The Cymric cat comes from the Isle of Mann and would basically be the long-haired Manx cat, in fact the two breeds share the same physical and genetic characteristics. The origin of this cat, which appeared naturally on the Isle of Mann, is not known with absolute certainty, but some Canadian breeders claim paternity. However, they appeared in litters of Manx cats as spontaneous long-haired mutations.
Their special characteristic is that they are completely tail-less, like the Manx cat, and they are quite rare because cross-breeding of cats that have tails with cats that do not have tails has to be done, and in spite of this few kittens survive, because of the tail-less gene. This gene is considered semi-lethal, because if the kittens have inherited this gene from both parents they do not complete their development and die in the womb. If, however, they inherit it from only one parent, they survive.
There are many fascinating and curious legends about this feline. In one of these, it is said that when Noah called the animals to get them onto the ark, this cat was asleep; he woke up at the last moment and ran towards the ark before the doors closed, but he did not get through in time and the door that was closing cut off his tail. There are several other legends, but the most likely hypothesis is that its true origin is related to the sea trade between Phoenicia and Japan. Sailors brought Japanese cats with screwed tails on their ships in order to catch mice, thus creating this breed by chance.
Character of the Cymric Cat
The Cymric Cat is a quiet, peaceful and very sociable cat. It gets on well with practically everyone, be it other animals, children or elderly people. It is very intelligent, learns easily and can even learn a few things independently.
He does not like to be alone for long periods of time, which is why, if you have to leave him alone for most of the day, it would be good to provide him with a companion, another cat or even a dog. It also gets on well with large dogs. He loves to play, which is why he is also suitable for families with children, with whom he shows great patience. It is able to assess situations at any given moment, and is a truly fearless cat.
It is a lively cat that loves to play, run, climb and is also an excellent hunter, but does not disdain the comfort and warmth of home, behaving as a docile and calm cat.
With strangers, after an initial moment of study, it manages to find an understanding, all depending on being able to earn its trust.
Appearance of the Cymric Cat
The Cymric Cat is a medium-sized feline. Its long, thick coat makes it look bigger than it actually is. It is robust and has a powerful musculature. Its appearance is all round, from its round head to its eyes and rump. Its front legs are shorter than its hind legs, which means that this cat has a very particular gait, when it moves it looks like a ball rolling on the ground.
Its characteristic besides the semi-long coat is the lack of tail, just like its cousin Manx. There are however 4 types of Cymric cats, because of the tail. The Rumpy, where the tail is practically absent. The Riser, which has from 1 to 3 vertebrae from the sacrum and this makes a small elevation at the height of the tail perceptible. The Stumpy which has from 1 to 3 caudal vertebrae and therefore has a small piece of tail and finally the Longy which has a medium length tail.
The coat is of medium length with a double undercoat, therefore very thick and dense. It is very soft to the touch and can come in different colours and patterns.
Care and health of the Cymric cat
This cat has a life expectancy of about 15 years. It is a robust and healthy breed, but can be subject to certain diseases due to its genetic inheritance, such as Manx syndrome, which occurs when a mutated gene blocks the growth of the spinal column in a certain way. Constant and thorough oral hygiene is recommended as he can develop diseases such as gingivitis and tartar.
As for the care of its coat, it should be brushed often; two or three times a week at least. Its long coat does not become matted and is easy to keep in place. However, it loses a lot of fur, both during the moult and also at other times.
