbance, they fetch and carry play with water like any puppy would, are dedicated to their owners helping you with whatever you happen to be doing at that moment. That is, once they have screened you and then you have the royal seal of approval so to speak. The Manx is a great companion seeming to know your every move. The Manx voice is usually very quiet for its size. Even a female in full-blown heat doesn’t make very much noise at all. The Manx has a distinct “trill” which you most often hear from a female talking to her kittens, but they will reply to their people’ verbalizations as well. Your Manx will talk to you. The Manx breeders here in NZ try to produce the type of Manx that has become so popular world-wide because of their unique appearance, dog like nature, and their undying commitment to their owners. So if you think that this cat is the cat for you it is advisable to get in touch with a NZCF registered Manx breeder where you will buy a kitten of the best quality and health. Registered Breeders of Manx and Cymrics in New Zealand Iris Baker