Cat Breed Guide
Cymric
Medium · Isle of Man
The longhaired Manx. Same tailless gene, same round cobby body, same rounded rump, wrapped in a silky semi-long coat with a full ruff and britches. Named for the Welsh word for Wales, the Cymric comes from the Isle of Man and shares the Manx's gentle, playful, dog-like temperament.
Quick Facts
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 7–13 lbs (3.2–6 kg)
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Origin
- Isle of Man
Key Visual Markers
- Tailless or nearly tailless — the ideal rumpy has a distinct hollow at the end of the spine with no tail vertebrae; rumpy risers carry a small bump of cartilage, stumpies a short stub
- Semi-long, silky double coat with a full ruff around the neck, britches on the hind legs, and a prominent plume over the tail area — soft, medium-long, and in need of regular combing
- Round, cobby body with a broad chest, a short strong back, and hind legs longer than the front, giving a rounded, uphill profile
- Round head with prominent cheekbones, a medium-length muzzle, and a visible stop
- Large, round eyes in copper, gold, green, hazel, or odd-eyed blues, set at a slight angle
- Rounded rump distinctly higher than the shoulders — the breed's signature silhouette
Temperament & Traits
- Gentle and quiet — calm, patient, and rarely aggressive, with a soft voice
- Playful and dog-like — retrieves toys, plays fetch, and follows owners around the house
- Devoted to family — bonds deeply with its people; may be reserved with strangers at first
- Patient with children and other pets — an easygoing family cat
- Surprisingly athletic — powerful hind legs give strong jumping ability despite the short back
- Adaptable — content in apartments and quieter households
Health Notes
- Manx syndrome — the tailless gene can cause spinal and spinal-cord abnormalities, including spina bifida, tethering of the spinal cord, hind-limb weakness, and incontinence; homozygous kittens are reabsorbed before birth, so all Manx-type cats are heterozygous; responsible breeders screen for neurological issues
- Arthritis in the tail stump — stumpies are prone to painful arthritis in the joints of the deformed tail bones; rumpies avoid this but face the spinal risks
- Tail pocket dermatitis — the skin fold over the tail area traps moisture and debris; regular cleaning prevents infection
- Obesity — the compact cobby frame gains weight easily, straining the spine and hind limbs; portion control is essential
- Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) — some lines show predisposition; a high-moisture diet and stress management help
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.
Similar Breeds
Cymric is often confused with these breeds. Here's how to tell them apart:
Manx
The Manx is the shorthair version of the same breed — same tailless gene, same body, same rounded rump. The Cymric wears a semi-long coat with a ruff, britches, and a tail plume.
Japanese Bobtail
Japanese Bobtails have a rabbit-like 2 to 4 inch upright tail, a slender athletic body, and a triangular head. Cymrics have no tail or a tiny stub, a round cobby body, and a round head.
American Bobtail
American Bobtails keep a visible 1 to 4 inch tail, a rectangular athletic body, and a modified wedge head. Cymrics are tailless with a round, cobby frame and a full ruff.
Explore Other Breeds
Not sure this is the right breed for you? Check out other popular cat breeds below.
Norwegian Forest Cat
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Abyssinian
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Russian Blue
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Scottish Fold
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Persian
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British Shorthair
A sturdy, round-faced cat with a dense plush coat and a calm, undemanding personality. The British Blue — a solid blue-gray coat with copper eyes — is the breed’s most recognized look, but British Shorthairs come in many colors and patterns.