The Cymric, a long-haired Manx, with its distinctive appearance and joyful temperament.
The Cymric, a Tailless Treasure from the Isle of Man
The Cymric is the long-haired variety of the famous Manx breed, originating from the Isle of Man. Its most striking characteristic is its complete or almost complete absence of a tail (rumpy or rumpy riser), due to a natural genetic mutation. Its coat is medium to long, dense, and soft, and its silhouette is robust and compact, with hind legs longer than the front legs.
This feline is appreciated for its gentle, affectionate, intelligent, and playful temperament. It is very attached to its family, often compared to a dog for its loyalty, and loves to participate in all activities, making it an excellent family companion.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on October 15, 2025.
My personal tip : The Cymric's medium to long coat requires regular brushing, two to three times a week, to prevent tangles and minimize shedding. This is an intelligent and active cat that needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Offer interactive toys, cat trees for climbing, and regular play sessions. The Cymric is very social and does not tolerate loneliness. It will thrive in a home where it receives plenty of attention and affection, and where it can interact with its family. Be aware of potential spinal problems associated with taillessness.
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Identifying the Cymric: Characteristics of the Long-Haired Manx
The rounded rump and absence of a tail are the distinctive features of the Cymric.
The Cymric is a medium to large-sized cat, robust and compact, with a powerful appearance.
Size: Medium to large-sized cat, with a robust and muscular body.
Coat: Medium to long, dense, silky, and with a thick undercoat. All colors and patterns are accepted, except colorpoint.
Head: Round, broad, with full cheeks and a soft muzzle.
Eyes: Large, round, expressive. Eye color harmonizes with coat color (green, gold, copper).
Ears: Medium-sized, broad at the base, slightly rounded at the tips, well-spaced.
Tail: Complete absence (rumpy), or presence of a very short stub (rumpy riser) or a normal-length tail that is often kinked (longy). The standard favors the rumpy.
Legs: Hind legs longer than front legs, giving it a characteristic rabbit-like gait when jumping.
Dimensions and Key Information (Cymric)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Size (at shoulder)
25 – 35 cm
20 – 30 cm
20 – 35 cm
Weight
4 – 6 kg
3 – 5 kg
3 – 6 kg
Life Expectancy
10 – 14 years
10 – 14 years
10 – 14 years
Diet
Strict carnivore
Strict carnivore
High-quality kibble and wet food
Litter Size (kittens)
-
Variable
Generally 3-5
These figures indicate that the Cymric is a medium to large-sized cat, and its growth is completed around 1 year of age.
Behavior: Loyal, Robust, and Affectionate
The Cymric is essentially the long-haired version of the Manx, sharing its characteristic lack of tail (or very short tail) and a most endearing temperament. Recognizable by its dense, silky fur and robust build, the Cymric is a loyal, intelligent, and deeply affectionate cat towards its family. It is a devoted companion that forms very strong bonds with its owners.
Very playful and curious, Cymrics retain a youthful energy throughout their lives. They love interactive games, toy hunts, and can even be trained to fetch, a sign of their keen minds. Despite their imposing appearance, they are very agile and enjoy climbing and exploring. Their patient nature and great sociability make them excellent companions for families with children and other pets.
The Cymric is a balanced cat, capable of transitioning from intense play sessions to prolonged cuddling. Its grooming requires regular brushing to prevent tangles in its semi-long fur. If you are drawn to a large, affectionate, intelligent cat with a unique physical peculiarity, the Cymric is an excellent choice. For those who appreciate short-tailed cats, the American Bobtail or the Pixie-Bob are other options. For robust, long-haired breeds that love to play, the Siberian and the Norwegian Forest Cat also offer remarkable companion qualities.
Origin and History
The history of the Cymric is intrinsically linked to that of the Manx, a naturally tailless cat breed originating from the Isle of Man. The gene responsible for taillessness appeared spontaneously on the island centuries ago. Manx kittens are born with varying tail lengths, from complete absence (rumpy) to an almost normal tail.
In the 1960s, long-haired Manx kittens appeared in litters, and Canadian breeders began to develop them as a distinct breed. The name 'Cymric' comes from 'Cymru', the Welsh name for Wales (although the breed does not come from Wales, the name was chosen for marketing reasons). The Cymric was officially recognized by the CFA in 1989 and by TICA. It is appreciated for its unique appearance and golden character.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Cymric
What is the main characteristic of the Cymric?
The Cymric is the long-haired variety of the Manx, characterized by its taillessness (rumpy) or a very short tail (rumpy riser), and its dense, silky coat.
Does the Cymric have health problems related to taillessness?
Yes, taillessness is due to a spinal malformation. Cymrics (and Manx) can suffer from "Manx syndrome," a set of neurological and bladder problems. Responsible breeders strive to minimize these risks.
What is the temperament of the Cymric?
It is a gentle, affectionate, intelligent, loyal, and very playful cat. It is sociable with children and other pets, and is often compared to a dog for its attachment.
Does the Cymric's coat require a lot of grooming?
Yes, its medium to long and dense coat requires regular brushing (two to three times a week) to prevent tangles and keep it healthy.
How long can a Cymric live?
The average life expectancy of a Cymric typically ranges between 10 and 14 years, but this can vary depending on potential health problems related to the tailless gene.
