The Manx cat is an extremely rare breed of cat. Manx cats love humans. They are affectionate. And have outgoing social personalities. Here are three fast facts about Manx cats.
These cats are highly intelligent. And get along well with their owners and other cats. They are also easy to train. For example, the Manx can go for a walk with a collar or harness and leash. They can even learn to fetch. And are much easier to train than other cats. Sometimes they greet their owners at the door. And they have been known to serve as “watchcats.” They alert their owners of any threats. And protect from rats, mice and unfriendly people.
Manx are a unique and rare kind of cat. A purebred would cost about $500 to $600 from a breeder with papers. A manx kitten with rare color combinations, like authentic white, could cost thousands of dollars.
1. Manx Cats Originated in the Isle of Man
The Manx cat species was first discovered on The Isle of Man, which is a British island in the Irish Sea. These cats are descendents of the British Shorthair cat. And the result was genetic inbreeding.
Hundreds of years ago, the genetic mutation took place. Kittens were being born without the vertebrae that naturally forms a cats’ tail. And the manx was separated by geography from other cats. So the tailless cat became more predominant on the Isle of Man.
Some local legends developed. One of the most told stories was that the manx had lost its tail when Noah had accidently closed the door of the Arc.
On the Isle of Man, the Manx is still considered a sacred animal. Everyone on the native shores loves the Manx. It’s featured on the currency, stamps, and merchandise sold in local shops.
2. A Tailless Cat
Not all Manx cats are tailless. Kittens can be born tailless (rumpies or rumpy risers). They can also have short curvy tails (stumpy) and almost full-length tails (longy) . Kittens with each of these tail lengths can be born into the same litter. But only the tailless (stumpy) is considered a championship or “show” cat.
Manx cats have one full-tail gene and one tailless gene. Unfortunately, kittens that inherit a tailless gene from each parent usually die before they are born. The Manx gene is also known as “the lethal gene.”
3. Manx Cats Often Have Fragile Health
Even when “the lethal gene” is inherited from only one parent, it can create health issues. Having too few vertebrae in their spines can cause a set of health problems known as “Manx Syndrome”. Most of their ongoing health issues are a result of birth defects of their spine.
This syndrome affects about 20 percent of mainly rumpie cats. And it can be diagnosed when a kitten reaches 4 months old. In some cases, the nerve endings are exposed where their tail is missing.
Manx often suffer painful symptoms which include cat spina bifida, incontinence, constipation or even lameness. Sometimes they have problems with their hind legs. Along with Manx Syndrome these cats suffer from arthritis. And they can develop cornea or other eye problems.
