Manx (Manx Cat): Description Of The Breed, Character, Tips For Maintenance And Care, Photo

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 22:26

Brave defenders and funny friends: adorable Mainx cats

Manx cats are a breed that appeared as a result of natural mutation and formed without the participation of humans. At home, these animals believe that they bring good luck and happiness to the house. Perhaps this sign is not so far from the truth: in any case, the friendliness, playfulness and funny habits of these animals can bring a lot of joy to all family members.

Content

• 1 Origin of Manx cats

• 2 Appearance of menks according to CFA standard

  • 2.1 Head
  • 2.2 Body
  • 2.3 Wool
  • 2.4 Color
  • 2.5 Disadvantages
• 3 Character

• 4 Mainx cat health

  • 4.1 Mainx syndrome
  • 4.2 Pyoderma of the back of the body
  • 4.3 Corneal dystrophy

• 5 Features of the content of manks

  • 5.1 Power

    • 5.1.1 Industrial feed
    • 5.1.2 Natural food
    • 5.1.3 Features of feeding
  • 5.2 Accommodation conditions

  • 5.3 Hygiene procedures

    • 5.3.1 Grooming
    • 5.3.2 Ears
    • 5.3.3 Claws
    • 5.3.4 Eyes
    • 5.3.5 Teeth

• 6 Breeding features of Mainx cats

  6.1 Commercial breeding

• 7 Choosing a kitten
• 8 Table: pros and cons of the breed
• 9 Video: description of the breed of Manx cats
• 10 Photo Gallery: Maine Cats

The origin of the Maine cats

The breed originated on the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. It is believed that its ancestors were the cats of sailors who survived the shipwreck. In particular, a number of researchers claim that the animals came to the island from those ships of the Spanish Armada, which were sunk in the war with England in 1588.

In an isolated space, the animal population gradually grew. The taillessness gene, which appeared as a result of an accidental mutation, has spread so much due to closely related crossings that after a while all cats on the island became its carriers.

Tailless cats quickly gained popularity among the locals. Their specific physique has given rise to several legends:

• The Manks are the fruit of a cross between cats and rabbits.
• People chopped off cat tails to carry with them as a talisman and often killed animals in the process. Then the females, in order to protect the kittens, themselves began to bite off their tails after birth.
• To step on the tail of a cat was to incur misfortune. The gods decided to help people and just made the cat's tails disappear.
• The Mainx cat was constantly distracted and delayed on the way to Noah's ark. As a result, she ran aboard just before sailing, so that her tail was blown off by the closing door.

Gradually, the Manks began to be exported to England. This cat was first presented at the exhibition in 1871.

The first breed standard was written in 1903 by breeder Charles Henry Lane.

Because of their long hind legs and the ability to jump high, manks are sometimes called cat-rabbits.

The CFA recognized the Maine cats in 1908. Later, other felinological organizations joined it.

Initially, only short-haired manks were allowed by the standard, and semi-long-haired individuals were completely rejected from breeding. However, in the 70s. Thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts, some organizations, in particular ACFA, AACE, ACA and TICA, have separated cats with semi-long hair into a separate breed called the Cimrick. The CFA in 1994 recognized the Kimriks as a subspecies of the Manx without giving them an independent status.

On the island itself, there is now a state manx nursery. In addition, there were several times issued coins with the image of these cats on the reverse: in 1970 with a face value of 1 crown, in 1975 with a face value of 25 pence. Then in 1988 a series of coins with images of different breeds was launched. The first in it, of course, were the Manks.

The 25p coin was issued second

Manx appearance according to CFA standard

One of the important characteristics of the breed is the roundness of all forms.

Head

The head is round, including due to the pronounced cheeks. In profile, a slight transition from nose to forehead is visible. The muzzle is slightly longer than wide. The chin is firm. The ears are medium in size, broad at the base, with rounded tips. Set wide apart.

The eyes are large and round. The outer corners are slightly higher than the inner ones. The color of the iris can be blue, copper, gold, hazel, or green. It must match the color of the coat.

Body

The body is muscular, compact, with a strong bone, looks thick and tightly knit. The chest is wide. The back is short, forming a smooth arch from the shoulders to the croup. The sacrum is round and wide. The groin folds are larger than any other breed, which gives the animal a special depth when viewed from the side. The average weight of adult mens is from 3.5 to 5.5 kg, the height at the withers is about 26 cm. Males are larger than females.

Mainx cats look quite massive

The forelegs are widely spaced, the hind legs are noticeably longer. The thighs are well muscled. The paws are round. There are five fingers on the front, four on the back.

