Cymric Cat Traits: What Makes This Breed Stand Out?
The Cymric cat is a long haired breed known for its playful nature and distinct tailless appearance, which sets it apart from other cats. With their plush coats and gentle personalities, Cymric cats make wonderful companions for families and individuals alike.
The Cymric Cat is a solid, chunky, and compact cat, medium to large in size, with a semi-long coat. Its most notable feature is the absence of a tail, a trait shared with its ancestor, the Manx. Consequently, A Cymric Cat can be ‘rumpy’ (no tail), ‘rumpy-riser’ (1-3 tail vertebrae), ‘stumpy’ (up to 1/3 of a tail), or ‘Longie’ (full tail).
The coat is medium long, dense, and well padded across the body, enhancing the breed's rounded, chunky appearance.
Quick facts
Life Span |
How long do Cymric Cats live? 8 - 14 years. |
Average Weight |
3.6kg - 5.4kg |
Colours |
Cymric Cats are available in all colors and patterns recognized for the Manx breed. |
Essential Information
- Cymric Cats are Ideal for first time cat owners.
- Loves playing with cat toys.
- Very active at home.
- Cymric cats are playful.
- Moderately vocal.
- Cymric Cats are a medium sized breed.
- Requires daily grooming.
- Needs ample outdoor space.
- Can be left alone during the day.
- Cymric cats adapts well to a busy household.
- Cymric cats have a calm and laid-back temperament..
- They form strong bonds with their owners.
- Cymric cats are known for their gentle and affectionate personalities.
- Ideal for apartment living due to their moderate activity level.
- Cymric cats are intelligent and quick to learn new tricks or commands.
Cymric Cat Breed Health
Manx cats and Cymric cats are more prone to health issues.
- Manx Syndrome: This is the most well-known health issue in Cymric cats since they are essentially long-haired Manx cats. Manx Syndrome is caused by the same gene that gives them their tailless or short-tailed appearance. This condition can lead to issues like spinal problems, such as spina bifida, incontinence, and bowel dysfunction, particularly in severely affected cats.
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Arthritis : Cats with shorter or no tails may experience strain in their spine and joints, leading to arthritis, especially as they age. -
Digestive and Bowel Issues : Cymric cats are also prone to gastrointestinal problems, such as megacolon, where the colon becomes overly stretched and unable to function properly, leading to constipation or other digestive issues. -
Urinary Tract Problems : Due to their shortened spine and potential nerve damage, some Cymric cats may have trouble with their bladder, including incontinence or urinary tract infections. -
Obesity : Like many cats, Cymric cats are prone to obesity, especially if they are indoor cats. Obesity can exacerbate joint problems and lead to other health complications like diabetes. -
Corneal Dystrophy : Some Cymric cats may be at risk of developing corneal dystrophy, a condition that affects the eye and can lead to vision problems.
Regular veterinary checkups, a balanced diet, and keeping your Cymric active can help manage or prevent many of these issues. If you're writing about this for your blog, highlighting the importance of early detection and proactive care would be useful for your readers.
Personality of the Cymric Cat
Sociable and playful, Manx cats and Cymric cats are muscular and athletic, yet not overly energetic. They are pleasantly chatty, with a sweet sounding voice rather than a loud or demanding one. While they enjoy human company, they can entertain themselves when the family is at work or school.
Breed Rating
Family Friendly |
5/5 |
Playfulness |
3/5 |
Intelligence |
4/5 |
Likes Other Pets |
3/5 |
Grooming Needs |
3/5 |
Shedding |
4/5 |
Vocalize |
3/5 |
History and Origins
The Cymric cat, known for its long fur, shares its origins with the Manx cat, both tracing back to the Isle of Man, a small island located in the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland. The distinctive tailless trait, present in both breeds, is due to a naturally occurring genetic mutation likely developed through the island's isolation. While the Manx is short haired, the long haired trait appeared in some litters, leading breeders in Canada and the United States in the mid 20th century to promote and specifically breed the long haired variety, now known as the Cymric.
Recognized by various cat registries like the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA), the Cymric cat is often categorized alongside the Manx due to their shared heritage. Cymric cats are robust and muscular with a dense, semi longhaired coat, and like the Manx cat, they can be tailless (rumpy), have a short tail (stumpy), or a moderate length tail (tailed). Known for being sociable, playful, and affectionate, the Cymric cat personality traits make them well suited to families and various living situations.
Outdoors or Indoors
Providing access to a very secure garden or an enclosed cat run will give your Cymric cat more space to explore and more reason to move, even if only to chase the sunny patches from one cosy window bed to the next! Fresh air and sunshine are essential for any sociable and playful Cymric cat, promoting their well being and happiness. It's crucial, however, to ensure the Cymric cat cannot escape from these spaces, as this muscular and affectionate cat breed is particularly attractive to pet thieves due to its long haired, tailless or short tailed nature.
