Cat Breeds: Manx
“Best-known
for its lack of tail, the Manx is native to the Isle of Man, located between
England & Ireland…
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Though
plump & round, the Manx has a compact body with solid muscles. The most
striking feature of the cat is its small ‘stub’ of a tail, which is classified
into 4 varieties: rumpy, rumpy-riser, stumpy, & longy. Rumpy tops the
popularity charts…these have no tail, with just a dimple present in its place.
Stumpy has a short curved tail while longies… possess a normal tail.
There are
also 2 types of Manx coats: shorthair & longhair (formerly Cymric). The
shorthair’s double coat is glossy & padded, while the longhair has a silky
& plush double coat. There are many different types of accepted color &
varieties, including white, black, brown spotted, silver tabby, & black
tipped.
Curiously,
the Manx has a rabbit-like gait, appearing to hop around rather than walk.
PERSONALITY & TEMPERAMENT
This
fun-loving cat is a great companion. It adjusts easily, bonds well with other
household pets (especially dogs), & enjoys playing fetch & leaping on
high shelves, but will still find time to curl up with you for some snuggling.
HISTORY & BACKGROUND
The
Manx has a long history & has lived on the Isle of Man -- which lies in the
Irish Sea…for centuries. There are several tales of how they first arrived on
the island.
According
to one story, the cat was traveling with the Spanish Armada when it was wrecked
on the Isle of Man in 1588. The cats swam to the island & made it their
home. Another story is that they were brought to the Isle by Phoenician
traders, who arrived from Japan. Others claim that the cat was introduced to
the island by Viking settlers who colonized it.
Inhabitants
of the isle also have many fanciful tales to account for its lack of tail,
which is most often attributed to a spontaneous genetic mutation that occurred
many centuries ago. According to one story, the Manx was a result of a cross
between a cat & a rabbit. Another imaginative tale narrates how Irish
invaders stole the cat’s tail to make plumes for their helmets. Yet another
interesting story suggests that the Manx was brought to Noah’s Ark but since
time was short & as they were the last passengers to climb aboard, Noah
slammed the door on their tails.
According
to early American registry records, the first Manx cats were imported from the
Isle of Man over a century ago, but as demand for the breed grew, breeders
began to rely on Britain & France for new imports.
Though
it is still considered a rare cat, the Manx has Championship status in all
associations.”
Petmd.com
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