A breed of cats that have very small or no tail at all is known as Manx Cats. The distinguishing factor occurs because these cats have naturally occurrence of mutation of spine that shortens its tail length considerably. These cats have big body with front legs are longer then the front ones.
A very compact body and short back results in greater length at the ranks. The standard weight for males is 10-12 lbs. and for females is 8-10 lbs. The eyes are round and ears are spread outward resulting in a distinct difference as compared to other breeds. The ears themselves are broad at the base and taper to a narrower, rounded tip The Manx cats are classified according to the length of their tails as it can be a factor in distinguishing them from other breeds and even themselves. Here are some of the different types: Some cats possess no tail.
Some of the cats have a brunch of cartilage or several vertebrate under the fur. Especially visible in Manx kittens Some have partially visible tail that occurs because of incomplete growth Some of the Manx cats have full length tails that is still considerably shorter then other breeds. These cats have very sharp razor like teeth that come in very handy when protecting themselves from the enemy.
Manx cats come in every color and pattern, although the pointed, or Himalayan, pattern is not accepted in all associations. You will see classic and mackerel tabby Manx, tortoiseshell Manx, calico and solid-color and bi-color Manx; and the color possibilities cover the range of red, blue, cream, brown, black, and white. Manx cats exhibit two coat lengths. The short-haired Manx has a double coat with a thick, short under-layer and a longer, coarse outer-layer with guard hairs.
Manx cats are notorious for having problems with their healths and it is the major consideration among cat breeders across the United States. A disease named Manx Syndrome existed in about 20% of all Manx Cats. These cats are kept in special rooms with healthy conditions and are fed with proper food so that they are in better health these days. By these precautionary measures these cats have health on the par with other breeds.
Most pedigreed cats are not placed until four months of age (to make sure that they are properly socialized) and this gives adequate time for any health problems to be identified. Manx cats are very chatty and playful. These cats will fetch the balls thrown at them like dogs and will play with humans. This attribute makes them an ideal breed for families with young children and people who prefer a companion.
Some members of this breed tend to like water, many times even playing with it. Manx cats can learn simple commands. If there are multiple Manx cats in a household, an owner might notice that they chase each other frequently. This is common behavior for Manx cats; they like to chase anything, be it an animal or leaf caught in the wind. Their ‘meow’ often resembles a long, monotone grunt or rapid chirping. However, Manx cats usually are very quiet cats.
Many tales have been told to explain the absence of the Manx Cat’s tail. One tradition is that this cat from the Isle of Man was late for the Ark and had its tail chopped off as Noah closed the hatch; another that soldiers on the island used the cats’ tails as cockades, and so a mother cat took her kittens up into the mountains and chewed off their tails herself; another that the Manx Cat, which moves with a hopping gait, is in fact half rabbit.
The more likely explanation is that it is due, as with the ears of the Scottish Fold, to genetic factors, though which gene is responsible has not been determined. But why should they be found on the Isle of Man?
Another legend claims that they are the descendants of Spanish ships’ tailless cats which survived the defeat of the Spanish Armada, swimming ashore to the Island, where they multiplied. In fact, many early histories mention tailless cats in different parts of the world: China, Siam,Japan and even Europe. And strangely, two completely tailless cats can give birth to kittens with short or even normal tails. Which is why there are two classes of Manx Cat: those which are tailless and those which have a stump of a tail.
There are very few Manx Cats left on the island, as many were transported to England by breeders eager to produce new varieties. The Manx cat looks like a tabby moggy, particularly when sitting down! When it moves it jumps or leaps up, depending on whether it is going to walk or run.
This is because the back legs are longer than the front. Domesticated, the Manx has become a charming pet. Intelligent, affectionate, home loving, it is happy even shut in an apartment. But it has kept the hunting instinct, relic of its many years of independence. The fur of the Manx is very soft to the touch. It should be gently brushed two or three times a week.
General
Solid, compact and muscular with a rounded back end.
Head
Wide and round head. Long nose, solid neck. Round, bright eyes.
Coat
Compact with a good texture and the hair is fine. May be any colour.