Introduction to Cymric Cat
The Cymric cat is a long haired variant of the Manx cat and the name is pronounced as “Kim Rick”. The unique and stand out feature of this cat species is the absence of a tail or extremely short tail. The Manx cats have a short coat while the Cymric cat has long hair. The difference in the length of their hair is the only stand out feature that differentiates between these two varieties of cats species.
A lot of cat registries do not recognize this cat as a separate breed but is known as the longhaired variety of the Manx breed, which is a standard feature within the breed. The unique tailless characteristic of this cat breed is jokingly said to be caused due to the breeding between a cat and a rabbit, but this is nearly impossible. Instead, the tailless feature in this cat is due to a genetic mutation that was very common in their place of origin, Isle of Man, which lies off the coast of Britain. The Isle of Man is known for this special cat species and hence the name Manx.
The Manx is recognized by various cat registries and the long haired Cymric cat is included as a sub-breed of the Manx breed, while some other cat registries consider the Cymric Cat as an altogether new breed. The Cymric litters are usually very small and require careful breeding to prevent birth defects.
History of Cymric Cat
Pronounced as “Kim Rick” the Cymric Cat is a long haired version of the short haired Manx. This cat species derived its name from the Celtic word due to its close proximity to Wales, near Isle of Man, the place of origin of Cymric cat. It is believed that this cat species was introduced to Isle of Man by travelers and explorers several centuries ago. The Isle had no domestic cat species of their own and the settlers and travelers introduced several domestic cats during their stay in the Isle.
The Cymric cats were born due to a natural genetic mutation among the local domestic cat population. Due to the isolated and closed environment of the Isle and a small gene pool it is the dominant gene that is responsible for the lack of tail on these cats, which was passed on from one generation to another. Other short tail cat species like the Japanese Bobtails are governed by the recessive genes and hence are not related to each other.
The tailless feature caught the attention of various cat fanciers making the Manx a popular breed among cat lovers. The Cymric cats on the other hand have been around for a long time now. Some cat fanciers don’t consider the Cymric cat a human made hybrid cat species or caused due to cross-breeding the Manx to the Persian. Since the Isle of Man has both the short-haired as well as the long-haired cats, the longhaired genes passed around due to the inbreeding in the Isle.
The Cymric came into limelight in the early 1960s and was accepted for the championship status in the year 1976 by the The Canadian Cat Association (CCA-AFC) and now is accepted by many other cat registries as Cymric or the longhaired Manx.
Cymric Traits
Cymric are popular for their lack of tail, but not all Cymric are tailless. Some are known as Longies due to their normal tail while the short tails Cymric are called stumpies. A type of Cymric with no tail at all is called a rumpy while the ones with just a rise above the bone at the end of the spine are known as the riser.
The risers and the rumpies are most commonly found in the show ring. The other standout feature of the Cymric is the round shaped head with huge round eyes. The body is stout, has a broad chest with powerful body structure, and short back, wide and round rear. They have short front legs and have long hind legs with muscular thighs. The long hind legs make them look similar to a rabbit.
The Cymric has soft, long and silky double coat. The coat comes in many colors including the popular tabbies, solids, tortoiseshells and calicos. The coat is longer on the shoulders and the belly region. The ruff on the neck runs from the shoulder and forms a shape that is similar to a child’s bib. A lot of Cymric has tufts on the ears and toes. The Cymric takes time to mature and will take at least five years to attain full maturity. Cymric cat comes in the price range $400-$700.
Cymric Personality
Cymric are affectionate, fun-loving and intelligent cat species. They get along well with other animals like dogs. Unlike the Manx, the Cymrics are loyal to their human friends and like spending time with them by playing and doing tricks. They can learn tricks pretty easily and can take you by surprise. They love water and have shown no aversion towards water. Even though these cats are extrovert they are gentle and not very aggressive by nature. They will not push you for attention and will give you space when you require.
Cymric HealthCare
The coat of Cymric requires occasional care. You may have to brush their coat twice a week to spread the natural skin oils and to eliminate loose hair. The litter box should be kept clean and dry as Cymric cats are very particular about these things. These are good indoor cats and should not be left alone outdoors. Cymric is generally healthy and requires less care.
Cymric Behavior
Cymric are very easy to train and will learn things pretty quickly. They tend to be very friendly and can get along well with new people and other animals. Though not very aggressive, these cats are very active and social.
Cymric with Children and other Pets
Cymric are social and active animals. They are a perfect choice for households with children and other animals like dogs. These cats can play games with kids and can learn their tricks easily. Not only dogs, they are good with fish, birds and various other animals. It is advisable to introduce a Cymric kitten to your family rather than a fully grown Cymric as it will help both parties to get along well with each other.
Cymric Weight/Height Range
The Cymric are medium sized cats weighing between 8 to 12 pounds, though you may feel slightly heavy when you lift them.
Age Expectancy
The average lifespan of the Cymric Cats is between 8 to 14 years.
Feeding a Cymric Cat
The Cymric kittens need high quality food for their overall growth until they are about a year. Any good cat food is ideal for these cat species, but take care not to feed high potassium and magnesium foods. Provide fresh water at regular intervals.
The Cymric cat is a long-haired version of the Manx breed. While the Manx is well known for its short, stubby tail, the Cymric has a long, luxurious coat. The Cymric is an excellent companion cat, as they are very affectionate and loyal. These cats are intelligent and can be trained to do tricks and learn commands. They are also quite active and enjoy playing and exploring.
The Cymric cat is a low maintenance breed, requiring only occasional grooming to keep their coats in good condition. They do not shed much, making them a great choice for those who are sensitive to pet fur. They are also known for being a sturdy breed and can live up to 15 years or more.
The Cymric is a great choice for those looking for a lovable and loyal companion. They are intelligent and make great pets for families with children. They may even get along with other pets, such as dogs and cats, as long as they are properly introduced. The Cymric cat breed is an ideal choice for those who want a long-haired cat that is easy to care for and will be a faithful companion for many years.
