Cymric cat breed: facts, temperament and care

About the Cymric

The Cymric is the semi-longhaired form of the Manx, the tailless cat of the Isle of Man. Longhaired kittens appeared in Manx litters on the island, and breeders in Canada began breeding them deliberately in the 1960s. The breed spread in North America in the mid-1970s. Registries do not agree on its status. FIFe lists it as a separate breed, and the Australian Cat Federation did the same from 2015. The CFA and TICA treat it as a longhaired Manx, and the GCCF uses the name semi-longhair Manx variant.

The body is solid and round, with a broad chest, a short back that rises toward the rump and a round head with full cheeks. The tail can be absent, a short stump or a full tail, depending on the cat and the registry's rules. The coat is dense and silky, with a thick ruff, full britches and tufted feet.

Temperament and living with one

Cymrics are calm, loyal and unhurried. They enjoy company, follow family members around and like to sit close without demanding constant attention. Many are good with children and with other pets. They play in short bursts, and some like to fetch. Voices are quiet.

They climb and jump well, thanks to powerful hind legs, and they often choose a high spot to watch from. A Cymric is content in a flat or house if it gets daily play, a scratching post and a sunny perch.

Care: coat, food and play

Comb the coat once or twice a week, and more often in spring when it sheds, paying attention to the britches and the ruff, where tangles form. The coat does not mat as easily as a Persian's. Trim nails every few weeks and check the ears.

Feed a complete adult diet in measured portions. These cats are compact and can put on weight. Because some Cymrics have spinal differences, ask your vet if your cat has trouble with litter-box habits or with its back legs.

Health

The gene that shortens or removes the tail is dominant and also affects the spine. Kittens that inherit two copies die before birth, so litters are often small. Cats with one copy may develop Manx syndrome, which can include spina bifida and problems with the bowel, bladder and hind legs, sometimes showing in the first months of life. Megacolon, a constipation disorder, is a known concern. Breeding Manx-type cats is restricted in some places for welfare reasons. Ask any breeder about the health of the parents and the litter, and ask your vet to check a kitten soon after you bring it home.

Is it right for you?

A Cymric suits a household that wants a gentle, sturdy longhair and is ready to ask careful questions of a breeder and a vet. A full-tailed cat avoids the Manx gene concerns. Alternatives are the Norwegian Forest Cat or Siberian, which have similar coats.