Petcradle.com Manx Fact Sheet

Is this breed for me?

Manx are sometimes called a man's cat. If you are a dog lover the Manx is a good cat to purchase. They are more dog-like in their behavior than any other cat we know. You can teach them to fetch, they usually love rides in the car (truck drivers love them as companions), and they are drawn to water like a duck. They are easily leash trained and you can teach them to come by name or with a whistle. Loyal and people-oriented, most Manx are also easily reprimanded and learn the "no" command quickly.

If you like a tailed cat, or a cat that doesn't interact often with you, or if you are interested in a more exotic version a cat - slim and lithe or very long-haired or large, or if you are looking for a vocal, high-energy cat, the Manx is not for you. Some people expect a Manx to look like a lynx. The Manx breeders today breed for a medium-sized, sweet and intelligent cat. Although Manx calm when about a year old, they are very curious - as all cats are - and they love to run and play as kittens.

How are Manx cats with other members the family--children, seniors, etc.?

Manx are friendly and loving to members the family other than their primary care-giver. Though they do tend to pick a "special person," they get on well with children (if introduced to the household young enough), and their placid natures make them especially good with older family members.

How do Manx get on with other family pets?

Manx get along with other cats well, and usually adapt easily to dogs, large or small. They are also known to live quietly with other types pets, such as birds or fish. It would not be wise, however, to simply "spring" a kitten on the other pets in a household, but rather go through several days or even a couple weeks introductions and close supervision before letting everybody mingle indiscriminately.

Our kittens are raised in a household with other cats as well as large dogs. This should make it quite easy for them to adapt to any living situation with another animal. Keep in mind that the males do tend to be very territorial and it might take them longer to adapt to other male animals.

Are they intelligent?

A fairer question might be, am I intelligent enough to out-think them? Manx are clever cats, and do seem to have great understanding. Some Manx have learned how to open doors, and not just by pulling at the bottom, but by somehow turning the handles. They seem to understand very well what door knobs are for.

Manx can make up inventive games which demonstrate their intelligence. Play time can involve retrieving small objects to be thrown again as well as mock hide and seek "attacks". One our favorite games is to "box" with our Manx. They love to get up and stand on their hind legs while playing with you.

Do they purr?

Most definitely yes. Manx have a great range vocalizations. Most Manx voices are quite soft, but they miaow and purr and most distinctively, they "trill," especially a momcat calling her kits, or any Manx calling his person.

Do they scratch the furniture?

Like any cat, Manx will scratch what feels good to them to do so. If provided with scratching posts covered in the materials they prefer, they will learn to use those posts if one is patient in putting them in front the post and praising them for using it. A squirt bottle or water pistol can be quite effective in keeping them from scratching the forbidden objects.

Are they noisy?

Manx have very quiet little voices for their size and weight. You are more likely to hear them running than you are to hear them vocalizing, unless it is a male and female calling each other, or a female calling her kittens. They do like to chase each other, so hearing the thunder furry feet is usually the disturbance the Manx owner is used to.

Which makes a better pet--male or female?

If the cat is spayed or neutered, the sex the cat is little import in deciding which to pick as a pet. It costs less to neuter a male than to spay a female. Either sex is loving and sweet-natured when raised in a loving home.

Should the cat be allowed outdoors?

It is never the best idea to allow your cat outside unsupervised, since there are so many dangers for cats outside the home. Manx are no less susceptible to rabies, feline leukemia, upper respiratory infections, larger animal attacks and being hit by wheeled vehicles than any other cat, and the worst danger all is humans who hate cats. Manx may be trained to walk on a leash, if one feels the need to take the cat out. Generally speaking, however, the cat will not "pine" for the great outdoors, and will live a much longer, happier, and healthier life as an indoor pet - not to mention, your home will remain flea-free. Manx will love sitting in a window for hours on end, watching the world go by, and get very excited seeing birds and squirrels and such.

How long do they live?

Manx may live into their 20's, and certainly may be expected to reach the late teens as a matter course. Once past the danger Manx Syndrome, the Manx is generally healthy when receiving regular veterinary care and proper diet. The Manx doesn't fully mature until around 5 years age, and the greatest threat to health is overweight. Because the great depth flank in the Manx, and the standard which calls for a large, solid cat, it may be difficult to tell if you're overfeeding your cat. It can be hard to distinguish between depth flank and fat. The best thing to do is to watch for panting after normal exertion--if it doesn't stop after a short period time, the cat probably has a weight/health problem.

What do you feed the cat?

Kittens should get a high quality "growth formula" food for the first year their lives, and adult cats need a balanced maintenance diet. It is a good idea to check the contents any food you want to give your cat, and avoid those with high ash/magnesium/potassium content. The diet should be divided between dry and moist food, 1/4 moist to 3/4 dry. A source fresh water should be provided at all times, and changed/filled daily

You can find more information about the manx breed at Cat Fanciers Magazine.

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