The tail can be of four types:

• Dimple rumpy (Dipl rampy). The classic and most valuable variety. The tail vertebrae are completely absent. In their place there is a fossa in which the phalanx of the thumb should fit.
• Riser There are several caudal vertebrae, usually hidden under the coat. The value of such kittens is determined by running your hand over the rump. If the tail is not felt at the same time, the animal can be equated with a diploma.
• Stumpy (Stumpy). The tail is no longer than the hock. The vertebrae are tuberous.
• Longy (Longy). The tail is of normal size.

Animals of the stumpy and long types cannot receive prizes at exhibitions, but are actively used in breeding.

Wool

The coat is thick, double, with a dense undercoat. Feels like a rabbit fur or a plush toy. At exhibitions, texture is considered more important than color.

Cimriks, that is, semi-long-haired individuals, must have a "collar" and "pants".

Color

CFA accepts all colors except Siamese. Hybrid shades are prohibited: lavender, chocolate, cinnamon, etc., as well as their combinations with white.

With a spotted color, it is desirable that there are white areas between the spots.

disadvantages

The "cotton" structure of the wool leads to a decrease in the exhibition score, and in the Kimriks - its insufficient density.

Disqualifying signs:

• tail vertebrae, which can be felt when you run your hand over the croup;
• wrong number of fingers;
• weak croup, poorly developed hind legs;
• signs of hybridization;
• a fracture or stop of the nose visible in profile;
• poor physical condition.

Individuals with spinal anomalies and other body defects are not allowed for breeding.

Character

Manks are pronounced companions. Usually they choose one owner for themselves, but at the same time they treat other family members well. They love to be in the center of everyone's attention and do not tolerate isolation, for example, closed doors. Loneliness is not well tolerated.

Patient with children. Many manks prefer to deal with babies even more than with adults, and become wonderful companions for pranks.

Manx cats like to observe the household from a high point, and even more - to take an active part in household chores. Whatever the owners are busy with, the cat will certainly try to provide all possible "help".

My relatives have Manx. They live far away, so we can only communicate on Skype - and from the moment the kitten appears, not a single conversation can do without him. His nose is the first thing that always appears in front of the camera. As far as we know from the stories, Thor's duties include immediately checking all packages and new things that have entered the house, supervising the cooking, the hostess's handicrafts, plant transplants and other important activities. The cat has an especially serious attitude to washing - when things are put into the machine, he himself tries to bring the first wardrobe item he sees. In order not to offend the "helper", in such cases they try to slip a thing that really needs washing.

Besides, the Manks are brave defenders. They can rush to protect the owner in the face of any real or perceived threat, regardless of the balance of power. Often they warn owners about the danger, for example, the appearance of strangers on the site.

Manx will love to explore every corner of the garden

Easy enough to train. Curious, trying to explore everything new. They adapt well to new conditions and easily tolerate travel. They calmly treat strangers if they believe that they do not threaten them or their owners.

The Manks jump very high and often do somersaults, but they are poor at climbing trees or posts. Due to their specific constitution, they run in small jumps, similar to those of a rabbit.

It is interesting that cats of this breed like to look at the water and play in streams, but do not like to swim. They usually meow when they need something, they hardly give a voice unnecessarily.

Not vindictive and not prone to revenge.

They get along well with other cats and dogs, and if they do not like them in some way, they prefer to simply ignore them. At the same time, small animals are hunted with passion. Often they strive to crawl into the aquarium.

Maine cat health

In general, Manks are distinguished by their endurance and rather strong immunity. With proper care and good heredity, their lifespan is 12-15 years. Nevertheless, a number of characteristic diseases are inherent in these animals.

Mainx syndrome

The cause of this disease is the taillessness gene itself.

It manifests itself in the form of slow growth of the spine and its deformation, the appearance of a spinal hernia and concomitant damage to the spinal cord. Spinal pathologies also provoke problems with defecation and urination, kidney disease and deformation of internal organs. Symptoms usually appear no later than 4-6 months. There is no cure. Kittens usually die shortly after the first symptoms appear, or are put to sleep.

Spinal deformity in Manx syndrome quickly leads to the death of the animal

In long-tailed pets, this disease manifests itself in the form of ossification of the vertebrae of the tail, and it can develop at any age. The most common solution is usually amputation. To avoid this problem, many breeders dock their kittens' tails shortly after their birth.

The risk of babies with Manx syndrome increases significantly when tailless animals are crossed.

