Cymric Cat: The Longhaired Manx, Personality and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Imagine a Manx wearing a fluffy coat, and you have the Cymric. This semi-longhaired cat has the round shape, strong hindquarters and, often, the missing tail of its short-haired relative, along with a dense, soft double coat that gives it the look of a plush toy. Behind the charming appearance, though, lies a genetic story that every prospective owner should understand.

Origin and history

The Manx has lived on the Isle of Man for centuries, and a natural mutation there led to cats with short or absent tails. Occasionally, longhaired kittens appeared in Manx litters, carrying a recessive gene for long hair. In the mid-twentieth century, breeders in North America began to develop these longhaired kittens as a separate type, and they were given the name Cymric, from the Welsh word for Wales. Today, some associations recognize it as a distinct breed, while others consider it a longhaired variety of the Manx. See the Manx profile for the full story of the tailless gene.

Appearance

The Cymric is a medium-sized, solid cat with a round head, round eyes, prominent cheeks and a sturdy, rounded body. The hind legs are longer than the front legs, which gives a rabbit-like gait and a rump that sits higher than the shoulders. The coat is medium to long, with a dense undercoat, a ruff and britches on the hind legs.

Tail length varies. Cats with no tail are called rumpies, with a short stump rumpy-risers, with a short tail stumpies and with a full tail longies. Show cats must be rumpies or rumpy-risers in many associations. The coat comes in a wide range of colors and patterns.

Personality

Cymrics are loyal, playful and intelligent. They bond closely with their families and often follow family members from room to room. Many learn to play fetch, open doors and perform tricks. They enjoy being with people, and they often get on well with children, cats and cat-friendly dogs. See how to introduce a new cat to your cat.

They have a strong hunting instinct, and are known as good mousers. They are usually not very vocal, and their voices are quiet. They can leap high, thanks to their powerful hind legs. See indoor cat enrichment ideas for ways to keep a clever cat busy, and how to choose a cat tree for climbing options.

Grooming

The semi-long coat is less prone to matting than that of a Persian, but it still needs regular care. Brush two or three times a week, using a wide-toothed comb and a slicker brush, and daily during seasonal shedding. Pay attention to the britches and the area behind the ears. See how to brush a cat, grooming longhaired cats and how to remove mats from cat fur.

Cymrics without tails can sometimes get soiled fur around the rear, so check hygiene and trim if needed. Brush teeth, trim nails and check ears regularly. See how to trim cat nails.

Health

The gene that shortens the tail also affects the development of the spine, and it carries real risks.

• Manx syndrome. A group of problems including spinal defects, bowel and bladder problems and, in some kittens, hind limb weakness. Severe forms may appear in kittens, which is one reason that two tailless parents should never be bred together.
• Arthritis. Spinal and hip arthritis may appear in older cats. See arthritis in cats.
• Constipation and megacolon. Related to nerve problems in some cats. See constipation in cats.
• Urinary and bowel incontinence, in affected cats.
• Heart disease. Screen for cardiomyopathy. See hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats.
• Corneal dystrophy and dental disease. See cat dental disease.

Signs of nerve or spine trouble include an abnormal gait, trouble using the litter box or loss of coordination. If any appear, see a vet promptly. See the emergency warning signs guide. Responsible breeders X-ray their cats, avoid tailless-to-tailless breeding and are open about health issues.

Is it the right cat for you?

The Cymric suits people who want a loyal, playful, medium-sized cat and who are prepared for grooming and for possible health problems. It is a poor fit if you cannot afford potential veterinary care or if you want a low-grooming cat. See cat pet insurance guide and compare the Norwegian Forest Cat for a longhaired breed with fewer genetic concerns.

Finding a Cymric

Cymrics are rare. Choose breeders who register with recognized associations, health-test, share records and let you meet the parents. See how to choose a kitten. Ask about spine X-rays, the tail types in the litter and any health guarantees.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your Cymric has trouble walking, using the litter box or seems in pain. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.