Meet the Cymric: a cat that combines a striking, tailless look with a heart of pure gold. Often called the long-haired version of the Manx, these cats are famous for their round "roly-poly" bodies, a unique rabbit-like hop, and a coat so plush you won't be able to stop petting them. If you’re looking for a devoted, intelligent, and slightly unusual feline friend, this might just be the breed for you.
The Cymric Cat: Your Guide to the Long-Haired Tailless Wonder
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Mitchell, DVM — updated July 17, 2026. Dr. Mitchell is a small-animal veterinarian with a focus on feline preventive care. This guide follows breed standards from the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), TICA, and the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), with health information from peer-reviewed feline orthopedics and neurology research.
The Cymric (pronounced "kim-rick") is the long-haired cousin of the Manx — a tailless wonder with a thick, plush coat and a personality as round and warm as their appearance suggests. Often described as "a cat that looks like a rabbit," the Cymric has a devoted following thanks to their affectionate nature, surprising athleticism, and unmistakable silhouette. If you're looking for a calm, intelligent companion with a unique twist (or lack of one), the Cymric deserves a long look.
History and Origin: From the Isle of Man to the World
The Cymric's story begins not in Wales (as the name might suggest) but on the Isle of Man, a small island in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. The tailless Manx cat had lived on the island for centuries — some accounts suggest they arrived with Viking settlers, others date them earlier. The tailless trait, caused by a dominant mutation in the T-box gene (specifically the T-box transcription factor T), was naturally selected on the island's isolated population.
The long-haired variant emerged in the Manx gene pool due to the recessive longhair gene naturally present in domestic cats on the island. The long-haired kittens initially appeared in Manx litters were once considered undesirable, but breeders in Canada and the United States recognized their beauty and began preserving them as a separate variety in the 1960s and 1970s. The name "Cymric" comes from "Cymru," the Welsh word for Wales, despite the breed having no historical connection to Wales.
The CFA granted the Cymric championship status in 1989 (under the Manx breed standard), and TICA followed. The breed is recognized by most major registries, though some consider the Cymric a long-haired variety of the Manx rather than a separate breed.
Physical Characteristics: A Round Cat in Every Sense
The Cymric's appearance is one of soft, rounded curves. From their round head to their round rump, they are a study in circles.
Body: Medium-sized, compact, and muscular. They typically weigh 8 to 12 pounds, with males larger than females. Their broad chest, deep flanks, and short back give them a powerful, cobby appearance.
Tail length (the big variable): Cymrics come in four tail classifications:
- Rumpy: Completely tailless (most prized in the show ring)
- Rumpy riser: A small rise of bone where the tail would start
- Stumpy: A short, partial tail (typically 1 to 3 inches)
- Longy: A near-normal or full tail (often sold as pets)
The "rumpy" is the breed's defining look, but only rumpy and rumpy riser cats are eligible for CFA championship competition.
Coat: Medium-long, dense, and plush, with a heavy undercoat that gives the fur a "cottony" feel. The coat is longest on the britches, belly, and neck ruff. It comes in many colors and patterns, including solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, and colorpoint.
Head: Round with prominent cheeks, a short nose, and large, round eyes. The eyes are typically gold, green, copper, or blue, often matching coat color.
Hind legs: Noticeably longer than the front legs, giving the Cymric a distinctive rabbit-like hop when they run.
Temperament and Personality: A Calm Devotion
The Cymric is a quiet, intelligent, deeply affectionate breed. They tend to form strong bonds with their family and prefer to be near their people — often following them from room to room. Unlike some of the more energetic breeds, Cymrics are moderately active, with bursts of playfulness followed by long cuddle sessions.
They are highly intelligent and many Cymric owners report their cats learning to open doors, solve puzzle toys, and even respond to basic commands. They get along well with respectful children and cat-friendly dogs, and they tend to integrate peacefully into multi-cat households when introduced slowly.
One quirk worth knowing: many Cymrics are fascinated by water, a trait inherited from their Manx cousins. Don't be surprised if your Cymric tries to join you in the bathroom or dips a paw in their water bowl.
Health Considerations
The tailless gene that defines the breed is also linked to several health concerns. Responsible breeders carefully screen their cats and avoid breeding two fully tailless (rumpy) cats together to reduce the risk of severe spinal defects.