Pyoderma of the back of the body

The disease is caused by pyogenic bacteria. Often they penetrate the subcutaneous layer due to minor injuries, scratches and scratches. Also, pyoderma can develop as a complication of shingles or ticks. It can be provoked by poor hair care or improper nutrition.

Due to infection, the skin becomes inflamed, many small abscesses appear on it, scales and scabs are formed. Sometimes hair falls out on the affected area. Because of the itching, the animal itches constantly.

Infection is rarely fatal by itself, unless it is deeply affected. However, it not only makes the cat suffer, but also further reduces its immunity. Due to scratching, the skin is additionally affected by pathogenic fungi and bacteria.

Diagnostics includes microscopic and bacteriological examination of skin scrapings from the affected area. If the infection is deep, a biopsy may also be needed.

The treatment regimen is developed by a veterinarian. It usually includes a course of antibiotics to kill the pathogen, and ointment and cream to heal the skin. With the timely initiation of therapy, the disease is cured quite easily.

Corneal dystrophy

It usually develops in kittens.

With this disease, metabolic products accumulate in the cornea of the eye, which reduces its transparency. In the mild stage, the disease does not impair the animal's vision, but after a while the deposits can provoke corneal ulceration, pain and profuse lacrimation. Both eyes are usually affected.

For diagnostics, a fluorescent staining of the cornea and its biomicroscopy are prescribed. A biochemical blood test may also be required. Visually, small white spots can be seen on the cornea.

With a congenital nature of the disease, it does not give in to definitive treatment. When ulcers appear, measures can be taken in the form of an operation to remove the dystrophy zone, however, after a few years, deposits will again accumulate in the same place.

Animals with a similar problem are discarded from breeding.

Features of the content of manks

The Manks are relatively easy to care for and maintain. However, a number of rules are important to keep them healthy.

Food

A complete and balanced diet is the foundation of animal health.

Industrial feed

It is important to choose holistic, super premium or premium products. Cheap economy-class feeds, including widely advertised ones, cause huge damage to animal health.

Dry food must be purchased only in branded packaging - by weight, they often sell economy-class products or fakes under well-known manufacturers

The following products have proven themselves well:

• Orijen. A series of holistic food from the Canadian producer Champion Petfoods. The benefits include a high protein content and no cereal content. Animal protein is usually fresh products that are processed without prior freezing or chemical preservation. Natural vitamin supplements are used in feed, in particular, useful herbs and roots.
• Acana. Grain-free holistic feed from the same manufacturer. Also made from fresh ingredients. Contains Colombian cranberries to reduce the acidity of urine. This series is produced only in dry form.
• Grandorf. Super premium class. Manufactures are located in Belgium and Italy. The series includes low-grain and grain-free products. The feed is enriched with natural vitamin supplements.
• Pro Plan. Super premium products. The series includes dry and wet food with different flavors: chicken, salmon, turkey, duck. The content of animal protein is up to 40%. Fat only up to 16%. The series includes a range of foods for kittens and lactating cats, as well as for neutered animals.
• Royal Canin. Premium class. There are dry and wet food, as well as a large selection of lines: for kittens, sick, neutered animals, etc. The disadvantages include the presence of chemical preservatives and dyes.

Natural food

Natural nutrition makes it possible to be confident in the quality of all components of the cat's diet. On the other hand, you should carefully plan the menu, purchase and prepare food separately.

A cat's diet should be 70% animal protein. You can give the following foods daily:

• veal or lean beef;
• rabbit meat;
• turkey meat;
• chicken.

Raw meat is best for cats, but it can be infested with parasites. To protect the pet, the product is prepared by freezing: cut into portions of about 2x2 cm and placed in the freezer for 7-10 days. You can also give your pet boiled meat, but in no case fried or smoked.

Do not give pork and fatty birds: duck, goose. Do not use store-bought minced meat: they contain salt, which is very harmful to cats.

Twice a week they give:

• boiled chicken or beef offal;
• vegetables boiled, mashed and reduced with vegetable oil;
• low-fat dairy products;
• porridge, preferably rice or buckwheat.

Milk should not be given to cats.

Once a week, you can give boiled sea fish, deboned, as well as boiled yolk, mashed with cottage cheese.

For cats, raw meat after deep freezing is most useful.

It is advisable to purchase a pot of cat grass or sprout oats. They contain many useful substances and are good for digestion. As a rule, cats do not abuse such grass, so it can be kept freely available.

