Breed Myths - Karello Manx Cattery

Myths about the Manx and Cymric breed cats are the biggest source of controversy about the breed at present. It’s my hope, through my hands on experience, you’ll come to understand what an authentic Manx or Cymric cat is. And believe it is possible to breed a sound, healthy Manx or Cymric cat still today.

The Manx and Cymric cat is famously known for having no tail. They can also have a stubby tail or even be born with a full tail. Tailed Manx are very important in a breeding program, they give it stability and soundness. The biggest myth about this breed is that every tailless cat is a Manx or Cymric cat. This is not the truth. The genetic mutation that causes the Manx and Cymric breed to born without a tail can happen in any cat. This happening does not default any cat or its offspring without tails to be a Manx or Cymric breed cats. Shelters, back yard breeders and even veterinarians are the largest source of spreading this untrue myth.

Manx Syndrome: The Myths and Truth

The following article was written by twenty-five-year Manx breeder Sherman Ross, BS Eng. Phy., MS Ed, President, American Manx Club, technical consultant to Karen Commings for Manx Cats: (Complete Pet Owner’s Manual), (Barons, 1999) and Joanne Mattern for The Manx Cat, (Capstone Press, 2003). (Article courtesy of Dick Cullen, Blarney Manx.)

Manx Syndrome is a subject of great concern to all lovers of the Manx breed. It is fraught with emotion, steeped in misinformation, and perpetuated by the ignorant. Perhaps some light can be shed on this subject by comparing some of the myths of Manx Syndrome to the actual truth.

The Myth: Manx Syndrome is any of several birth defects related to the Manx gene and afflicting the Manx breed.

The Truth: There is no common definition of what Manx Syndrome is. All of the conditions commonly called Manx Syndrome occur in other breeds of cat and other species of animals. Therefore, these conditions cannot be linked to the Manx gene.
The Myth: Manx have shorter backs than other cats because they have fewer vertebrae. This leads to severe neurological problems.

The Truth: The Manx gene does not affect the spine above the pelvis. The gene causes the cat to have fewer caudal vertebrae causing a shorter tail. Manx have the same number of vertebrae in the upper spine as any other cat.

The Myth: Spina Bifida is a Manx condition.

The Truth: Spina Bifida is a condition found in all animal species that have spines. It is caused by the neural tube that forms the spine not closing completely in the fetus. It is not related to the Manx gene. It has been shown to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In humans, the environmental trigger is insufficient folic acid during pregnancy. The environmental factor in cats is not known. Some Veterinarians have bred Manx with Spina Bifida in their genes and related it as a Manx Syndrome. This is really bad science. However, unfortunately, since it was published in a Veterinary Journal, many vets believe this.

The Myth: Urinary and fecal incontinence is a part of Manx Syndrome. It is due to insufficient nerve endings.

The Truth: Incontinence occurs in all breeds of cats; it is not related to the Manx gene. There is no diagnostic for missing nerves except extremely careful and complete autopsy. Incontinence is related to spina bifida. NOTE WELL: Not all spina bifida is visible externally. In all probability, most cases of incontinence in the Manx are related to spina bifida.

The Myth: The homozygous rumpy is an automatic lethal and is never born.

The Truth: The Manx gene for taillessness is a variable expression gene. This type of gene is also called an incomplete dominant. The gene is always present, but always variable. It acts very much like the white spotting or bicolor gene. Homozygous rumpy is in fact a meaningless term.

The Myth: It is necessary to use tailed Manx in the breeding to prevent Manx Syndrome.

The Truth: This is demonstrably untrue. A good MANX breeder can point to sound healthy Manx without tails in the pedigree for six generations. A much more important consideration is the length of the upper spine. Breeding excessively for shorter bodies causes the individual vertebrae in the upper spine to be shorter. Bred to the extreme, this causes problems in any breed.

Manx Cat Facts

More and more, back yard breeders are selling knockoffs as Manx and Cymric breed cats, based solely on appearance. These cats often are not bred selectively as I would breed my registered Manx and Cymric cats. Illnesses they have due to this, is being blamed on the Manx and Cymric breeds. I have always sought to educate individuals about authentic Manx and Cymric breed cats. I refer to tailless cats with unknown origin as domestic tailless or knock offs.

There are several cat breeds with shortened tails. One can’t assume a cat is a Manx or Cymric just due to its shortened tail or lack of tail. Especially after reading this information on this page. Domestic tailless, knockoff cats have many health issues. The genetic mutation which causes the Manx and Cymric breed cats to be born tailless has limitations. If you breed long enough you’re bound to run across it. This is no reason to retire the breed or throw away years of dedication in a breeding program.

A registered Scottish Fold breeder once approach me at a cat show. She shared a story about a kitten born in one of her registered Scottish Fold litters that was born without at tail. This is caused by a spontaneous genetic mutation, this happening does not default that kitten to being a Manx or Cymric cat. Scottish Folds, Manx, Cymrics and other breeds of cats can be found originating in the same geographical area. Manx and Cymric cats are cats with origin to the Isle of Man, that is the only thing that makes them Manx and Cymric cats.

I have had many instances where people contact me about their domestic tailless cat with heart wrenching stories. The outcome can be heart breaking and often is the same. They thought they were doing something good by adopting a homeless or shelter tailless cat. Or saving money with a tailless, knock off that is unregistered and much less than a registered Manx or Cymric. Bottom line is, if you want a Manx cat your best choice is to purchase one from a reputable, registered Manx or Cymric breeder. Find a breeder who knows the health history of both parents. Is actively enrolled in the Breed Club and Council, who are informed on the breeds standard and looking to produce kittens that represent the breed.

Registered breeders take great pride in their breeding programs and offspring, they don’t sell their Manx or Cymric kittens to pet stores, allow their cats to be used in back yard breeding programs or end up in shelters. They have a sales contract with a written health guarantee, require the cat be returned if things don’t work out. Your breeder ideally should be there long after the sale is complete. Good breeders place their cats spayed or neutered or have an altering clause in their contracts with a date stating by when the cat must be altered. Registration papers should be with held until proof is supplied of spay or neuter. You can expect not to be permitted to declaw pedigreed cats, this is very inhumane and painful. How would you like your fingers cut off at the first knuckle? There are many dangers for cats outside. You can expect your breeder to never allow their cats to be outside cats.

“Owning a Manx cat is one of the most enjoyable pleasures in life. Once you’ve owned by a Manx, your life will never be the same without one in it.”

Author: Karen Weaver