Enrichment and Special Requirements
Despite their athletic build, adult Cymric cats tend to lean towards idleness, so it's crucial to promote movement and fitness through play and strategic use of toys such as the Whack-a-Mole cat toy, flying bird cat toy, cat tunnel toy, and automatic cat toy. Placing these toys at the summit of cat trees and positioning the water dish at floor level can effectively encourage Cymric cats to stay active. Although they may prefer lounging at times, Cymric cats do entertain themselves spontaneously, making it important to provide a variety of cat toys for interactive play with humans as well as solo amusement.
Nutrition and Feeding
Proper nutrition is key for Cymric cats, known for their muscular build and semi longhaired coat. Choose high quality cat food with ample protein, like chicken or fish, to support their muscles. Healthy fats, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, maintain coat health, while fiber aids digestion. Keep fresh water accessible and monitor portions to prevent obesity. Using interactive feeding toys can encourage exercise and mental stimulation. These practices ensure your Cymric cat stays healthy and active.
Find out more about cat nutrition with our article.
Grooming your Cymric Cat
Grooming your Cymric cat is vital to maintaining their health and appearance. Due to their semi longhaired coat, Cymric cats require regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. Daily brushing is recommended to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils, which helps keep their coat shiny and healthy. Pay particular attention to areas prone to matting, such as behind the ears and around the tail. Since Cymric cats lack a full tail, they may need assistance in grooming hard to reach spots.
Additionally, check their ears regularly for wax buildup and trim their nails as needed. Regular grooming not only enhances your Cymric cats physical well being but also strengthens the bond between you and your cat.
Family Life Compatibility
The Cymric adapts well to family life, particularly when children are mature enough to respect their need for space and handle them gently. However, they may not thrive in overly busy or noisy households with very young children, as this environment can lead to stress related behavior issues.
FAQ
What is a Cymric cat?
The Cymric cat is a long-haired variant of the Manx breed, known for its distinct lack of or very short tail, a trait caused by a natural genetic mutation. Originating from the Isle of Man, the Cymric shares many characteristics with its Manx cousin, including a muscular, round body, strong hind legs, and a playful, friendly personality. Their dense, medium-to-long fur gives them a plush appearance, and they come in a variety of coat colors and patterns. Cymrics are highly intelligent, affectionate cats that enjoy the company of their human families, making them excellent companions. Due to their unique genetics, some Cymric cats can be prone to health issues such as spinal problems, often associated with their tailless trait.
What is the difference between a Cymric and a Manx cat?
The primary difference between a Cymric and a Manx cat lies in their fur length. While both breeds share the same genetic origin and the distinctive tailless or short-tailed trait, the Cymric has a long, thick coat, whereas the Manx has a short coat. Aside from this, they are nearly identical in terms of body structure, temperament, and personality. Both cats are stocky, muscular, and have strong hind legs, which give them a rabbit-like hopping gait. They also share similar playful and affectionate natures, making them great companions. The gene responsible for their tail variations is the same, and both breeds can face similar health risks, such as spinal and joint issues related to their unique tailless trait.
Are Cymric cats rare?
While not as common as some other breeds, Cymric cats can be found in many countries where they are recognized by major cat registries.
How to identify a Cymric cat?
Identifying a Cymric cat involves looking for several key traits. The most notable feature is its lack of or very short tail, a characteristic shared with the Manx breed due to a genetic mutation. In addition, Cymrics have a round, muscular body with strong, prominent hind legs that give them a slightly arched appearance, contributing to their distinctive, rabbit-like gait. Their medium-to-long fur is dense, soft, and plush, often giving them a more rounded look compared to short-haired breeds. Cymric cats can come in a variety of coat colors and patterns. Their eyes are large, round, and expressive, adding to their striking appearance. A Cymric’s personality is also a clue, as they tend to be affectionate, playful, and intelligent, enjoying close interactions with their human companions.
How do I prevent hairballs in my Cymric cat?
To prevent hairballs in your Cymric cat, brush them daily to remove loose fur and reduce ingestion. A high-fiber diet or specialized hairball control food can help move hair through their digestive system. Keeping your cat well-hydrated also supports digestion. Additionally, hairball remedies like gels or treats can assist in passing ingested hair more easily. Regular vet checkups will help monitor and manage hairball issues effectively.
Are Cymric cats aggressive?
Cymric cats are generally not aggressive; they are known for their friendly, affectionate, and playful nature. They tend to be social and enjoy spending time with their human companions. However, like any cat, a Cymric may display aggression if it feels threatened, stressed, or unwell. Proper socialization, a calm environment, and attention to their needs usually result in a well-adjusted, gentle temperament.