Manx babies grow very quickly and reach their adult form in six months. For normal bone formation in the diet of a young animal, there must be enough calcium

If the breeder used commercial feed, it is advisable to give the pet the same feed at least until the moment the growth stops. When fed naturally, the same breeder should advise on suitable calcium supplements.

Feeding features

When using industrial feed, the daily rate is calculated according to the manufacturer's recommendations. It can fluctuate depending on the composition of the product. When fed with natural food, its daily volume should be approximately 5% of the weight of an adult animal. For kittens up to 9 months, the norm is 10%.

Natural and industrial food should not be mixed or often alternated - this causes severe damage to the animal's digestive system

Adult menks are fed 2 times a day, kittens 3-4 times in small portions. For obese animals, the diet is reduced by about 20%.

For pregnant females, food volume is increased by about 10% 2 weeks after conception. From the 3rd to the 7th week, the portions are gradually increased by another 50%. Then, without increasing the volume, the frequency of feeding is increased up to 4-5 times a day. In this case, it is important not to overfeed the animal - being overweight can lead to a pregnancy failure or difficult childbirth.

Accommodations

Manx are mobile and active, they need enough space to release their energy. However, due to the fact that these cats do not climb well, play complexes, where the emphasis is on the posts, are not suitable for them.

It's good if the pet has the opportunity to walk in a fenced house area or in an aviary. It is not recommended to simply let the Manx out into the street - the animal attracts attention due to its unusual appearance and can be stolen. In addition, due to poor climbing skills, such a cat will not be able to escape on a tree from dogs.

You can only walk your pet in a safe house area.

The pet should not be allowed to fall from a height, for example, from a window - due to the lack of a tail, Manxes tolerate falling much worse than ordinary cats.

Make sure that nothing of value is on the shelves - in a jump, the cat can accidentally break or knock a fragile thing.

If there is an aquarium in the house, it should be covered with a special plastic cover with snaps, not glass

Hygiene procedures

Regular hygiene procedures are very important for the health of the animal.

Hair care

Short-haired Manxes are combed once, Kimriks - 2-3 times a week. To do this, first use a fine comb, then a massage brush. The procedure cannot be neglected - the hair can be matted even in short-haired individuals.

During molting, the procedure is carried out 2-3 times a week for short-haired cats and daily for semi-long-haired cats. In addition to the usual combs, it is advisable to use a furminator at this time.

Furminator allows you to get rid of dead undercoat

Manks don't like to swim. It is advisable to carry out the procedure no more than 2 times a year during molting - water helps to get rid of dead hairs.

For short-haired individuals, choose shampoos that are suitable for British cats - otherwise, the coat may lose its characteristic "plush" structure for a while. The following tools have proven themselves well:

• Doctor ZOO for short-haired cats. Forms a rich lather, rinses off easily. Makes the coat soft and pleasant to the touch.
• Bio-Groom Silky Cat. Has a fairly liquid consistency. Lathers medium, but washes the coat well. Does not irritate the eyes if foam enters them. There is a fresh herbal smell.
• Bio-Groom Extra Body Shampoo. Suitable for cats and dogs with long or double coats. Well "sets" the undercoat, giving the necessary volume. Recommended for use before exhibitions. Does not sting eyes, is easily washed off.

For semi-long-haired individuals, the following products are suitable:

• RolfClub for long-haired breeds. The consistency is medium thick. There is a pleasant smell that lasts on the wool for about a day.
• Veda Phytoelita untangling for long-haired cats. Has a gel-like consistency. There is a slight pleasant smell. It is recommended to dilute slightly with water before application. Not very much foam. Washes off easily and without residue. Facilitates combing, reduces the risk of tangles.
• AVZ "Morskoy" for long-haired cats. Thick, lathers well, rinses off easily. According to reviews, it smells like a man's shower gel.

Ears

The ears of the animal are cleaned once a week. To do this, use cotton pads and sticks moistened with veterinary drugs.

Examine the auricle carefully while cleaning. If scratches, ulcers, inflammation, purulent discharge or blackheads appear, the animal should be shown to the veterinarian.

Claws

Manx's claws are trimmed about once a month with nail clippers or nail clippers. In this case, it is important to cut off only the tip of no more than 1–1.5 mm so as not to snag a blood vessel. If this does happen, treat the claw with a disinfectant.

If the animal tends to sharpen its nails in the wrong places, for example, on furniture, you can try anti-scratches - silicone pads that are fixed on trimmed nails with medical glue.

