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	MANX CAT BREED HISTORY

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Manx Mother and Kittens Postcard
from Early 1909's (Source Unkown)

There are several stories about the origin of the Manx Cat, perhaps the most amusing one is that originally, the Manx Cat had tails but during the great flood they were playing while Noah built the ark. When it came time for Noah to close the door and the rain started, the cats decided it was time to quit playing around and get aboard. During the excitement, Noah closed the door and chopped off their tails and the cats have not had tails since. Then there is the story that they are a cross between a cat and a hare. This is based on the fact that Manx Cats have higher hindquarters than ordinary cats. However, the real story is found in nature and no where else. It seems that 300 to 400 years ago, on the Isle of Man either a kitten or litter of kittens were born without tails and due to the interbreeding on the Isle the taillessness became more and more dominant.

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The short hair version of the cat was first registered with Cat Fanciers' Association during the 1920's and has been growing ever since. Then in the late 1980's a long hair version of the cat was registered with Cat Fanciers' Association.

Bio-Color Manx Cat Postcard
from Early 1920's (Source Unkown)

Besides taillessness, the cats are known for their robust and rounded appearance. The cat looks like two balls sitting on each other. The head looks like an inverted pear with a pair of ears on top. Because of their long hind legs and short front legs, the cats look like a dragster with a low front and high back end.
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Although the tailless gene is dominant, kittens can be born with three different tail lengths.The most desirable tail length is a rumpy or no tail, which qualifies the cat for show status. Next is the stumpy or short tail cat, these cats don’t qualify for shown but do make good breeders and household pets. Lastly is the full tailed cat, the tails of these cats are unusually docked and the cats can be used in the breeding program or sold as pets.

Champion Unisus Dragon's Warrior

As a rule Manx Cats will pick out one member of the family and will do anything for that member to including giving up their life for the family member. As for the other family members, the cat will accepted them but only to a point. The cats are good jumpers and very playful. They love to run and turn quickly like a racecar. Most Manx cat owners feel that the cats are really a dog in a cat's body. You can teach the cats to retrieve items and come on demand with very little effort. Some cats have been known to bury their toys like a dog. Overall, once you have been owned by a Manx Cat you may never want another breed.
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