The Manx Kitten

A Manx kitten is a rare and loveable ball of energy. The Manx breed has tons of personality and enjoy being with their owners. Known for being tailless, the Manx breed is a diverse in appearance. However, no matter if tailed or tailless, short or long-haired, Manx kittens are truly wonderful companions.

The Manx breed comes from the Isle of Mann located in the Irish Sea. Their lack of tail results from a natural genetic mutation. They are a natural breed. It is unknown exactly how the breed landed on the Isle of Mann. And there are many stories and tales about how the kittens originated. One tale has it that Manx felines derived from British shorthairs.

Physical Appearance

Contrary to popular belief not all Manx cats are born completely without tails (also known as “rumpies”). “Risers” are Manx cats that have one to two vertebrae. “Stubbies” have three to four vertebrae. And there are even Manx cats with regular full-length tails. With or without tails, they are still part of the Manx family.

In addition, Manx felines can have short or long hair. Again, this is the result of genetic variation. Long-haired Manx cats are also referred to as Cymrics. Short haired Manx felines have thick double coats. Long-haired Manx cats have thick flowing coats.

Manx bodies are short in length and stocky in frame. Overall, they have a shorter body length than most other breeds. Colors

Manx coats have a range of colors: calico, solids, and tortoise shell. However, color points similar to Siamese kittens are not accepted colors.

Temperament

Manx felines have a dog-like personality. Like dogs, they can be leash trained, tolerate water, and are incredibly intelligent. As a breed, the Manx tend to be playful and have a natural affinity for children. When communicating with their owners, Manx cats are gentle and quiet. Expect soft thrills as opposed to loud meows. A tailless Manx loves to climb and explore and are quite agile even with a tail.

Care

Manx care really depends on the individual feline. Short-haired Manx kittens can get by with simple regular combing or brushing. Maybe the occasional bath is required if the kitten is excessively soiled or performing in a cat show. Long-haired kittens obviously need more grooming. Be sure to comb through the fur every other day to remove knots and tangles.

Development

Manx litters tend to be relatively small. There is usually about 2-4 kittens per litter. There is speculation that the gene that causes Manx felines to be tailless is actually the cause of their death while in the womb. It is thought that kittens that get the tailless gene from both parents are more likely to die in utero. Kittens that have inherited the gene from one parent are at less risk for intra-uterine death. However, Manx kittens that are born alive still face potential health concerns.

Health Issues

Manx felines are prone to quite a few health problems due to their overall body stature, lack of tail, and genetic predisposition.

1. Manx Syndrome
   
   Manx syndrome is a series of medical problems that are genetic in origin. Small, short spines can cause serious life-threatening problems in Manx kittens. With Manx syndrome, kittens are born with issues such as:
   • Urinary/fecal incontinence
   • Death in the womb
   • Problems with mobility
   • Rectal prolapse
   • Spina bifida

     Feline breeds born without tails are prone to developing spina bifida. Spina Bifida is a congenital defect that results in the incomplete closure of the spinal column. Spinal vertebrae that are supposed to cover the spinal cord are not present. It’s common to see kittens with spina bifida demonstrate poor strength in their back legs.

     Kittens with spina bifida also have high rates of spinal infections due to the lack of bone and tissue protection in the area. There is little treatment for spina bifida and the kittens may need to be euthanized.

   
   
2. Deafness

   Manx cats with white coats are prone to congenital deafness.
   
   

Remember…regardless or tail length or size a Manx kitten makes an affectionate and loving pet.

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