Pet Wiki

Manx

Also called Manks (older spelling), Kayt Manninagh, Kayt cuttagh, Stubbin, Rumpy

Quiet, gentle and smart.

SizeMedium
Weight3.5 to 5.5 kg (8 to 12 lb)males 4.5 to 5.5 kg, females 3.5 to 4.5 kg123
Lifespan12 to 14 years1
CoatDense double coat, shorthair or longhair; tailless to full-tailed
OriginIsle of Man, in the Irish Sea, where a natural tailless mutation spread through the island's native cats.23
Recognised breedShort profile
loyal, dog-like companion
gentle and patient with children
skilled hunter and superb jumper
31

Personality what they are like

Quiet, gentle and smart. Manx often attach strongly to one or two people and are known for dog-like habits such as fetching and joining in games. They are patient with children, usually get along with other pets, and pair relaxed lounging with sudden bursts of playful energy.312

Coat and looks how to spot one

dense double coat, shorthair or longhair; tailless to full-tailed

A compact, rounded cat that feels heavier than it looks, with a round head, large eyes and hind legs longer than the front, giving a raised rump. The double coat has a soft, cottony undercoat under a glossier outer coat, making it feel well padded. Tails range from none at all (rumpy) through a small bump (riser) and short stumps to a near-normal tail (longy); only fully tailless cats are usually shown.312

Coloursmany solid colours including white, black, blue, red and creamsmokes and silversclassic, mackerel, spotted and ticked tabbiestortoiseshell, calico and bi-colourcolourpoint, chocolate, cinnamon, lavender and their dilutes not accepted by CFA/GCCF31

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

  • Brushingevery week
  • 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

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. Spends plenty of time relaxing but has spurts of play; strong hind legs make it a powerful, fast jumper, so it enjoys high places and chase games.31

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Shorthairs need a comb or brush only two or three times a month; longhairs (Cymric) need weekly combing with a wide-toothed comb, especially under the legs and along the sides of the face. Extra grooming helps during seasonal shedding. Bathing is rarely needed.31

Home where they are happiest

Enjoys vertical space to leap onto; adapts to family homes with other pets.31

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Like every cat, an obligate carnivore that does best on a complete, balanced cat food suited to its age and activity level, with fresh water always available. GCCF advises kitten food for the first year.1

Company who they like around

Bonds closely with its family, gets on with other pets including dogs, and tends to avoid conflict.31

The story where it all began

The Manx comes from the Isle of Man, where visiting sailors noted tailless cats as early as the 1500s. A natural mutation spread among the island's cats, and folk tales blame everything from Noah's Ark to Viking raiders for the missing tails. Manx were shown in Britain from the 1880s, had a written standard by 1903 and were among the first breeds CFA registered in 1906.312

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    A Manx named Stubbs was honorary mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska, from 1997 until 2017.1

  2. 2

    The Isle of Man has featured the Manx cat on its coins since 1970, as well as on stamps.2

  3. 3

    Manx were valued as farm cats and ship's cats thanks to their rodent-catching skill.2

  4. 4

    Fans jokingly call the breed a 'bowling ball with fur' because of its round shape.3

  5. 5

    Tail types have their own names: rumpy, rumpy riser, stumpy and longy.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name comes from the Isle of Man, a small island in the Irish Sea where these tailless cats originated and were first recorded by visiting sailors in the sixteenth century.4

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

StubbinMonaLoppylugsDoonaPounceFinloSparrowDobbyCregganBounceFynnNessie

A day in the life told by a Manx

This morning I woke up on the sunny windowsill, stretched my strong hind legs, and gave my human a head-bump. After breakfast, I fetched my toy mouse three times, my human laughed every time. Then I climbed to the top of the cat tree to survey my kingdom. In the afternoon, I joined the kids for a gentle game of hide-and-seek behind the curtains. Later, I curled up on my favorite lap for a long nap. As the sun set, I chased a dust bunny across the floor, then settled in for bedtime purrs. A perfect, ordinary day.

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

Recognised by the official bits

CFA
Registered since CFA began in 1906; shorthair and longhair divisions3
GCCF
Section 3 (British), Group 11
FIFe
Fully recognised in Category 3; the longhair is shown as the Cymric6
TICA
Recognised2
WCF
Recognised2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Manx tip

Manx cats do well on a grain-free, meat-based wet diet, and many owners find that meal feeding twice a day helps keep their round shape healthy rather than overweight. Always ask your vet before adding any supplements or changing your cat's diet.

Source: petmd.com

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

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

Owner questions the things everyone asks

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

Feeding times vary by age and lifestyle; ask your vet or a good breeder for a schedule. Your Manx needs a complete balanced cat food and fresh water always.1

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

A Manx should eat a complete balanced cat food suited to its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods such as chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, xylitol, and raw meat or bones. Always provide fresh water.17

Does a Manx need baths?

Baths are rarely needed for a Manx. Only bathe if the coat is very dirty or sticky, as per general cat care guidance.318

How often does a Manx need brushing?

For a shorthair Manx, brushing two or three times a month is usually enough; longhairs need weekly combing. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days to keep the coat healthy. Extra grooming during shedding helps.31 Pet Wiki plan

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

Trim your Manx's claws carefully with a cat nail trimmer, avoiding the quick. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every 21 days, while general guidance recommends every ten days to two weeks. Start slowly with one or two claws per session.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Manx need?

A Manx has moderate activity needs with bursts of playful energy. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends daily play sessions, including chase games and access to high places for jumping.31 Pet Wiki plan

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

For teeth, Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every two days, with daily brushing being ideal. Ear care varies; ask your vet for a routine check during regular visits. Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Manx live?

A Manx typically lives 12 to 14 years with good care.1

Is a Manx good with children and other pets?

Yes, the Manx is known for being patient with children and usually gets along well with other pets, including dogs. They form strong bonds with their family.312

Can a Manx be left alone?

Manx cats bond closely with their family and may prefer company. How long they can be left alone depends on the individual cat; ask your vet or a good breeder for advice.

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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Cymric, Manx LonghairJapanese BobtailKurilian BobtailAmerican BobtailBritish Shorthair

Where this comes from

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

  1. GCCF: Manx gccfcats.orgused for recognition, weight, lifespan, colours, temperament, care, fun facts
  2. Wikipedia: Manx cat en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, tail types, recognition, weight, history, fun facts
  3. CFA: Manx cfa.orgused for recognition, weight, coat, colours, temperament, activity, grooming, history, fun facts
  4. cfa.org cfa.org
  5. bbc.com bbc.com
  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.