Manx

The Manx cat is believed to have originated hundreds of years ago on the Isle of Man, off the coast of England. Records have been found on the Isle that describe the cat as a mutation of the island's domestic cats.

Since the Manx (or tailless) gene is dominant, kittens that inherit it can have a full tail, a short tail, a rise (known as a "rumpy riser"), or no tail ("rumpies") at all. Breeders have found that it is possible to have all these tail lengths in one litter!

Besides having no tail, the Manx is known for its robust and rounded appearance. It has a very round head and rounded cheeks which give it a jowly appearance; more pronounced in the male cat than in the female.

There are two types of Manx coats, shorthair and longhair (formerly Cymric). Generally the Manx has a playful personality with great skills in high jumping.

The Manx is known to exhibit many dog-like characteristics such as retrieving and burying their toys. They will either be known as a "one person cat" or the "family cat." However, once they bond with someone, it is difficult for many Manx to be happy in a different home.

Manx cats come a wide array of colors in the solid, shaded, smoke, tabby, bi-color and parti-color patterns.