MANX CAT BREED
History
The Manx has existed for many centuries on the Isle of Man, located in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. Since the Isle did not have an indigenous feline species from which the Manx could develop, it is surmised that domestic cats were introduced by human settlers and explorers. Exactly who and when is uncertain.
One story has it that the cats were aboard a ship of the Spanish Armada that was wrecked on the Isle of Man in 1588. The resourceful cats supposedly swam ashore at Spanish Point and set up mousekeeping on the Isle. Another story claims that the Manx was introduced by Phoenician traders who transported the cats from Japan. Still another says that cats arrived with the Viking settlers who colonized the Isle of Man.
Regardless of how cats got on the Isle, they presumably arrived with their tails intact. Geneticists believe that the Manx’s taillessness is the result of a spontaneous mutation within the Isle’s domestic cat population. Genetically, the Manx and other short-tailed domestic felines are quite different. The Manx’s tail, or lack thereof, is governed by a dominant gene along with modifying polygenes, while most other short-tailed breeds, such as the Japanese Bobtail, are governed by recessive genes. Given the Isle’s closed environment and small gene pool, the dominant gene easily passed from one generation to the next.
Inhabitants of the Isle, unaware of or unimpressed by boring scientific theory, invented more interesting tales to account for the Manx’s lack. One contends that the Manx is an unlikely cross between a cat and a rabbit. Another claim is that Irish invaders stole the cats? Tails to use for their helmet plumes. A third says two Manx cats were passengers on Noah’s Ark, but as they were the last to board Noah slammed the door on their tails!
The modern history of the Manx is better documented, if more mundane. The Manx was a well-established and popular breed before the earliest days of the cat fancy, supported by an enthusiastic group of Manx owners. King Edward VIII was reportedly a Manx fancier and often attended cat shows featuring the breed. British fanciers formed the first Manx club in 1901. The Manx made its journey to America at least 100 years ago (probably longer), and Manx cats are noted in early American cat registry records.
Manx cats were at first exported from the Isle of Man but, as the demand grew, the supply waned. Fanciers had to rely on British and American sources for their cats and, since Manx cats are difficult to breed, demand exceeded supply. Today, show-quality Manx cats are in great demand because of their rarity, but pet quality can be obtained quite easily.
General: The overall impression of the Manx is that of roundness. It should be surprisingly heavy when lifted.
Body: Solidly muscled, compact, well-balanced, medium-sized with sturdy bone structure; stout appearance with broad chest; the repetition of curves and circles give the Manx the appearance of great substance and durability; powerful without a hint of coarseness; flank has greater depth than in other breeds; the short back forms a smooth, continuous arch from shoulders to rump, curving at rump to form desirable round look.
Head: Round head with prominent cheeks; in profile, head is medium in length with gentle dip from forehead to nose; well-developed muzzle; strong chin; definite whisker breaks with large, round whisker pads.
Ears: Medium size; wide at base, tapering to rounded tip; widely spaced.
Eyes: Large, round, and full; set at slight angle toward nose. Color depends upon coat color.
Tail: Appearing absolute in perfect specimen; a rise of bone at the end of the spine is allowed unless it stops the judge’s hand.
Coat: The double coat is short and dense with well-padded quality due to longer, open outer coat and closes cottony undercoat; texture of guard hairs somewhat hard; appearance is glossy; a softer coat may occur in whites and dilute colors.
Color: Any color except those indicating hybridization resulting in the colors chocolate, lavender, the Himalayan pattern, or these combinations with white.
Disqualify: Poor physical condition; evidence of hybridization; weakness in hindquarters.
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