Everyone is familiar with the Manx cat, because it is a popular breed, and many pet lovers tend to adopt or buy it. A Manx cat is friendly, affectionate, playful, and active. The most distinguishing feature of this breed is no or short tail.
Where do they come from? This is the most common question asked by Manx cat lovers. The simple answer is that the first Manx cat was found in the Isle of Man, an independently governed island in the British Isles.
The tailless characteristic is due to a genetic mutation, which occurred in the native cats on the Island. Since the tailless characteristic is caused by a dominant gene, it spread to other cats on the Isle of Man.
History of Manx Cats
There are different views, theories, concepts, and myths about the origination of the Manx cat breed. For many centuries, religious people thought or believed that Manx cats have no tail because Noah closed the door of the ark while the cat was getting into it. The closing of the door cut the cat’s tail.
On the other hand, some people believe that Vikings would take the kittens and use their fur to decorate their helmets. Mother cats did not want the Vikings to take their babies, and that’s why bit off their kittens’ tails to avoid Vikings to take them away.
Some people even believe that Manx cats are a result of mated cats and rabbits. That’s why they have long hind legs and short front legs. Also, they say that Manx cats have rabbit-like hop instead of stride while running.
Genetic Mutations
Although the stories and tales are interesting and enjoyable, they are against scientific knowledge and findings. The Scientific view is based on logic, rationality, and proof. The Manx cat has two genes that control its spinal development and growth. The first one is dominant and the other one is recessive.
The dominant gene underwent mutation centuries ago and caused deformities or changes in the spinal area of the cat. As a result, the cat had not developed a tail. In contrast, science also tells us that the Manx cat has a recessive gene that controls the growth of the tail, especially in the offspring that does not receive the dominant gene.
For example, some cats, called the longys, have near-normal tails because of the presence of the recessive gene and absence of the mutated “Manx gene.” On the other hand, some Manx cats, such as the rumpys are an entirely tailless variety because it receives a pair of dominant genes from its parents.
Stumpys, in contrast, have a stump for a tail. Rumpy Risers have small cartilage that protrudes from their spinal bases. So, considering the genetics of the Manx cat, it can have a tail and produce offspring with no tail. Again, the reason is one dominant gene and one recessive gene, which expresses themselves from one generation to another depending on the genetic makeup. The Manx cats are unique in their characteristics, which make them stand out among other breeds. Undoubtedly, the amazing cat breed from the Isle of Man makes a great pet.