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Cymric, Manx Longhair

Also called Cymric, Manx Longhair, Longhair Manx, Semi-longhair Manx

Checked 2026-09-30 · 5 sources

A quiet, sweet and easy-going cat that bonds closely with one or two people.

Key facts
SizeMedium
Weight3.6 to 5.4 kg (8 to 12 lb)males 4.5 to 5.4 kg, females 3.6 to 5.4 kg123
Lifespan9 to 13 years2
CoatSemi-long, dense, padded double coat
OriginIsle of Man (the Manx bloodline); the longhaired form was developed as a breed by breeders in Canada and the United States from the 1960s314
gentle and placid
affectionate, often doglike (plays fetch)
surprising bursts of agility
12

what they are likeCymric, Manx Longhair temperament

A quiet, sweet and easy-going cat that bonds closely with one or two people. It is smart and loving, not easily ruffled, and many enjoy fetch and interactive games in a way that reminds owners of a dog.12

how to spot oneCymric, Manx Longhair coat and colours

semi-long, dense, padded double coat

A compact, solid, rounded cat that feels heavier than it looks, with a round head, round eyes and a rounded rump that sits higher than the shoulders. Tails range from none at all (rumpy) to short stubs (stumpy) and occasionally full length. The medium-long coat is thick and well padded, growing longer from shoulders to rump, with a collar-like ruff and full britches.123

Colourswhiteblackblueredcreamsilvertortoiseshellcalicotabbysmokechinchillamost colours except chocolate, lavender and pointed (CFA)123

a typical week and yearThe care rhythm

A typical home-care rhythm for a Cymric, Manx Longhair. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery 2 days
  • Deshedding springBrush more while sheddingevery day
  • Nail trimevery 3 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • Litter scoopevery day
  • Litter changeevery week
  • PlayDaily playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year

how busy a day looksCymric, Manx Longhair exercise needs

Moderate. Often content to lounge, then suddenly races around or jumps impressively high; daily play helps.12

the hands-on bitsCymric, Manx Longhair grooming and care

Comb at least weekly with a wide-toothed comb, focusing on the underarms and cheeks where tangles form; brush more often in moulting season. Portion food carefully as they tend to have a hearty appetite.12

where they are happiestCymric, Manx Longhair at home

Indoor home with space to run and high places to jump to.1

what goes in the bowlCymric, Manx Longhair food and feeding

Measured portions of a complete cat food; they enjoy eating and put on weight easily.2

who they like aroundCymric, Manx Longhair with people and other pets

Loves people and forms strong attachments to its family.12

where it all beganCymric, Manx Longhair history

Tailless cats have been recorded on the Isle of Man since the 1500s, and longhaired kittens occasionally appeared among them, possibly from Norse-era longhaired ancestors. In the 1960s breeders in Canada started breeding the longhaired type on purpose, and it became popular from the mid 1970s. Registries differ on whether to call it a breed of its own or a longhaired Manx.31

for the dinner tableFun facts

  1. 1

    Longhaired kittens born on the Isle of Man were once set aside as oddities, until breeders in Canada in the 1960s chose to develop them.3

  2. 2

    Tail types have names: rumpy, rumpy riser, stumpy and longy.3

  3. 3

    With their round shape they are said to look like bowling balls when they run.2

  4. 4

    Manx cats have been registered by the CFA since 1906.1

the story behind itWhere the name comes from

The name Cymric is derived from Cymru, the Welsh or Celtic word for Wales. It was chosen by breeders Blair Wright and Leslie Falteisek, inspired by Wright's grandmother who reported seeing longhaired, tailless cats in Wales.5

for your new friendName ideas

FinnMollyTullochNiamhPippinDougalSaoirseBrambleFionnMaeveRuaTadhg

told by a Cymric, Manx LonghairA day in the life

I wake up slowly, the sun warming my spot on the sofa. My human comes down, and I purr a little hello, then stretch one paw out. After breakfast, I find my favorite toy mouse and carry it to them, dropping it with a soft thump. They throw it, and I race after it, my paws thumping on the floor. Later, I curl up in their lap, kneading gently. In the afternoon, I chase a beam of light along the wall, leaping high. As evening comes, I settle beside them on the couch, my tail wrapped around my paws, content.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

the official bitsRecognised by

CFA
Shown as the longhair division of the Manx, same standard1
TICA
Treated as a Manx variety, not a separate breed3
FIFe
Fully recognised as Cymric, Category 3, code CYM6
CCA-AFC
Recognised as a separate breed3

homemade and simpleTreats they will love

Cymric, Manx Longhair tip

For a Cymric, offer treats sparingly as they tend to gain weight easily, so keep snacks to no more than 10% of daily calories. A tiny bit of plain meat baby food can be a handy, low-calorie training treat, but always check with your vet first.

Source: hillspet.com

All treat recipes for cats

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

the things everyone asksOwner questions

How often should I feed my Cymric, Manx Longhair, and at what times?

Feeding frequency depends on your cat's age and activity level; ask your vet for a personalized schedule. They enjoy eating and can put on weight easily, so measure portions carefully.

What should a Cymric, Manx Longhair eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a complete, balanced cat food in measured portions to prevent weight gain. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA.27

Does a Cymric, Manx Longhair need baths?

Baths are rarely needed; only bathe when your cat is very dirty or sticky, as per general cat care guidelines. Regular brushing keeps their coat clean.8

How often does a Cymric, Manx Longhair need brushing?

Comb at least weekly with a wide-toothed comb, focusing on underarms and cheeks. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every two days and daily deshedding during shedding season.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Cymric, Manx Longhair's claws, and how often?

Trim claws every 10 to 14 days as a general guideline; Pet Wiki's plan suggests every 21 days. Start slowly, trimming just a couple claws per session to keep your cat comfortable.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Cymric, Manx Longhair need?

Daily play is recommended to match their moderate activity level. They enjoy interactive games and fetch, and may suddenly race around or jump high.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Cymric, Manx Longhair's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth daily if possible, or at least every two days as per Pet Wiki's plan. For ears, check weekly and clean gently if needed; ask your vet for specific advice. Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Cymric, Manx Longhair live?

They typically live 9 to 13 years, enjoying a happy indoor life with proper care.2

Is a Cymric, Manx Longhair good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are quiet, sweet, and easy-going, bonding closely with their family. Supervise introductions with children and other pets, and they usually adapt well.12

Can a Cymric, Manx Longhair be left alone?

They form strong attachments and enjoy company, but can be left for reasonable periods with toys and high perches. If you're away often, consider a companion or ask your vet for advice.12

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Sources (5)

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. CFA - Manx cfa.orgused for recognition, weight, coat, colours, temperament, grooming, activity, history
  2. Hill's - Cymric hillspet.comused for weight, lifespan, colours, temperament, grooming, diet
  3. Wikipedia - Cymric cat en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, recognition, weight, tail types, name
  4. Wikipedia - List of cat breeds en.wikipedia.orgused for origin
  5. breeds.tcainc.org breeds.tcainc.org
  6. FIFe - Breeds fifeweb.orgused for recognition
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.