Manx
Tailless cats from the Isle of Man with rabbit-like hop and dog-like loyalty.
Manx cats are best known for their natural taillessness, caused by a genetic mutation. Sturdy, intelligent, and loyal, they often act dog-like — fetching, following, and even responding to their names. Tail length varies among individuals from completely absent to nearly full-length.
Key facts
| Origin | Isle of Man |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 8–12 lbs |
| Lifespan | 8–14 years |
| Energy | Medium |
| Vocality | Low |
| Grooming | Brush weekly |
| Shedding | Medium |
| With children | ●●●●● |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●● |
| For beginners | ●●●●○ |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Distinctive taillessness
- Dog-like loyalty
- Often skilled hunters
- Trainable
✗ Things to know
- Manx syndrome can cause spinal issues
- Shorter average lifespan
- Some homozygous kittens not viable
Ideal owner
A Manx may suit you well if you:
- Are a first-time cat owner looking for a forgiving, adaptable breed
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
A Manx may not suit you if you:
- Have significant cat allergies
Health considerations
Like all breeds, Manxs can be predisposed to certain conditions. A reputable breeder will screen for these, and regular vet check-ups help catch issues early.
- Manx syndrome (spinal issues)
- Arthritis
Is a Manx right for you?
The best way to find out if a Manx suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Manx a good cat for first-time owners?
Yes — Manxs are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. They are adaptable and forgiving, with a temperament described as: intelligent, playful, and dog-like in personality.
Are Manxs good for apartments?
Yes — Manxs adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are Manxs good with children?
Manxs are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are Manxs hypoallergenic?
Manxs are not specifically hypoallergenic and produce standard levels of Fel d 1, the main cat allergen. If allergies are a concern, consider breeds like the Siberian, Balinese, or Devon Rex.
Does a Manx suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: Manx on Wikipedia