Let's talk Cymric cats
The Cymric stands out from the cat crowd due to their unconventional tail, often appearing tailless. This affectionate breed prefers to mix with a crowd instead of being left to their own devices. A purr-fectly friendly cat, the Cymric is very endearing with their round-shaped features, which make them look like a bowling ball whenever she runs. Young Cymric felines integrate easily into a household with respectful cat-friendly dogs and children, whereas their older counterparts tend to be more settled in their ways.
Official name: Cymric
Other names: Manx Longhair
Origins: The Isle of Man
| Shedding level: |
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Warm weather? |  |
| Energy Level (high, low, medium) *: | Medium | Family pet? * |  |
| Compatibility with other pets: |
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* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
| Baby age: | Birth to 4 months |
| Kitten age: | 4 to 12 months |
| Adult age: | 1 to 8 years |
| Mature age: | 8 to 12 years |
| Senior age: | From 12 years |
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Origins of the breed
For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.
The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.
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2 facts about Cymric cats
1. Seeing double
The Cymric is identical to the Manx cat in appearance and personality—so it’s understandable if you confuse the two. They both hail from The Isle of Man and have a tailless appearance. So how to tell them apart? Cymric cats have a longer coat length than their feline doppelgangers. Most Cymrics also have tufts of hair between their toes.
2. Coat Of Many Colours
Did Dolly Parton write her song for Cymric cats? This breed has a beautiful soft and silky double coat that comes in a variety of appealing colours and patterns. Colours include red, blue-cream, silver and brown while patterns range from Tortoiseshell, Tabby, Calico and Shaded. The same goes for the Cymric’s eye colour, which can be any of the following; Amber, Copper, Green, Gold, Hazel, Orange, Yellow.
History of the breed
Cymric is pronounced “kim-rick” and means Wales, as in the U.K. country. There is no clear link between the Cymric cat and Wales so feel free to store this in the “random facts” part of your brain!
The history of the Cymric starts with the Manx cat, so-called due to its discovery on the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. Legend has it that the Manx landed on the island either with the Spanish Armada or on a Viking ship. Due to lack of official documentation, it is hard to distinguish fiction from fact with regard to the breed’s origin story.
Between 1750 and 1810, cross-breeding between domestic cats and the Manx created a random mutation which led to a whole litter being born without a tail—this genetic predisposition continued to appear on the small island, thus establishing both the Manx and the Cymric breeds.
The Cymric cat has mostly been an overlooked breed, with interest only starting to catch on in the 1960s. Until the 1970s, the Cymric was referred to as “Manx Mutant”, which makes it sound more like an X-Men character than a cat.
It is thanks to Canadians Blair Wright and Leslie Falteisek, pioneering Cymric breeders, that this affectionate feline got its official name. Today the Cymric still doesn’t fit into one tidy box: The CFA considers the breed as a “long-haired Manx” whereas TICA and CCA both consider the breed independently of the Manx. But these are just details, the Cymric is an adorable breed with much love to give.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Cymric cats
1. Head
Rounded head, medium in size, with full cheeks.
2. Ears
Ears sit widely apart, narrowing to a rounded tip.
3. Eyes
Wide, round eyes. The colour should match the coat.
4. Legs
Muscular back legs, with round-shaped feet and a rounded rear-end.
5. Tail
Tail-length has four variations: rumpy, rumpy-riser, stumpy and longie.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Cymric
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Caring for your Cymric
Grooming, training and exercise tips
How to groom a Cymric cat? Two to three weekly brushing sessions will maintain their shiny coat and prevent matting. Increase brushing activity during autumn and spring, when Cymric cats shed. Training your Cymric cat is a pleasure as they’re highly intelligent and curious, and respond well to discipline. Do keep prized possessions locked away though, as this breed has deft paws that can open doors—they’re actual cat burglars. Cymric cats are lively but their robust build makes them susceptible to weight gain: Jingly pet toys with feathery bits and bobs will have them playing fetch and climbing their cat tree in no time, to keep them fit. The Cymric is also open to being taken out on a leash for short walks, so long as you live in a suitably quiet area away from busy roads.
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All about Cymric cats
Cymric cats are one of the rarer breeds out there, so if you have your heart set on one, be sure to seek out recognised breeders who come recommended. The Cymric can mate with other cats to create tailless kittens, who are not officially classified as Cymric cats. No need for alarm—just be aware that there are a few dishonest breeders out there, looking to make an easy profit.
A Cymric can be born with one of four tail lengths: “Rumpy” means no tailbone. A “Rumpy Riser” means a very short tail, with movement restricted to up and down. A “Stumpy” means a short tail that can move in any direction and last but not least, the rare “Longie”, which looks and behaves like any other cat tail. Now you know.
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Cat Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book