Cymric Cat - Black Coat looking cute in garden.

Cymric Cat | History, Traits, and Care

Cymric Cat Traits: What Makes This Breed Stand Out?


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  8 - 14 years.
  • Average Weight   3.6kg to 5.4kg
  • Colours    Cymric Cats are available in all colors and patterns recognized for the Manx breed


Essential Information



  1. Cymric Cats are Ideal for first time cat owners
  2. Loves playing games and is active at home
  3. Cymric cats are playful and curious nature
  4. Manx Cats Friendly and dependent
  5. Moderately vocal
  6. Cymric Cats are a medium sized breed
  7. Requires daily grooming
  8. Needs ample outdoor space
  9. Manx cats make Excellent family pet
  10. Can be left alone during the day
  11. Manc cats adapts well to a busy household


Cymric Cat Breed Health


Manx cats and Cymric cats are more prone to health issues.


The absence of a tail, a significant genetic defect, can cause the 'deformed' spine of Manx cats and Cymric cats to potentially damage the spinal cord and affect nerves connected to vital organs. This also increases the likelihood of early onset arthritis. In some cats, a narrowed anal passage can lead to bowel blockages.


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
  • Tendency to Vocalize:   3/5
  • Likes Other Pets:  3/5
  • Grooming needs:  3/5
  • Shedding:  4/5


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 sleeping shelf 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 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.


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.


FAQs



  • How is a Cymric cat different from a Manx cat?

The Cymric Cat is essentially a longhaired version of the Manx cat, both sharing a common origin and the genetic trait of having no tail or a short tail.


  • 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.


  • Can Cymric cats be trained?

Yes, Cymric cats are intelligent and can be trained using positive reinforcement techniques. They may enjoy learning tricks and responding to commands.


  • How do I prevent hairballs in my Cymric cat?

Regular grooming and a diet rich in fiber can help reduce hairballs. Special hairball prevention treats and wet food can also aid in digestion and reduce hairball formation.


  • What kind of environment is best for a Cymric cat?

A calm, stable environment with plenty of space to explore and hide is ideal. Cymric cats enjoy vertical spaces, so cat trees and shelves are perfect for them to climb and observe their surroundings.


  • How do I socialize a Cymric kitten?

Start socializing your Cymric kitten early with gentle handling, exposure to various people, animals, and environments. Positive experiences will help them grow into confident and well-adjusted adults.



Kelly Rushton with Mary Poppins

Kelly Rushton

Meet Kelly Rushton, a dedicated cat enthusiast and proud owner of Feline Fancy Ltd. With a heart as big as her household, Kelly is the loving mum to 10 charming Ragdoll cats. In her world, felines reign supreme, and she brings professionalism and warmth to everything she does. Through her blog, Kelly shares her wealth of knowledge and experiences, offering insights into cat care, behavior, and the joy of living alongside these majestic creatures.


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