Cymrics

The Cymric cat breed is solidly built and chunky with a similar body type to the British Shorthair cat breed with large eyes and widely spaced ears. The lack of a tail is the breed's most outstanding feature. Its hind legs are longer than the front legs. The Cymric cat's hair is thick and provides a layer of padding over the main body, adding to the round appearance. A rabbit-like hop can sometimes be seen in Cymric cats because of the spinal deformity, similar to spinabifida, which associated with the taillessness. Cymric cats come in all colours and patterns, except the pointed Siamese cat breed type.

The need-to-know

Calm cat
Friendly but independent cat
Quiet cat

Larger stockier cat breed
Requires grooming every day
Non hypoallergenic breed

Needs some out-door space
May require familiarisation before living with children

Previous Next

1 of 1

Personality

The Cymric cat is a very quiet, playful and intelligent cat. It can be a little shy and reserved around strangers and tends to bond very closely with one individual. It is a breed that seems to keep its kitten-like behaviour well into adulthood.

Previous Next

1 of 1

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Isle of Man (UK)/Canada

The Cymric cat breed is a semi-longhaired version of the Manx cat. Despite its name, which derives from Cymru the Celtic name for Wales, it originates from the Isle of Man. Tailless cats are common on the Isle of Man where inbreeding among the island cats allowed a naturally occurring tailess gene mutation to spread. As for the Manx cat, litters of Cymric kittens can have stumpy tails of various lengths (classed as rumpy-risers, stumpies, and longies) or no tails at all (rumpy). Breeding programmes in Canada in the 1960s lead to popularity of Cymrics in the USA where only completely tailless animals are shown.

Health and Common Issues

The lack of a tail is a severe genetic defect and the Cymric cat's 'deformed' spine may cause health problems including arthritis from an early age. In some cats the anal passage may be narrowed and this can cause bowel blockages. As with all cats, Cymric cats and kittens need vaccinations, parasite control and annual veterinary health checks.

Grooming Cymrics

The thick coat of the Cymric cat needs daily brushing to keep it tangle free and it top condition.

Best Cat Breeds for Children

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

Found your perfect feline friend? Here's some useful tips from us:

Two cats sitting on a sofa with a red cushion

Finding a pet

Is this the right breed for you?

All cats have their own unique personality, but there are some instincts and behaviours that they're born with. Try our Cat Breed Selector tool and find out which cat breeds better match your preferences and lifestyle.

Take the Breed Selector

Finding a pet

Thinking about getting a cat?

What breed would you like? Can you handle the challenges of a cheeky kitten, or would a calmer senior cat suit your lifestyle more?

Learn More

Finding a pet

Finding a good breeder

If your heart is set on a pedigree kitten, then your best bet is to find a reputable breeder. Find out what to look for in a kitten breeder with this guide.

Learn More

Finding a pet

Bringing your cat home

While you're waiting for the big day you may need to distract yourself, so luckily there are a few things you need to sort our before you welcome your new arrival.

Learn More

Adoption

It's incredibly fulfilling to adopt a cat from an animal shelter or rescue organisation. It often means offering them a second chance at life. There are many cats waiting for a loving family and their forever home, but what can you expect from the process?

Learn More

Ginger kitten sitting on woman's shoulder

Kitten advice

Everything you need to know

Getting a new kitten is incredibly exciting, but it can be quite scary for your new arrival. Find out how to deal with everything from behaviour to health questions with our expert kitten advice.

Learn More

Finding a pet

Cat facts you need to know

Almost 13% of households in Malaysia own a cat, but there's still so much that we don't know about them. From the unusual way they walk, to how big the largest cat is, we bet you haven't heard some of these fun facts!

Learn More