Cymric Cat Breed Guide

May 20, 2024

Curious | Protective | Tailless. For centuries, the tailless Cymric cat has captivated the minds of the people of the Isle of Man. There are many fables about this kitty’s tailless behind, each one slightly more bizarre than the next. Today we’ll explore the origins of this legendary kitty, discover what makes them tick, and lay down the rules on Cymric nutrition so that their hoomans can provide them with the best pawssible care to keep them healthy and purring.

CYMRIC CAT BASICS

Average Lifespan: 10 – 14 years

Average Weight: 3.5 – 5.5kg

Coat Length: Long

Colouring: All colours

Shedding: Moderate

WHAT IS THE ANCESTRY OF THE CYMRIC CAT?

The Cymric cat is a longhaired version of the Manx cat and so shares a fabled ancestry. These kitties with the bare behind, first appeared on the Isle of Man back in the 1700s. The cause for their lack of tail has been shrouded in mystery and folklore for centuries. One story from Viking mythology described mother cats biting their kitten’s tails off to keep them as lucky charms, whilst another tells of the Cymric cat’s tail being chopped off by the slamming door of Noah’s arc. Even the cross-species mating of cats and rabbits has been recounted as a possible reason for the Cymric cat’s bare bum, but despite these stories being wildly entertaining, the real reason for the Cymric cat’s lack of tail is due to a genetic mutation that has been passed through the generations of cats on the Isle of Man.

Manx and Cymric cats have remained popular floofs on the Isle of Man, still featured on currency, artwork and stamps on the British Isle.

The GCCF recognises the Cymric as a longhaired version of the Manx, whilst other cat governing bodies recognise the Cymric as its very own breed. In any case, the Cymric cat is a unique kitty all the same.

Ginger Cymric cat sleeping outside in the garden

WHAT DO CYMRIC CATS LOOK LIKE?

Cymric cats are medium-sized floofs with a dense and long coat. They come in all colours and patterns and with hind legs larger than their front, they have a walk-hop gait about them which is likely where the cat-rabbit origins story comes from. Most Cymric cats are completely tailless, however, some will have a small stumpy tail that they wag expressively when they see their adored hooman arrive back home from work.

WHAT’S THE PURRSONALITY OF A CYMRIC CAT?

Cymric cats are affectionate and loyal floofs. They’re playful and unlike most other cats enjoy playing with water, whether this be swiping at a running tap or jumping into a paddling pool in the garden. Cymric cats are people-orientated and form strong bonds with their furmilies. They get on well with other cats and cat-friendly dogs as well as young children. With their powerful hind legs, they make excellent hunting cats so you can be confident that your home will be vermin-free with this huntress at your beck and call.

ARE CYMRIC CATS AGGRESSIVE?

As Cymric cats are confident and extremely loyal to their furmilies, they won’t be one to shy away from strangers and have been known to growl when they don’t think something is quite right. However once comfortable they are highly affectionate and easy-going cats. Although they love to play, they also have a calm and docile side and love to curl up with their owners on the sofa for a quiet night in.

CYMRIC CAT HEALTH ISSUES

Due to their characteristic short tail or lack thereof, Manx and Cymric cats can also have a shortening of their spinal cord and nerves. This can cause a form of spina bifida or Manx syndrome, where the abnormal development of the spinal cord and nerves can cause issues with urination and defecation as well as movement of their hind legs.

In addition, some Cymric cats who have short stubby tails have fused vertebrae which can cause painful arthritis. Manx syndrome is commonly picked up before a kitten reaches six months of age, so it’s best to avoid adopting Cymric or Manx cats younger than this. Always ensure that your breeder is approved by the GCCF and can provide a health guarantee.

CYMRIC CAT FEEDING REQUIREMENTS

When you adopt a Cymric cat it’s now your responsibility as their hooman caregiver to provide them with a delicious and health-conscious diet to allow them to thrive. This means choosing a cat food from a trusted pet brand that has a commitment to nutrition. Look for a cat food with high levels of named animal meat to provide your Cymric cat with all the essential amino acids they need to maintain their health. You also have the responsibility to prevent one of the most common health conditions in cats; obesity. So, ensure that the food you feed your Cymric cat is nutritionally balanced and fed at the correct portion for their size and activity levels.

SCRUMBLES, THE PAWFECT MATCH FOR CYMRIC CATS

Scrumbles is the pawfect choice for Cymric cats because:

We Use Up to 77% Animal Meat: With high levels of human-grade meat or fish, you can trust that our cat food contains all of the essential amino acids your Cymric cat needs to thrive. We clearly name all of our ingredients so you know exactly what you’re feeding your floof.
We Avoid Common Allergens: We don’t use ingredients that cats are commonly allergic to such as dairy, soy, gluten and egg, so that even the most sensitive of felines can enjoy our cat dinners.
We Use High-Quality Natural Ingredients: Our ingredients are ethically sourced, natural and high-quality and you’ll never see any artificial additives or preservatives or added salt or sugar in our recipes which are known to upset floofy tummies.
We’re On A Mission To Improve The Gut Health Of British Floofs: All of our cat food is designed by nutritionists and approved by vets to be easily digestible for even the most sensitive of tums. We also use gut-loving prebiotics or probiotics to soothe irritable stomachs and make for pretty poops
British Cats Love The Taste: With nearly 5000 five star reviews from satisfied kitties across the UK, there’s a recipe for even the fussiest of fur babies
We’re For The Planet: We’re certified B-Corp, use eco-friendly packaging and source our poultry from British farms, cutting down on food miles to reduce our carbon pawprint on the Earth.