Breed: Manx

The Manx is well known throughout the world as the cat with no tail. In fact it may have no tail (a "rumpy), a vestigial tail (a "stumpy"), or a short tail ( a "longy"). The gene for the lack of a tail is caused by spinal defects, so the Manx is prone to inherited health problems and some cats have a distinctive "bunny-hop" walk. This is considered a defect by North American registries. The first Manx was a spontaneous mutation, but since it occurred on an island with a limited breeding pool, the trait became established. The Manx is a friendly, relaxed cat, happy with human company and good with children. It is not particularly vocal, but does need regular grooming to keep its coat in good condition. Manx cats sometimes produce longhaired kittens, and breeders have establish a separate longhair breed, the Cymric.