Anti-scratches are produced in different colors, which allows you to make your pet a funny "manicure"

After that, many animals really stop spoiling the wallpaper and things. The cons are as follows:

• the animal can react to the appearance of a foreign object with aggression or stress;
• if necessary, the pet will not be able to defend itself;
• the claw can become inflamed or deformed due to improper attachment of the pad.

Eyes

Many cats have discharge in the corners of their eyes after sleep. They are cleaned daily with a cotton pad moistened with strong tea leaves, chamomile broth or veterinary lotion.

If the eyes are red, take the animal to the vet.

Teeth

Manx's teeth are brushed once a week. To do this, use a child's toothbrush or a special attachment on the finger. Only veterinary pastes should be used - they do not require rinsing with water.

Breeding features of Mainx cats

Females begin their first estrus at 7–8 months, and males can demonstrate readiness for mating at 5 months. However, the first mating for both cats and cats is recommended no earlier than 3 years old - only by this age the body develops and grows strong enough.

If you do not intend to use the pet in breeding or do not have the right to do so according to the agreement with the breeder, the animal must be neutered or spayed. European standards (according to which this breed is mainly bred) suggest an operation for females at 6 months, for cats - at 9.

Commercial breeding

Manks are quite difficult to breed.

The main difficulty is the acquisition of producers. There are very few breeders in Russia and the CIS countries, so it is possible that a long journey will be required to buy an animal.

It must be remembered that tailless cats cannot be crossed with each other - the offspring with a high degree of probability will die unborn, and if they are born, they will die from the Manx syndrome. One of the producers must be either stumpy or long. Mating with other breeds is not allowed.

To obtain healthy offspring, one of the parents must be long-tailed from birth

Another danger is multiple pregnancy. Usually there are 3-4 kittens in a litter, but if there are more of them, one embryo may die, which will result in intoxication of the cat's body and its death. Therefore, when acquiring a breeding female, it is important to clarify whether there were cases of multiple pregnancies in her mother, grandmothers or sisters.

If the ultrasound showed more than 4 embryos, the observation of the pregnant female should be especially close. It is advisable to be examined by a veterinarian and an ultrasound scan several times during pregnancy. An abortion is done if necessary.

The search for a mating partner is carried out through clubs and nurseries - again, most often foreign ones. Pet owners must demonstrate their pet's pedigrees and medical records. Both the cat and the cat must be vaccinated and treated for worms before mating.

Mating takes place on the territory of the cat, optimally on the third day of estrus. Usually the cat is left there for several days - several matings are needed to guarantee conception.

Pregnancy lasts 63–65 days on average.

The cat owner's responsibilities include the initial vaccination course and paperwork for kittens.

Choosing a kitten

The search for kittens is carried out through catteries or according to the announcements of breeders, sometimes through exhibitions. It is advisable at the stage of correspondence to clarify the presence of a pedigree and certificates of vaccinations.

You can distinguish a Manx kitten from other tailless cats, that is, bobtails, by a more dense and rounded body, pronounced cheeks and a special "rabbit" manner of movement.

To reduce the risk of buying an animal with Manx syndrome, it is advisable to pick up a tailless kitten no earlier than four months of age

During the visit, make sure that the kitten looks healthy. He should have clean, clear eyes, fluffy hair without bald spots, healthy skin. Discharge from the nose or eyes, an inflamed anus, nervous or cowardly behavior are indicative of illness.

Pay attention to the way the baby moves. Weakness, unsteady gait, and hindlimb dystrophy usually indicate Manx syndrome.

The breeder must issue:

• the passport of the animal, where its name, pedigree and date of birth are indicated;
• contract of sale;
• a certificate of vaccination behavior.

The average price of a kitten is 30 thousand rubles.

Table: pros and cons of the breed

Advantages	disadvantages
Friendliness, loyalty to the owners	Low prevalence and high cost
Good attitude towards children	The risk of genetic diseases
Intelligence and ingenuity	Difficulties in breeding, risk of death of the female
Easy adaptation to new conditions	Possibly obsessive behavior and dependence on human attention

Video: description of the breed of Manx cats

Photo gallery: Maine cats

Long tails are usually docked shortly after birth.

Roundness of all shapes is an important breed characteristic of the Manx

Breeding manks is fraught with difficulties

The Manks have an excellent hunting instinct.

Despite the difficulties associated with breeding, in a number of countries, the Manx remains a popular and widespread breed. People are fascinated by the distinctive appearance of these animals, and their loyalty, affection and friendly disposition. There is a chance that gradually this original breed will also interest domestic breeders.