# Manx Cat (*Felis catus*) A Manx Cat is a round, sturdy cat that often has no tail or just a short stub. It is playful and loyal. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Homes and gardens; enjoys open spaces - **Also known as:** Manx ![Manx Cat](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424736/objects/4450.jpg) ## Appearance The Manx Cat is famously tailless or has a very short stub where a tail would be. It has a rounded body, large round eyes, and hind legs that are noticeably longer than its front legs. Its dense double coat can come in virtually any color or pattern. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Felidae - **Genus:** Felis ## Interesting facts - Despite their unique look, they are excellent hunters and barn cats! - Manx cats are famously intelligent and can even be taught to play fetch! - Some legends say the Manx cat lost its tail by being the last animal aboard Noah's Ark! - The gene for taillessness can also give Manx cats very powerful hind legs! ## Special abilities - **Powerful Leaper:** Manx Cats can make incredible jumps because of their strong hind legs, which helps them reach high places easily. - **Agile Balancer:** Manx Cats can maintain excellent balance despite lacking a tail, helping them navigate narrow spaces and climb with confidence. - **Unique Gait:** Manx Cats have a distinctive 'bunny hop' when they run due to their longer back legs, making them look unique. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 36-48 cm - **Weight:** 3.5-5.5 kg - **Lifespan:** 12-18 years - **Speed:** 40 km/h - **Litter Size:** 1-6 - **Gestation:** 63-67 days ## Diet & Feeding Like all domestic cats, Manx cats are carnivores who eat meat to stay healthy. - **Primary Foods:** commercial cat food, mice, small birds, insects - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** [House mouse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-mouse) (*Mus musculus*) — A common prey item for Manx cats. - **Hunts:** [Brown rat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-rat) (*Rattus norvegicus*) — Manx cats help control rat populations. - **Hunts:** [House sparrow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-sparrow) (*Passer domesticus*) — Sometimes preyed upon by outdoor Manx cats. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Whiskered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/whiskered): Possessing prominent sensory hairs or vibrissae, often around the snout. - [Domesticated](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/domesticated): Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Handle gently and respect their back area. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Manx Cat? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Manx Cat? 36-48 cm ### How much does Manx Cat weigh? 3.5-5.5 kg ### How long does Manx Cat live? 12-18 years ### How fast can Manx Cat move? 40 km/h ### What does Manx Cat eat? Like all domestic cats, Manx cats are carnivores who eat meat to stay healthy. ### Where is Manx Cat usually found? Homes and gardens; enjoys open spaces ### How does Manx Cat hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [Atlanta Botanical Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/atlanta-botanical-garden) — Georgia, US · Botanical Garden - [Cherry Springs State Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cherry-springs-state-park) — Pennsylvania, US · State Park - [Grant Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/grant-park) — Georgia, US · Park - [Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/martin-luther-king-jr-national-historical-park) — Georgia, US · National Park - [Mill–Pine Neighborhood Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mill-pine-neighborhood-historic-district) — Oregon, US · Historic District - [Mount Rainier Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mount-rainier-historic-district) — Maryland, US · Historic District [View all places to see Manx Cat](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/manx-cat) ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Manx Cat: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/manx-cat)