Cymric Cat

Breed Overview

Introduction

The Cymric cat, often referred to as the long-haired Manx, is a captivating feline known for its distinctive taillessness and plush double coat.

Originating from the Isle of Man, this breed combines a unique physical appearance with a wonderfully affectionate and intelligent personality.

More than just their lack of a tail, Cymrics are celebrated for their “dog-like” loyalty and playful demeanor, making them cherished companions in many homes.

Breed History

The narrative of the Cymric cat is deeply intertwined with that of its short-haired counterpart, the Manx, both tracing their lineage back to the rugged Isle of Man.

The defining characteristic of both breeds—their taillessness—is the result of a naturally occurring genetic mutation that became prevalent on the isolated island due to inbreeding among the local cat population.

While various fables attempt to explain their unique appearance, from Noah’s Ark accidentally severing a tail to cross-species mating with rabbits, the scientific explanation points to simple genetics.

The long-haired variant, the Cymric, emerged from litters of Manx kittens, indicating the presence of a long-hair gene within the Manx gene pool. This gene is believed to have been introduced centuries ago, possibly by long-haired cats, ancestors of today’s Norwegian Forest Cats, brought to the island by Vikings.

This historical influence highlights how ancient human movements and trade routes could inadvertently shape animal genetics, leading to new breed variations over time.

It wasn’t until the 1960s that Canadian breeders began intentionally developing and promoting these semi-longhaired Manx cats as a distinct breed, leading to their increased popularity, particularly in the United States, by the 1970s.

This demonstrates a classic pattern in breed development: a naturally occurring genetic variation becomes established in a population, and later, human breeders recognize and selectively propagate these traits, formalizing them into a “new” breed.

Today, while some registries recognize the Cymric as a separate breed, others still consider it a long-haired subtype of the Manx. The breed’s unique heritage is even celebrated on the Isle of Man, appearing on its currency and artwork.

Physical Characteristics

The Cymric cat is characterized by its distinctive rounded appearance and powerful build. They are medium-sized cats, compactly built with solid musculature, often described as chunky or “bear-like”.

A key feature is their overall roundness: a round head with prominent cheeks (especially in males, giving a “jowly” look), large round eyes, and a notably rounded rear end. Their widely spaced ears are broad at the base, tapering gradually to a rounded tip, and often feature desirable long, feather-like furnishings within.

Their body conformation is unique, featuring a short, thick neck and a back that arches from the shoulders to a rump that is higher than the shoulders—a direct result of their hind legs being longer than their front legs. This skeletal structure contributes to their characteristic “rabbit-like hop” or peculiar gait when running, illustrating how the genetic mutation for taillessness (which affects spinal development) influences their locomotion and balance.

The tail is crucial for balance in cats, but the genetic mutation in Cymrics affects the caudal spine, necessitating this functional adaptation. This is not merely an aesthetic quirk; it’s a direct result of their genetic makeup.

The Cymric’s luxurious double coat is of moderate length, dense, and silky, gradually lengthening from the shoulders to the rump. It is full and plush, providing excellent insulation (but should not have a cottony undercoat).

Longer fur is noticeable on the breeches, abdomen, and neck ruff (forming a bib-like appearance), while toe tufts and ear tufts are desirable traits for breeders.

Behavior and Personality

Cymric cats are highly cherished for their exceptional personalities, often described as “dog-like” in their loyalty and affectionate nature.

They form deep, devoted bonds with human families, frequently following owners room-to-room and actively engaging in interactive play.

Their sweet, placid, and easygoing demeanor makes them adaptable companions, rarely perturbed by environmental changes. While some may bond intensely with one person, most are friendly toward the entire family—including respectful children and cat-friendly pets.

These intelligent felines are famously curious and playful, often retaining kitten-like behavior into adulthood. They’re quick learners, capable of mastering tricks, and display remarkable dexterity (e.g., using paws to open cabinets).

Cymrics love fetch games, excel at jumping (using powerful hind legs despite no tail), and are nimble hunters, ideal for pest control.

Despite their athletic build, adults can be prone to idleness, but they balance this with contentment with lounging or cuddling. They’re generally quiet cats, using a sweet trilling voice rather than demanding meows.

Confident and loyal, they may be shy with strangers initially, even growling if threatened. A unique quirk? Some Cymrics enjoy playing with water, swiping at running taps.

Care Guide

Diet

Cymrics are known to have a “wonderful appetite” and can “become overweight rather quickly”, which necessitates strict nutrition control.

Obesity is a significant health concern for any cat, potentially shortening their lifespan and exacerbating other issues such as arthritis and diabetes.

Therefore, a high-quality feline diet appropriate for their age and activity level is crucial. Given their muscular build, their food should be rich in animal-sourced protein (e.g., chicken or fish) to support muscle development. 

