Manx

By 1000 Ventures · Last reviewed

A round, sturdy cat that is born with no tail or only a stub.

A Manx cat sitting, full body
Size
Medium
Weight
8 to 12 lb (3.6 to 5.4 kg)
Lifespan
9 to 13 years
Coat
Short and double (the long-haired version is the Cymric)
Colors
All colors and patterns
Origin
Isle of Man, between Britain and Ireland
90% of the time, our scanner puts a Manx in its top three. It names it first 67% of the time. How we tested

What does a Manx look like?

Manx cats are known for having no tail at all ('rumpy'), a small rise of bone ('riser'), a short stub ('stumpy') or, sometimes, a nearly full tail. The hind legs are longer than the front legs, so the rump sits higher than the shoulders, and the whole cat looks round, from the head to the deep chest.

Manx personality

Manx cats are playful, smart and loyal. They often run with a hopping gait and enjoy games of fetch.

How to care for a Manx

Brush weekly. The gene that removes the tail can also affect the spine, so a good breeder screens for Manx syndrome.

How do I know if my cat is a Manx?

Taillessness from birth, a round body and a high rump point to a Manx. Many cats lose their tails to accidents or have short, kinked tails, and those are house cats. Our scanner often reads tailless tabbies as house cats.

A photo can only tell you what your cat looks like. Pedigree papers from a breeder, or a cat DNA test, are the only ways to prove a breed. For a quick first answer, upload a photo to our free cat breed identifier. It compares your cat with 31 breeds and the ordinary house cat and shows the three closest matches.

Curious which breed your own cat looks like? Upload one photo to the free cat breed identifier and see the three closest matches in seconds.

Identify my cat

Breeds that look like the Manx

American Bobtail American BobtailA sturdy, wild-looking cat with a naturally short tail about a third to half the usual length. House cat House catA mixed-breed cat, called a domestic shorthair or longhair. Most pet cats in the world are house cats, not purebreds. British Shorthair British ShorthairA round, calm cat with chubby cheeks, copper eyes and a thick, plush coat.

Or browse all 31 cat breeds side by side.

Frequently asked questions

Is every tailless cat a Manx?
No. Cats can lose a tail to injury or have a short tail from other genes. A Manx is born tailless and has a round body with a high rump.
What is Manx syndrome?
A spinal problem linked to the tailless gene that can affect the hind legs, bladder and bowel. Responsible breeders screen for it.

What breed is your cat?

Upload one photo and the free cat breed identifier shows the three closest breeds in seconds, or tells you it is a classic house cat.

Identify my cat