- Manx syndrome: A spectrum of spinal defects that can include spina bifida, fused vertebrae, and bowel or bladder control issues. Severe forms are fatal in kittens; mild forms may cause chronic constipation or incontinence. This is why ethical breeders only mate rumpy to tailed cats.
- Corneal dystrophy: An eye condition reported in some lines.
- Arthritis: The abnormal spine can develop arthritis as the cat ages.
A reputable Cymric breeder will provide health records for the parents and a written health guarantee. Ask specifically about any history of Manx syndrome in their lines.
The average lifespan is 8 to 14 years, with most living into their early teens with good care.
Care and Grooming
The Cymric's double coat requires more grooming than you might expect. Brush thoroughly at least two to three times per week to prevent matting, particularly in the britches, belly, and behind the ears. During seasonal sheds, daily brushing may be necessary.
The longer hind legs make the Cymric an excellent jumper — provide tall cat trees and climbing shelves to satisfy their natural athletic instincts. Despite their powerful build, they don't require excessive exercise; a daily play session and some climbing space is plenty.
Cost and Where to Find One
Expect to pay $500 to $1,500 for a pet-quality Cymric kitten from a registered breeder. Show-quality rumpy kittens from established lines can cost significantly more. Waitlists are common, particularly for true rumpy show-quality kittens.
A reputable Cymric breeder will:
- Provide CFA, TICA, or GCCF registration documentation
- Screen for Manx syndrome and other heritable conditions
- Never breed two rumpy cats together
- Provide a written health guarantee
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't a Cymric have a tail?
The tailless trait is caused by a dominant mutation in the T-box gene. The gene affects tail development in the womb, resulting in either no tail or a very short one. The breed comes in four tail lengths, from fully tailless (rumpy) to nearly normal (longy).
Are Cymric and Manx the same breed?
It depends on the registry. CFA treats them as one breed (Manx) with two coat lengths. TICA and most European registries recognize the Cymric as a separate breed. In practice, they are the same cat genetically — just with different coat lengths.
Are Cymrics good apartment cats?
Yes — their moderate activity level and quiet demeanor make them well-suited to apartment living, provided they have vertical space for climbing and observation.
Do Cymrics get along with kids?
Generally yes, particularly with respectful children. Their calm, patient temperament makes them a good match for families. As with all cats, supervise interactions with very young children.
Are Cymrics vocal?
Moderately. They communicate with soft trills and chirps rather than loud meows. They will definitely let you know when dinner is late, but they aren't as talkative as Siamese or Burmese.
Do Cymrics have health problems?
The main concern is Manx syndrome, a spectrum of spinal defects linked to the tailless gene. Ethical breeders minimize this risk by only mating rumpy cats with tailed cats. Reputable breeders screen for this and other heritable conditions.
How long do Cymrics live?
The average lifespan is 8 to 14 years, with many living into their early teens. Cats with severe Manx syndrome may have shorter lifespans.
Do Cymrics need special care?
Their double coat requires regular brushing (2-3 times per week). Otherwise, they are relatively low-maintenance. Their powerful hindquarters make them excellent jumpers, so vertical space is essential.
Conclusion
The Cymric is a calm, intelligent, deeply affectionate breed with a unique appearance and a charming personality. They aren't the right choice for owners who want a high-energy cat or one with a long, expressive tail, but for those who appreciate quiet devotion and a soft, plush companion, they are an exceptional find. As with any rare breed, finding a Cymric takes patience, but those who do are rewarded with a loyal, gentle friend for many years.
Sources cited in this article: Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) Manx/Cymric breed standard, TICA Cymric breed profile, peer-reviewed studies on T-box gene mutation and Manx syndrome (Heller et al., 2014), and Cornell Feline Health Center spinal screening guidelines.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment specific to your cat's health needs.
The Cymric is so much more than just a Manx with extra fur. They are smart, sturdy, and incredibly devoted companions that bring a little bit of Isle of Man magic into your home. If you’re willing to put in the time for grooming and keep an eye on their health, you’ll have a furry, hopping shadow following you for years to come. Ever lived with a tailless cat? It’s an experience like no other.