Healthy fats (including Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids) are essential for maintaining their luxurious coat’s health and shine, while fiber should be included to aid proper digestion.

Exercise

Despite their athletic build, adult Cymrics are “inclined to idleness”, making active encouragement of movement essential for their health. 

Daily play sessions are vital to stimulate their natural hunting and exploring instincts, preventing behavioral issues from boredom or lack of stimulation.

Strategic placement of food-dispensing toys on cat trees (with water dishes at floor level) encourages movement throughout the day.

Providing varied toys supports both interactive play with humans and solo amusement, satisfying their playful nature even when alone.

Cymrics thrive on fetch games and can be trained for walks on a lead, offering extra physical activity and environmental enrichment.

Environment & Enrichment

Cymrics are highly sociable and dependent on human company, thriving in environments where their need for attention and cuddling is consistently met.

Owners should supervise them like young children, keeping doors closed and blocking off rooms to prevent trouble—especially given their dexterity in opening cabinets/doors.

Providing at least one clean litter box per cat (scooped daily) is essential, as cats prefer pristine toilet areas.

Ensuring adequate water intake is crucial; if reluctant to drink from a bowl, offer ice cubes or a flowing fountain to encourage hydration.

While Cymrics can adapt to busy households and short periods alone, they may not thrive in very noisy homes with very young children. Such environments can cause stress-related behavior problems, as they prefer harmonious settings where their space and gentle handling are respected.编辑分享

Grooming

Due to their long, thick double coat, Cymrics require regular, often daily, grooming to prevent matting and tangles. Daily brushing helps to effectively remove loose hair and distribute natural skin oils, which keeps the coat shiny and healthy.

Special attention should be paid to grooming during their twice-yearly shedding seasons, as the coat’s thickness can lead to significant undercoat buildup if neglected. Areas prone to matting, such as behind the ears and around the tail area, require particular focus.

Since Cymrics lack a full tail, they may need assistance grooming hard-to-reach spots that a tailed cat would typically manage on its own. A greasy coat can be a sign of poor self-grooming, which may, in turn, indicate an underlying health issue.

Beyond coat care, routine hygiene includes checking their furry ears weekly for wax, debris, or signs of infection, and cleaning them as necessary. Trimming their claws every two weeks is also important for their comfort and to prevent damage to furniture.

Furthermore, brushing their teeth at least twice a week is crucial to prevent periodontal disease, a common and potentially serious health issue in cats.  

Mental Stimulation

Cymrics are highly intelligent and curious, necessitating consistent mental stimulation to prevent boredom and the potential development of behavioral issues.

Providing a variety of toys is essential for both interactive play sessions with owners and for solo amusement, ensuring they have outlets for their intellectual engagement even when alone.

Puzzle toys that dispense treats can be particularly engaging, challenging their problem-solving skills and rewarding their efforts. Teaching them tricks, such as clicker training or even cat agility, can keep their minds active and strengthen the bond with their human companions.

Despite their playful and energetic nature, they also possess a calm and docile side and genuinely enjoy quiet time spent cuddling with their owners.

Balancing energetic play with ample opportunities for relaxation and affection is key to fostering their overall psychological well-being.

Health Concerns

Is This Breed Right for You?

FAQ

When do Cymric cats stop growing? 

Cymric cats typically stop growing around two years of age. While their rapid growth slows down between one and two years old, they can continue to fill out and develop their muscular build during this period.  

Can a Cymric cat have a tail? 

Yes, Cymric cats can indeed have tails of varying lengths, despite being known for their taillessness. Their tails are categorized into four types: “rumpy” (completely tailless, often with a dimple), “rumpy-riser” (a short knob of a tail), “stumpy” (a curved tail stump), and “longy” (a tail longer than a stump but shorter than a full-length tail).  

What eye colors can a Cymric have? 

Cymrics can have a range of eye colors, including green, gold, yellow, hazel, orange, and amber. Typically, the ideal eye color conforms with the cat’s coat color.  

What color coats can Cymric cats have? 

Cymric cats’ coats come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. These include solids like black, white, blue, red, cream, silver, and brown, as well as tortoiseshell and various tabby patterns. In essence, they can display almost any color or pattern, except for pointed Siamese patterns.  

How big is a Cymric cat? 

Most Cymrics are medium-sized cats, typically weighing between 8 to 12 pounds (3.6-5.4 kg) and standing around 8 to 12 inches (20.3-30.5 cm) tall. Male Cymrics tend to be larger than females.  

Are Cymric cats good hunters? 

Yes, Cymrics are known to be excellent hunters. They are lively and full of energy, often demonstrating their natural predatory instincts by chasing after toys or small animals that resemble prey.  

Do Cymric cats shed? 

