Shorthair cat Medium size 3.5-5.5 kg

Manx

A playful, loyal tailless cat with a dog-like personality - sturdy and easy to groom, with breed-linked spinal risks worth knowing.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
3.5-5.5 kg, 25-30 cm at the shoulder
Moderate
Activity
Playful in bursts, then settles
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Tolerates some time on its own
Moderate
Handling
Cooperative with a little patience
Low
Coat care
Short coat; minimal brushing
Good
Fit with kids
Fine with considerate kids
Good
Other pets
Usually fine with cats and calm dogs
Moderate
Health burden
Manx syndrome, HCM

The Manx typically weighs 3.5-5.5 kg, stands 25-30 cm, and lives 12-16 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a playful, loyal cat with a dog-like, people-focused streak,
you like an easy-groom short coat and a sturdy build,
you can buy from a breeder who screens for spinal problems,
you want an interactive cat that enjoys games and following you around.

Do not consider this breed if…

you cannot buy from a breeder who health-tests for Manx syndrome,
you want a fully independent cat that keeps to itself,
you are not prepared for possible tail-related health costs,
you want a long-haired cat; that is the related Cymric instead.

A typical day with a Manx

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    Greets you and asks for breakfast
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Active play, then a patrol of the home
  3. 13:00 · Noon
    Long nap in a favorite warm spot
  4. 17:00 · Afternoon
    Interactive wand-toy or fetch session
  5. 19:30 · Evening
    Follows you around and settles nearby
  6. 22:00 · Night
    Curls up close to its people to sleep

Temperament and training

Sociability High
Playfulness High
Tolerance of handling Moderate
Hunting drive Moderate
Vocality Moderate
Independence Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Buying from a source that does not screen for spinal defects · Missing early signs of Manx syndrome in a young cat · Assuming a stocky, food-loving cat can free-feed without gaining weight

Family and environment

Kids Good
Playful and sturdy; still teach gentle handling.
Other cats Good
Usually sociable with other cats.
Dogs Good
Often fine with calm, cat-friendly dogs.
Apartment Suitable
Indoor life suits this breed well.
Seniors Great fit
Affectionate and companionable with easy grooming.
First cat Good
Friendly and adaptable; learn the breed's health risks first.
Busy household Conditional
Sociable cat; a companion helps on long days.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Manx syndrome Tailless gene can cause spinal and nerve defects
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) Most common feline heart disease; echo screening helps
Kidney Disease Chronic kidney decline, more common with age
Dental Disease Plaque and gum disease; routine dental care helps

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Long-haired version of the same tailless breed
Cymric
A tailless, sturdy cat with a plush long coat that needs regular brushing - playful and loyal, with breed-linked spinal risks to know.
View profile →
Short-tailed, sturdy and dog-like in personality
American Bobtail
A sturdy, easygoing cat with a stubby tail and a dog-like devotion - adaptable and great with family life.
View profile →
Playful, people-focused cat with a naturally short tail
Japanese Bobtail
An active, sociable and vocal bobtailed cat that enjoys games and company - hardy and easy to keep, rarely a quiet lap cat.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Manx cost in the US?
Kittens from reputable breeders commonly run $600-$1,500, with show lines costing more. Over a 12-16 year life, food, litter and routine vet care typically add $12,000-$18,000 or more, and treating a spinal or heart problem can add thousands on top.
What is Manx syndrome?
The same gene that shortens or removes the tail can, in some cats, affect the spine and nerves, causing problems with the back end, bladder or bowel. Signs usually show in the first months of life, which is why responsible breeders screen and rehome carefully.
Are all Manx cats completely tailless?
No. Tail length varies from fully tailless "rumpies" to cats with a short stub or a near-normal tail. Buying from a breeder who understands the genetics and health risks matters more than the exact tail type.
Is a Manx a good family cat?
Yes. Manx are known for being playful, loyal and almost dog-like, often bonding closely with their family and getting along with children and other pets. Just choose a health-tested kitten and learn the breed's spinal risks first.