Manx – the Tailless Cat

Posted by Jeanne on January 28, 2009

Odd but not unusual is the tailless Manx cat, which comes from the Isle of Man, in the Irish Sea off the coast of northern England. Historically, the first Manx landed in 1588, when they deserted the sinking ships of the Spanish Armada. The sea-roving Spanish, in turn, appear to have picked them up during their travels from either Japan or the Asian continent.

The Manx is an energetic and resourceful cat that hunts not only rats and mice, but snakes as well. It is a courageous critter and fears no dog alive.

Part of its strength and speed comes from its curious build. Its fore-legs are, ideally, very short and its hind legs long. This elevates the rump, which classically should be round as a ball, with a small dimple at the base of the spine where the tail begins in other cats. This results in a bobbing walk and a tendency to leap frequently while running. The Manx does not hop like a rabbit, however, despite what has often been said by many people.

Over-all, the Manx is small and compact. The ears are pointed. The fur is silky and comes in all the usual colors.

Taillessness, incidentally, is an uncertain characteristic. Manx kittens occasionally are born with tiny, rudimentary tails, which seems to disturb them not at all.