Whether your cat is a purebred Manx, or a Manx mix, learning about their breed can explain a lot about your pet’s personality, habits and overall health.
And for those of you who are just curious to learn more about different cat breeds, you should know that some Manx cats have one especially unique physical characteristic.
Manx cats are usually medium to large in size, growing to around 14 to 16 inches in length, Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch’s on-staff veterinarian, explains. Male Manx cats are often larger than females, but on average, this cat weighs between 8 to 12 pounds.
One thing that makes this cat breed super unique is the different variations in tail length. Manx cats can either have a typical tail, a shorter one or no tail at all (due to a genetic mutation), Dr. McCullough says.
This cat breed has both long and short fur, Dr. McCullough says. However, they’re not a hypoallergenic breed (most pets aren’t), so you should talk to your doctor if you struggle with allergic reactions to pet fur or dander.
Manx cats’ fur is as colorful as their personalities, too. This breed can either be white, blue, red, cream, silver, tortoiseshell, brown or a blue-cream coloring, she adds.
These cats are typically social and active, so if you have a home with several cats or children Manx cats will likely fit right in. However, if you have young children, Dr. McCullough encourages teaching them how to gently interact with pets and to read cats’ body language.
“Manx tend to be very friendly and affectionate,” she says. “Manx cats like to run and play while also spending a lot of time resting. Pet parents of a Manx should plan playtime together.”
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One health condition that’s common in Manx cats (as well as other tailless cat breeds) is Manx syndrome, Dr. McCullough shares.
“Manx syndrome is a genetic mutation, resulting in spine deformation. This causes a combination of abnormalities that impact their hind legs, bladder and digestive system of the tailless Manx cats,” she says.
If you’re the parent of a Manx cat (or want to be), you can ask your veterinarian to test for this syndrome. Usually, it’s tested through physical and neurological exams, urine tests, X-rays or ultrasounds.
Some symptoms can indicate your cat may have Manx syndrome. Pay attention to the telltale signs like taillessness, urinary or fecal incontinence, constipation, partial paralysis of the hindlimbs, bunny-hopping gait, decreased sensation or feeling of the skin around the anus, abnormal gait, megacolon and rectal prolapse, Dr. McCullough explains.
Are you interested in adopting a Manx, Manx mix or any pet at all? We think every pet deserves a home and encourage you to check out our shelter partners. And if you have other cats, be sure to read our article about safely introducing new cats to your cats at home.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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