Description: Cymric
The Cymric is a rare and distinctive breed of domestic cat best known for its taillessness, plush double coat, and rounded, sturdy appearance. Sometimes described as the long-haired version of the Manx, the Cymric boasts a thick, medium-to-long coat that gives it a soft and luxurious look. Their origins can be traced to the Isle of Man, where natural genetic mutations resulted in cats with shortened tails or no tails at all. The Cymric is intelligent, playful, and affectionate, making it an excellent companion animal. They are highly sociable and form strong bonds with family members, often getting along well with children and other pets. With curious and gentle personalities, Cymrics enjoy interactive play sessions and can even be taught to fetch. Their laid-back temperament and easy-going nature make them suitable for many types of households. Despite their fluffy coats, Cymrics generally require moderate grooming and are not excessive shedders compared to some other long-haired breeds.
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Properties
The Cymric is a distinctive breed of domestic cat, most notable for its complete absence or near absence of a tail, a trait it shares with its close relative, the Manx. Originating from the Isle of Man, the Cymric is essentially the longhaired variety of the Manx and is recognized by several cat registries, including The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA).
Cymrics are medium-sized cats, robust and well-muscled, with a broad chest and powerful hindquarters that are notably longer than their front legs. These cats often exhibit a rounded appearance, from their head and cheeks to their body lines. The lack of a tail is caused by a genetic mutation affecting the spine, resulting in various tail lengths, but the show ideal is the completely tailless 'rumpy.' Some may have a slight rise of bone at the end of the spine referred to as a 'riser.'
The coat of the Cymric is medium to long, thick, and double-layered, providing a plush and soft texture. It can come in virtually any color or pattern, allowing for a great diversity of appearances within the breed. Due to their dense undercoat, Cymrics require regular brushing to prevent matting and to keep their coat in good condition.
Cymrics are renowned for their gentle temperament. They are often described as loyal, affectionate, and intelligent cats that form close bonds with their human families. They usually get along well with children and other pets, making them an excellent choice for families. Their playful and interactive nature means they enjoy games of fetch and puzzles.
One of the remarkable features of the Cymric is its strong hind legs, which enable it to jump to great heights and move with impressive agility and speed. This athleticism makes playtime particularly enjoyable for them. Despite their lively tendencies, Cymrics are also known for their calm demeanor and adaptability to a variety of household environments.
The tailless gene responsible for the unique look of the Cymric can sometimes cause health challenges, particularly concerning spinal deformities such as Manx syndrome, which can lead to neurological issues or incontinence. Responsible breeders work diligently to minimize these health risks by selectively breeding only healthy cats. Overall, with attentive care and regular veterinary visits, Cymrics tend to be healthy and can live into their mid-teens, providing years of companionship and joy.
Appearance
The Cymric is a distinct and eye-catching breed of domestic cat, known primarily for its taillessness, which is the result of a naturally occurring genetic mutation affecting the spine. The overall body structure of the Cymric is robust and compact. This medium-to-large sized cat is muscular with a broad chest, strong hindquarters, and a solid bone structure, giving it a surprisingly heavy feel for its size—sometimes described as 'cobby' or 'stocky.' The back of the Cymric can appear slightly arched due to the length and strength of their hind legs, which are longer than the front legs, imparting a rabbit-like or rounded appearance that is one of the breed's distinguishing characteristics.
Most notable, however, is the tail or, in many cases, the lack thereof. Cymrics can be classified based on tail length: 'Rumpies' have no tail at all, 'Rumpy risers' have a slight rise of bone where the tail would be, and 'Stumpies' have a short stub of tail. Rarely, 'Longies' feature a nearly normal tail. These variations can sometimes be found within the same litter, but show-quality Cymrics are typically required to have little to no tail.
The Cymric's coat is another defining trait. It sports a semi-long, double-layered coat that is soft, dense, and plush. The undercoat is especially thick and insulating, developed to withstand cooler climates. The medium-to-long guard hairs flow gracefully, creating a well-furnished ruff around the neck and breeches (longer fur on the thighs), as well as tufts between the toes and inside the ears. Grooming is essential, as their thick fur can become matted if neglected.
Cymrics come in an array of colors and patterns, including solids, tabbies, tortoiseshells, calicos, and more. Eye color typically corresponds with coat color and can range from gold to green to copper, with some blue-eyed individuals. The eyes themselves are large, round, and expressive, contributing to the breed’s gentle and sweet expression. The head is broad with prominent cheeks, a strong chin, and medium-sized ears that are rounded at the tips, often adorned with attractive furnishings.
Overall, the appearance of the Cymric combines the wild charm of its unique body structure and tail variations with the regal look of its luxurious, flowing coat, making it a highly distinctive and memorable breed.
History
The Cymric is a breed of domestic cat notable for its distinctively tailless or partially tailed appearance and long, plush double coat. Although it is often referred to as the long-haired variety of the Manx cat, the Cymric has a unique history and set of characteristics that distinguish it within the feline world.
The origins of the Cymric are closely tied to the Isle of Man, a small island located in the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland. The Manx breed itself originated there, and genetic mutations among the local cat population led to the distinctive tailless trait. The long-haired gene, however, was likely introduced into the Manx population sometime in the mid-20th century, probably through matings with long-haired cats brought to the island or already present there as pets or ship’s cats. Although some contend that the long-haired gene may have been present much earlier, it is clear that long-haired kittens occasionally appeared in Manx litters for many decades.
Initially, long-haired Manx kittens were often considered undesirable by breeders and were either placed as pets or excluded from breeding programs. However, in the 1960s and 1970s, cat fanciers started to recognize and appreciate the beauty, uniqueness, and soft appearance of these long-haired cats. Breeders in Canada played a particular role in developing the breed and, eventually, the name 'Cymric'—derived from 'Cymru,' the Welsh word for Wales—was chosen to reflect its Celtic heritage and distinguish it from its short-haired relatives.
The Cymric breed was first recognized by cat associations in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with the Canadian Cat Association (CCA) and The International Cat Association (TICA) early to adopt the breed for championship status. Despite its popularity among enthusiasts, the breed remains relatively rare compared to other long-haired cats. The Cymric is bred according to the same strict genetic health standards as the Manx, particularly with respect to the so-called 'Manx gene' (M), which is responsible for the shortened or absent tail and requires careful management to avoid spinal health issues. The breed enjoys a devoted following and is celebrated for its intelligent, playful, and affectionate nature, as well as its remarkable history as the long-haired counterpart to one of the world’s most iconic and mysterious cat breeds.