Yes, Cymric cats shed quite heavily due to their long, luxurious double coats. They tend to shed more significantly during their twice-yearly shedding seasons, typically in spring and fall, as they replace their winter coat with a lighter summer coat and vice versa.  

Do you need to groom a Cymric cat? 

Yes, regular grooming is essential for a Cymric cat. It is recommended to brush or comb their coat two to three times a week, or even daily, to help remove loose hair, prevent matting and tangles, and ease the shedding process.  

Are Cymric cats hypoallergenic? 

No, Cymric cats are not hypoallergenic. All cats, including Cymrics, shed dander, which consists of microscopic skin flakes containing the Fel d 1 protein. This protein is the primary trigger for cat allergies in sensitive individuals.  

Are Cymric cats healthy? 

Cymric cats are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain health issues, particularly those related to their unique taillessness. These include “Manx Syndrome” (a collection of birth defects and spinal issues) and arthritis of the tailbone. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care are crucial for managing these potential concerns.  

How long do Cymric cats live? 

Cymric cats typically live between 8 and 14 years. Their lifespan can be influenced by factors such as genetics, diet, lifestyle, and consistent preventive healthcare.  

Are Cymrics aggressive? 

Cymric cats are generally confident and extremely loyal to their families. While they may growl if they sense something is amiss, once they are comfortable, they are known for being highly affectionate and easy-going.  

Do they like water?

Unusually for cats, some Cymrics enjoy playing with water, such as batting at a running tap or even jumping into a shallow paddling pool.

Bonus Facts

Canine Companions

Cymrics are often described as “dog-like” not just in their loyalty but also in their behavior. They have been observed playing fetch and even responding to basic commands, much like their canine counterparts.  

Master Manipulators

These intelligent felines are known for their dexterity and can sometimes use their paws to open cabinets or even doors, making them quite the clever tricksters around the house.  

Mini Sports Cars

Due to their powerful hindquarters and excellent jumping ability, Cymrics are sometimes playfully referred to as “mini sports cars in the shape of a cat” for their capacity for rapid acceleration, sharp turns, and sudden stops.  

Island Icons

The Manx and Cymric cats are so integral to the heritage of the Isle of Man that they are featured prominently on the island’s currency, artwork, and stamps, symbolizing their enduring cultural significance.  

Tail Tales

Many fables attempt to explain the Cymric’s taillessness, including humorous tales of Noah’s Ark accidentally severing a tail, mother cats biting off tails for luck, or even cross-species mating with rabbits. The true reason, however, is a natural genetic mutation.

References

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“Breed Standards: Cymric” (PDF). WCF-Online.de. Essen, Germany: World Cat Federation (WCF). 1 January 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 December 2014. Retrieved 4 March 2013.

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“ACF Standards: Cymric [CYM]” (PDF). ACF.asn.au. Port Adelaide, South Au.: Australian Cat Federation (ACF). 1 January 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 March 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2015.

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“Manx Breed Group (MX/CY) Standard” (PDF). TICA.org. Harlingen, Texas, US: The International Cat Association (TICA). 1 May 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 November 2012. Retrieved 4 March 2013.

“Manx Show Standard” (PDF). CFAInc.org. Alliance, Ohio, US: Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). 28 April 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 April 2013. Retrieved 4 March 2013.

“Manx/Manx Longhair: General Standard” (PDF). CCCofA.asn.au. Ferntree Gully, Victoria, Australia: Co-ordinating Cat Council of Australia (CCCA). November 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 April 2013. Retrieved 5 March 2013.

“Registration Policy for Manx Cats” (PDF). GCCFCats.org. Bridgwater, Somerset, UK: Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF). February 1997. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 October 2013. Retrieved 4 March 2013.

“Cymric (Longhaired Manx)” (PDF). A.C.F. Standards. III (36). Australian Cat Federation: 109–110. 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 March 2013. Retrieved 4 March 2013.

“A Complete Guide To 4 Canadian Cat Breeds and More… – Cat Canva”. 3 February 2023. Archived from the original on 10 March 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2023.

“Cymric Cat Breed – Facts and Personality Traits | Hill’s Pet”. Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Retrieved 4 July 2023.

“What are britches on a cat? – PoC”. Retrieved 5 July 2023.

Hackett, Stacy (2 March 2020). “Tails Not Required: The Cymric”. Catster. Retrieved 6 July 2023.

“Breed Code IML – Isle of Man Longhair” (PDF). NZCF.com. Katikati, NZ: New Zealand Cat Fancy (NZCF). January 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 July 2012. Retrieved 18 November 2011.

Brown, Jackie. “Meet the Cymric, a Cute and Kittenish Long-haired Manx”. The Spruce Pets. Retrieved 6 July 2023.

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